Hi ElsieD
Yes, it’s quite normal for hogs to move ‘house’. Especially in the Summer. If they stay too long in one place the parasites would build up. Females obviouosly tend to stay longer, because of hoglet duties. Another hog might use the box, but if you are absolutely certain that no-one is in residence (i.e. for a few days), then I would be inclined to clear the hay out and dispose of it and use boiling water to get rid of any parasite eggs which may be present – that is if it is made of suitable material to use boiling water. Otherwise just give it a good clean, paying particular attention to areas where eggs may be hiding, but don’t use chemicals.
Maybe put a tiny bit of fresh hay inside to give them the idea, but leave other nesting material nearby, so that they can take it in if they want to.
Occasionally I have hogs who decide to spend the day in one of my feed boxes (probably males) if they take any bedding in, it’s usually quite small amounts, at this time of year. They usually only stay a day or two and then move on again.
