Piglets are adorable and rewarding to raise, but they also require attentive care, especially in their early days. Whether you’re raising piglets for the first time or expanding your farm, knowing how to provide proper care is crucial for their health and development. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of new piglets.
1. Prepare a Safe and Comfortable Environment
A clean, warm, and secure environment is essential for newborn piglets.
- Temperature: Piglets cannot regulate their body temperature well in the first few weeks. Keep their area at 85–90°F, using heat lamps or heated pads if necessary.
- Bedding: Use clean, dry bedding such as straw or wood shavings to provide insulation and comfort.
- Safety: Ensure the area is free of hazards, such as sharp objects or spaces where piglets could become trapped.
2. Monitor Nutrition and Feeding
Feeding is one of the most critical aspects of piglet care.
Colostrum Intake
- Within the first few hours of life, piglets must receive colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk from their mother. It boosts their immune system and provides essential nutrients.
Fostering by Pan Feeding
Pan-feeding baby piglets is a simple and effective way to help them transition from relying solely on their mother’s milk to eating solid feed. It usually starts around 7–10 days old, when piglets begin showing curiosity about their surroundings and nibbling behaviors. A shallow, sturdy pan is used so they can easily reach the feed without climbing inside. To get them interested, a small amount of gruel—typically a mix of starter feed and warm water or milk replacer—is spread thinly across the bottom of the pan. This encourages natural rooting behavior and teaches them that the pan is a source of food. Early pan-feeding helps piglets learn to eat independently, reduces stress during weaning, and supports steady growth.
As they become more confident, the consistency of the gruel is gradually thickened, and the amount provided is increased while still keeping portions small and fresh to prevent spoilage. Piglets are fast learners, but they can be messy, so the pan should be rinsed and refilled frequently. Keeping the feeding area clean and dry helps prevent digestive issues and keeps the piglets comfortable. With consistent routine, pan-feeding becomes a daily highlight—piglets eagerly crowd around the dish, snuffling and squeaking, developing both their appetite and their early social behaviors.
Creep Feeding
- Introduce solid food by offering a creep feed at 1–2 weeks old.
- Provide fresh water and small amounts of high-quality piglet feed to encourage them to start eating solid food.
3. Watch for Health Issues
Piglets are vulnerable to several health problems in their early days. Monitor them closely for any signs of illness or distress.
- Hypothermia: If piglets are shivering or lethargic, they may be too cold. Move them to a warmer area immediately.
- Dehydration: Ensure piglets are drinking enough milk or milk replacer. Dehydrated piglets may appear weak or have sunken eyes.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be a sign of infection or poor feeding practices. Provide clean water and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist.
- Umbilical Infections: Keep the umbilical area clean and dry. Treat with iodine to prevent infections.
4. Provide Routine Care
Piglets need regular care and management to thrive.
- Iron Supplementation: Piglets often require iron supplements within the first 3–4 days to prevent anemia, as sow’s milk contains low levels of iron. Piglets will also get Iron from dirt when rooting.
- Vaccinations and Deworming: Consult with a veterinarian to set up a vaccination and deworming schedule.
- Tail Docking and Teeth Clipping (Optional): These procedures may be performed in some setups to prevent injuries among piglets.
5. Socialization and Enrichment
Piglets are highly social animals that benefit from interaction and stimulation.
- Group Housing: Once they are stable, piglets should be kept in groups to promote social behavior.
- Toys and Enrichment: Provide toys, straw, or balls to keep piglets entertained and prevent boredom.
- Handling: Gently handle piglets daily to accustom them to human interaction, making future care easier.
6. Transition to Weaning
Weaning is a gradual process that typically starts around 4–6 weeks of age.
- Gradual Separation: Begin separating piglets from the sow for short periods to get them accustomed to independence.
- Solid Food: By weaning age, piglets should be eating solid food consistently.
- Monitor Stress Levels: Keep a close eye on the piglets during weaning to ensure they are adjusting well and not experiencing undue stress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: Ensure piglets have enough space to move around freely and grow.
- Poor Hygiene: Keep the living area clean to prevent infections and disease.
- Inadequate Nutrition: Use proper milk replacers and feed designed specifically for piglets.
Conclusion
Raising piglets requires dedication, patience, and careful attention to their needs. By providing a warm and safe environment, proper nutrition, and attentive care, you can ensure your piglets grow into healthy, happy pigs. Whether you’re raising piglets for farming or as part of your animal family, the early effort pays off in the joy and rewards they bring.
Have tips or experiences caring for piglets? Please share them in the comments below! 🐖
