Hello, I too wanted to set up hogs in an entertaining/learning way. I love behavior.



I ran into lots of resistance here. But that is not important.



I also want to end up supporting their natural behavior.



I started with a four foot vision cage, its kinda tall, which will be good for later.



As of now, I have about 5 inches of shavings, a flat board on the cool side, a stack of boards(Retesboards) on the other side, with a lite above that and a heatpad below that.



At this time its very cold/cool(45F to 55F) on the cool side and a wide range of temps on the warm side, to 90F in a small area.



Right now as I type, the female is basking and watching me. Soon the male will follow suit. As you mentioned, hogs do like to move around and the love to watch. So far in winter, they are using temps from the high thirties, to the high seventies. The move to these different temps on nearly a daily basis. On coldest nights they stay on the cool side for couple of days.



But then move back over and do their thing.



She has fed 3 times during winter.



Once i learn their behavior a little. I want to make the cage more natural and allow real burrowing.



I am also watching hogs in the field and they are true burrowers.



so far, they bask at the same times they do in nature. And retire at the same times.



I think store bought sand is horrible and has the problems you mentioned. Natural sands/soils, have fines And that allows the burrow walls to be compacted and hold their shape. and not stick to the snake.



By summer I hope to have the cage more natural. So far, hogs are fun and outgoing, and do lots of viewable behavior, even in winter(at winter temps)



Anyway, shes still watching me!.

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