Are you interested in keeping pigs? Porky is much more intelligent than many people realize. He also has some specific needs. It’s not hard to keep pigs happy and healthy: it just takes understanding them. A local Dallas, GA vet offers some advice on this below.
Suitable Shelters
Porky will need a comfortable environment that protects him from the weather, but allows him to indulge his natural instincts for rooting, nesting, and digging. The environment should provide a clean, dry area for resting; a feeding area; a dunging, or ‘bathroom’ area, which should be in a cool spot; and places for rooting around and playing. Pigs also need a cool surface to relax in on hot days. Mud or water baths are ideal. Do some research, and ask your vet for tips.
Proper Nutrition
Good nutrition is crucial to all our animal companions’ health and well-being. Some of the things you may find in a high quality pig feed include maize, rice, bran, soybeans, and veggies. Distillers residues are also traditionally popular. Porky can also have certain food scraps. The key here is to make sure he’s getting enough variety. It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. Some things on the no-no list include meat, fish, poultry, as well as their oils, fats, or bones; celery; parsnips; and onions. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Enrichment
Porky won’t be happy stuck in his pen with nothing to do all day. In fact, boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, such as ear chewing. Keep in mind that pigs are curious by nature. After all, in the wild, they’re always foraging for food. Sniffing and rooting are very instinctive behaviors for them. Offer your porcine pal plenty of things to investigate. Foraging treats are great for this. Your pet may also enjoy hanging watermelons, tires, horse toys, dog toys, fresh straw, and/or digging or rooting boxes.
Buddies
Our porcine pals are generally happiest with friends. However pigs, especially male ones, can be a bit aggressive with strangers. Try to keep your pigs with familiar faces. If you have a few litters of piglets, you can introduce them when they are very young—less than three weeks old—so they can all grow up together. That’s all, folks!
Do you have questions about your pig’s health or care? Contact us, your local Dallas, GA animal clinic, today!
