Pig Problem?

[mtnhomechick]

OK This ain't gonna be easy. Pat and I just went out there with a nice warm helping of whole oatmeal, mixed with apples and milk. He took a stick and rustled them out from under the shed........didin't touch them....just prodded them. They ran all around the pen freaking out. Now, one has blood on his snout. Probably from running.

I just stayed in the middle of the pen with the warm food..........practically talking baby talk to entice them..........NOTHING. These pigs are so scared.

One problem I think is that where they came from........they had NO shelter. And although I don't like to think badly of people.........these boys were likely treated badly. There was six more that size in a pen and who knows what they're thinking........are pigs clannish?

So......no success.

I think going in the shed might make them feel cornered?

Wow......I am feeling so BAD for them.

Mary

 

[MissPrissy]

You need to get them inside and warm. That can change their attitude a lot.

Once they are warm and in a deep thick bed of hay or straw put out warm water with molasses or sugar in it. They need it. Seriously. They need it at least for today.

Put the food in the shed. Step back away from it. Sit in an opposite corner from the food. As skittish as they are they are not going to trust you and eat from your hands or while you hold a pan of food.

If you don't get them warm and eating they will get pnuemonia and it can be downhill and over with in less than a day.

I have 2 piglets in my barn. They were being starved by an older pig and we rescued them.

1 day in the warm barn with very warm molasses water and they were like different animals. Their appetites picked up and they ate everything in sight.

Good luck with them.

 

[justusnak]

I agree, they might feel a little scared once in the shed. But...they will settle down. They really NEED to be inside a warm structure and to get some food in them. Dehydration will come on fast. Once they are inside for a few days...make sure they are eating AND drinking! Keep them inside for a few days, to let them know its safe.

 

[mtnhomechick]

OK.....warm sugar water and oatmeal in shed.

Pray it works.

Mary

 

[mtnhomechick]

Ok Nuther question.

Does pig GROWER only come in pellet form?

Pat is driving all over town trying to find a grower/finisher since all I had on hand is what they call hog mash down here. I had it for the chickens for the cold weather but I have no idea how much protein it has.

Greyfields suggested a grower/finisher that's at least 16% protein.

I was hoping to get something I could make a warm mash from.

Update..........pigs were out for a short while in the run eating some of the dry hog mash I put out early today. Doesn't appear to me that they have gone in shed for the warm stuff.

Hard to tell from my window tho........and if I even go out the door and they see me they go right back under the shed.

 

[Bammony]

You could try hog mash. My pigs don't like it much but it can be bought in mash form.

 

[PortageGirl]

My suggestions are, get your friend back and several other people too if you can, then get them back out from under the shed, then you hold large pieces of plywood (reasonably large, that will stop them from running in circles). As slowly as possible push them into a corner by blocking them off with boards held in front of you, make sure it's something that they can't jump over. Pigs can actually jump if in a panic. Then get both if you can and pick em up and put em in the shed.

Do it slow as possible, letting them pause as much as possible, cause they'll crash through your makeshift barriers if they can. Stay slow and calm. Once you get them into that warm straw, with warm milk and other goodies, they'll huddle together and then you can keep them there for several days at least, feeding them and make friends that way.

[edit] yes, they may feel cornered, but they'll be safe and warmer and get some feed and water, which is what they need. Give them time and they'll be fine.

 

[ams3651]

just remember they are livestock, they are not fragile. Right now they dont know whats best for them and they need to get inside. If you can corner them and pick them up or as suggested use plywood or some other kind of panel to corral them into the shed. once they find its comfy and warm they will know where to go. Can you block it off so they cant get under anymore? Pigs are very smart and will find a way to get away from you, get a couple friends over and it will be easier with more people. Give them some time once you get them in to get used to it then go in slowly, grunt like a pig quietly and just sit, take it a little at a time.