(Though I did read on a cage website that a 6'x2' is meant to be big enough for four guineas. My Pighouse is about 3 times this size, I could buy 11 sows + Dill
)
Plan Of Action Is:
Yesterday, I emptied the Pighouse completely -all the litter pellets, cobwebs [shame] and re-lined with newspaper.
On Wednesday, I'll empty it, steam it , then clean with Virkon . Allow to dry.
Clean the plastic/wire cage, rubber trug house and plastic tunnel.
Dill can have the rest of the Pighouse, his new girls can have the cage inside the Pighouse. So seperate but weeking distance.
We have the original run and we bought a smaller run for Dill, which once he's sterile and they are settled, DH will attatch to the Pighouse with a 'cat door' to let them have outdoor space that they can access when they want.
We plan to dig up the grass, put down wire mesh to make a 'skirt' sink in wooden slats to anchor the run, then re-seed the grass (this won't be needed for another 5 weeks or so)..
He goes in on Saturday for his little operation (I weighed him, he weighs 3lb
)
He's coping ok, but he's never been alone, so DD is keeping him in her room at night (he has a new cream fleece blanket)
Even if they don't get along as housemates, if he's neutered we won't have the panic every time he winks at them. But I'm crossing my fingers. We'll do the proper introductions in the paddling pool once he's sterile.
I'm aiming for a couple of sows (adult) but not Rex - DD allergies to consider.
I'll keep you all posted 