28. Re: fixing aggressive behavior

From: Trina
Category: General Discussion
Date: 4/15/99
Time: 10:46:41 AM
Remote Name: 207.238.24.71

28.1. Comments

If you would consider the option of taking any pet to the shelter if things aren't perfect than you shouldn't even consider getting a pet in the first place. Pig or any animal. Sorry, but I have very strong feelings about this. I'm glad you're trying to find out ahead of time so you won't be adding one more to the list of shelter animals. Animals shouldn't be thought of as disposable, especially when they're doing what's natural to them and it isn't how you think they should behave. Please, continue to educate yourself not only about the animal but the lifelong commitment that goes with getting an animal before you decide.

29. Re: BABIES, BABIES, BABIES!

From:
Category: General Discussion
Date: 3/10/00
Time: 4:03:01 PM
Remote Name: 63.24.203.187

29.1. Comments

Some people cut their needle teeth with pliers. There is no need to do this. In fact, it will probably help wean them from mom a bit earlier. If they are not cut right at birth (when they are soft) you risk shattering one below the gum line and that is not a good thing for you or the piglet.

Hooves shouldn't have to be done for a long time....the more the pigs are outdoors and well exercised the less they have to be trimmed. In fact, a goal should be to give them enough exercise that they never have to be trimmed.

Males can be neutered as early as three weeks, but we prefer to wait until about 6 weeks. That way we ensure that all testicles have descended and any that are retained at the 6 week mark is probably a pretty good indicator that the boar is a cryptorchid and will need surgery. Females probably around 4-6 months....you want them to have started their heat cycles but not old enough that they are getting fat. That decision will be up to your vet...whatever he is comfortable with.

Vaccinations: that is up to you and your vet. If mom was vaccinated then they got some natural immunity from her colostrum during the first 12 hours or so after birth while nursing. I would still vaccinate the piglets at about 8-10 weeks and again at 12-16 weeks. Use Pleuroguard 4 and Leptoferm 5 or their equivalent. We also vaccinate piglets for tetanus. I can give you the specific diseases these meds cover if your vet would prefer to use a different combination of vaccines..... If you have any more questions you can contact us directly at the sanctuary. We do a number of litters here every years from rescued sows who are pregnant when they arrive here and, unfortunately, have gotten pretty comfortable with piglets......