Our new pigs are sure keeping us on our toes! We are already learning so much about pig behavior, which is good, because we are definitely pig rookies.
We have finally decided on two Japanese names, Natsu ("summer") and Momo ("pink"). A little investigating and we discovered that they are Hampshires (why we didn't ask their pig farmer, I'll never know). Apparently Hampshires are known for being little rascals that like to get into heaps of trouble.
I was a little concerned that our piggies were sleeping too much (at least half the time), but that seems to be somewhat normal, according to what I read. They grunt all the time, much more than I expected. By all the time, I mean pretty much every inhale/exhale, except when they are sleeping. They get kinda crazy when we go into the pen, running around in circles and chasing each other, which the dogs absolutely love- they join in the fun! Momo and Natsu love to bite on our boots, which could turn into a bit of a problem- we might have to train them out of that. But for now, we think it's cute!
Pig poop talk time... so if you aren't up to it, I would stop reading here. Pig poop is the stinkiest poop I've ever encountered! I mean, really, really stinky! We have decided to clean the pig pen daily. Most pigs will poop in the same area, but not so much with our little Hampshires (apparently, this is characteristic). They poop everywhere! They even pooped in their house, which is supposed to be a big no-no with pigs. Maybe they'll learn....
We also are busy keeping their water fresh, because pigs need lots of FRESH water, even more so than they need fresh food. A pig can go longer without food than without water (like humans).
Our pigs have already figured out the electric fence, and only very rarely do they get zapped. (By the way, we tested the electric fence on ourselves- it only seemed fair!)
Pigs will bite and chew on just about anything, including rubber boots. Even when you have powder blue polka dot Wonder Woman boots on....
We are not feeding our pigs table scraps yet. They are still too young. Hampshires tend to have sensitive stomachs, so we were told, especially when they are young. We'll see how it goes.
Eagerly awaiting Day 3 with our new piggies....
I know that I read that pigs are as smart as dogs. I trained my dog to not do the things as a puppy that would not be appropriate when she was an adult. A wee puppy jumping on you is cute, a 95 lb adult not so much... I would humble suggest that you think about what it will be like when your adorable pigs are full grown, and teach them when young to behave politely.
JMHO, I've never raised pigs...but I do have a fourteen year old dog who has folks still saying "how do you do it, she listens to you"
I sincerely recommend the book "Don't Shoot The Dog" by Karen Pryor. Ignore the alarming title, it is actually a really useful book all about training theory using positive reinforcement.
Posted by: alison | June 19, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Ok, I found your blog searching for organic tick remedies for pigs. Have you encountered that problem yet? We are in Iowa and our pigs (still adolescents) are covered and earplugged by huge dog ticks. We plan on catching each or our 4 tonight and deticking but since they are in pasture that is not practical as a daily routine. Ideas?
Posted by: Danelle | June 21, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Hmmm... we haven't encountered a tick problem, but we do have 15 free-range chickens scouting the area for bugs of all sorts, and that has noticeably cut down on infestations. If you have the space and the ability, I would consider getting some guineas, as they live on a diet of primarily ticks. It's the most natural, organic way to control a tick problem! Otherwise, I would check out Arbico Organics- they have some flea and tick control products that are organic and safe, designed for pets, that might be acceptable for pigs. They also sell some products that are designed to be sprayed in and around gardens. Good luck!
Posted by: Joanna | August 22, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Thanks for the good advice, Alison! We did try using some "training" techniques to keep our piggies relatively mild-mannered, with quite a bit of success. I can walk around the pig pen without worry of being "bothered" by the pigs, doing what I need to. They do still love to chomp on my shovel when I'm on poop patrol, but we're working on it- and that's better than on my leg! They'll even let me give them a nice back scratch, too, when I'm in there.... and we definitely believe (unlike some pig farmers we've met around here, unfortunately) that positive re-enforcement goes a long way, if you're willing to take the time to treat them in a caring and humane way. Our piggies LOVE nothing better than a bucket of fruit scraps or even some freshly picked weeds... they are so easy to please!
Posted by: Joanna | August 25, 2009 at 02:57 PM