Piglet testicle and general queries

[MammaHen]

We have 3 piglets that we guess are about 4 months old. We are not sure as we rescued them from a shantytown. We are totally free ranging them and supplementing their foraging with all houshold scraps as well as corn barley and oats. We mix in a little commercial pig pellets but not much as one can only get hold of medicated feed and I'm not keen on that. Does this sound adequate? The other problem is that we have no clue of what a pigs testicles should look like and if our little boar has a problem or is completely normal. He has one HUGE one and one almost non-existant. Could the one still be in the process of descending, Do their testicles (or testicle in this case!) always stick out or are they always uneven?

 

[texasgirl]

As far as I know pigs testicles are completely descended by that age although with any animal with testicles that must descend, there could be the possiblity of it remaining in the body and not dropping.
Your sure only one is descended? To someone that doesn't spend a lot of time looking at pig nuts (lol!) it could be a little confusing, their scrotum does sort of look like one giant testicle sticking out the back.
Let me look for a good picture.

 

[MammaHen]

Thanks texasgirl, that would be great. Tried to google it but no luck. x

 

[SpringChickens]

I agree... I would want to see a picture to make any decisions about the testes.

For feed, it will probably be adequate, but will not result in maximal growth. Since he won't be getting a balanced diet, he won't be able to process it as efficiently, but should continue to grow and mature. People have been feeding pigs *slop* for years, and they seemed to survive it just fine.

 

[texasgirl]

Of course these are adult boars so their's are much larger, but it's pretty much the same for a piglet just smaller scale.

 

[MammaHen]

Hey Springchicken. We aren't really worried about maximum growth as they are for our own consumption and really just want to make sure they have a happy healthy upbringing. Will they get that with what we're giving them?

 

[MammaHen]

I think I'm making a trip to the vet tomorrow.... his nuts look NUTHIN like that! There is a definate midline and the one side is MUCH bigger than the other. Thanks for the fabulous photo Texasgirl

 

[SpringChickens]

I would believe so... just watch their weight, make sure they keep gaining, and don't start losing. Good luck with them!

 

[Rootball]

I wouldnt worry about it. I have an uncle named one ball Paul, and he fathered 2 children. sure its a bit awkward in gym class, but If this guy is gonna be bacon, then Im sure hell experience all that pighood has to offer.

 

[dkluzier]

We had a yorkshire piglet with one sac much larger than the other due to the fact that his intestines were herniated into the left side sac with the testicle.