Hi TheGallaghers
Now we’re here, it’s ok. to use this thread, but the advantage of using a new one is that people would realise we were talking about cleaning out hog houses, and it might answer their question too.
You shouldn’t disturb a hog whilst it’s in residence. Even looking can be harmful. For instance, if a nesting female happens to be in there. She could desert or kill the babies, if they are very young. So you will need to keep an eye on the boxes and once they are empty have a quick clean. Use boiling water to kill any parasite eggs, etc. not any chemical. Having said that, some hogs go in and out of boxes for short naps between snacking, so it may be that – in which case it would be ok to clean them out if the hog isn’t there during the day.
Normally hogs don’t continue to use the same nest they used during hibernation, and even sometimes move nests during hibernation. Hopefully if the parasites get too annoying the hogs will decide to move out!
