Because once a piglet reaches maturity, its natural needs demand proper housing, good pig feed and careful maintenance.
Good pig farming starts with the right feed
For the right pig feed you combine roughage, concentrate and supplements for extra vitamins and minerals. The amount of concentrate depends on the type and age of your pigs. Always choose food that focuses on the life phase of a pig. A growing piglet has a different nutritional requirement than an adult pig.
The pigsty
A hygienic and safe stable is important for responsible pig farming. This protects a pig against external influences and thus contributes to its health. Choose a hardened and insulated surface so that pigs cannot root it. Cover the substrate with a thick layer of straw so that the animals can dig. Moreover, you create nice lying areas.
In the meadow
Those who want to take good care of their pigs also give them plenty of space outside. Because these animals like to dig up soil, it is best to leave a different piece of pasture every time. This gives a "tilled" piece of land time to recover. In addition to a hay rack, a pig must have unlimited fresh drinking water outside. Adequate hydration is important for his digestion, among other things. In addition, it is important to provide sufficient shade in the meadow.
Hoof care
The claws of pigs let you wear as much natural as possible. To do this, you create a tiled walking route between the pigpen and the meadow. The claws must be trimmed if they nevertheless become too long. Let a piglet get used to this care, so that it does not cause stress later in life. Otherwise, have the shortening done by a vet under anesthesia.
Skincare
Skin care is a special point of attention in pig farming. Depending on their breed, pigs can have large folds of skin. They are particularly sensitive to bedsores and infections. But by washing skin folds regularly you can prevent this. And did you know that these animals love to be brushed? This immediately gives you the opportunity to check their skin and ears for abnormalities. You can treat wounds after disinfection with an aluminum spray. It protects against infections.
Mud baths
Pigs are widely known for their mud baths. Especially when the outside temperature rises above 20 degrees, they like to use it. The mud cools them down and provides protection against skin parasites and the sun. Provide a bath in which your animals can roll over and where they can get in and out easily. It is also useful if you can easily fill the bath with fresh water.
Parasites and insects
Anyone who keeps pigs will inevitably have to deal with parasites and insects. The pig is a popular host, especially for worms, scabies and mites. By regularly conducting manure research and checking a pig's skin, you can quickly detect unwanted guests. In case of contamination, opt for immediate treatment. Protect your animals against crawling and flying insects with an insecticide that is safe for pigs.
Social animals
Pigs are social animals that need contact with their own kind. Therefore, keep them minimal as a couple. In addition, a pig needs distraction, space and movement. Unfortunately, due to a lack of this, stress and overweight often occur among these animals. Serious health problems can then be the result. Therefore, invest in keeping your animals busy. Toys especially for pigs (such as play balls) are a useful aid in this respect.
