a hog farrowing system for use in a cold environment includes a building providing protection from weather elements . the farrowing boxes have an entrance to permit free ingress and egress of female hogs but restrain the piglets . an alley is provided outside the boxes for the female hogs to defecate , urinate , and move to feed and water stations outside the boxes . the boxes have sides which define an inner chamber , a heat system , bedding for the female hogs to nest , and insulation covering an open top during cold environment conditions . the method utilizes the steps of promoting the female hog to utilize natural instincts , promoting the female hog to give birth to piglets close to the heat source , and protecting the piglets from crushing by using a creep area , anti - crush rods and anti - crush boards . the farrowing boxes can be modified for use in a warm season .