Pigs Flashcards
Approaching and Capturing Pigs
Pigs aren’t very athletic and have relatively fragile skeletal systems. They do, however, have strong jaws that can inflict severe bites. Tusks of male pigs can also be very dangerous.
As though pig handling didn’t present enough problems, it’s rather difficult to capture a single pig from a group.
Pigs have poor vision and are easily frightened. A frightened pig will often run off, so always approach the pig slowly. Avoid sudden moves. Should the pig run off, keep in mind that pigs overheat easily in these situations. Your first priority should be to cool the pig immediately; an overheated pig is likely to die of heat stroke. Because pigs don’t sweat and can’t pant effectively to cool themselves, sprinkle the pig with water to cool the overheated animal. By wetting the pig’s skin with water, evaporation will cool the pig.
Pig handlers typically herd a small group of pigs, including the one to be captured, into a series of progressively smaller pens. Gently prodding a few pigs with a flat stick or cane will move the herd; tap the animals lightly at the shoulder.
Handlers also use hurdles, flat shield-like pieces of plastic or plywood about three-feet square, to direct a group of pigs into an enclosure.
Once the group is in the enclosure, the pig to be captured can be isolated with a hurdle or simply lassoed with a rope. Handlers typically tie the rope into a harness for maneuvering the pig to another location.
Pig catcher.
A pig catcher is a long-handled, large clamp with a rope that holds the ends of the clamp shut. Apply the clamp to one of the pig’s rear legs, and then pull the rope to hold the clamp tight around the leg.
Snare
Pig snares look and function like dog snares. The snare has a long metal handle enclosing a rope, cable, or chain loop that protrudes from one end of the handle. To use a pig snare, place this loop quickly over the pig’s snout and pull it tight from the handle end. A pig snare is often used to capture large pigs.
V-trough.
Small pigs can be restrained on their backs in a V-shaped trough. The V-trough is usually made of plywood. To restrain a pig in a V-trough:
Step 1: Capture the pig.
Step 2: Lay the pig on its back in the trough.
Step 3: Attach a rope to one front leg.
Step 4: Pass the rope under the trough and tie it to the other front leg.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the back feet. The trough can be tilted to the desired position.
Snubbing rope.
A snubbing rope is a rope with a loop at one end, tied with a slip knot so that the loop can be tightened. A snubbing rope helps to restrain a captured pig’s head. To restrain a pig with a snubbing rope:
Step 1: Place one end of the rope in front of the pig’s snout.
Step 2: Wait for the pig to open its mouth.
Step 3: When the pig opens its mouth, slip the loop into its mouth and push the loop quickly up so that it rests just behind the tusks.
Step 4: Tighten the loop across the top of the pig’s snout.
Step 5: Either hold the snubbing rope or tie it to a stationary object.
Never leave a pig unattended with a snubbing rope in place; the pig may start to chew at the rope. You can cross-tie a particularly temperamental pig with two snubbing ropes.
Hobbles.
Hobbles restrain a pig on its side. You can buy hobbles, or fashion them using the pig’s snubbing rope (never apply hobbles to a pig that isn’t already wearing a snubbing rope). Use the snubbing rope’s free end as a casting rope. Pass this end around the pig’s rear leg, making a half hitch. Pull up on the rope to draw the pig’s leg toward its nose, forcing the animal off its feet.
Approaching and Capturing Piglets
Small pigs or piglets should also be directed toward a small enclosure before you attempt to capture them. Avoid chasing the animals; this may cause them to become overheated or frightened.
To capture a piglet:
Step 1: Approach the piglet from behind.
Step 2: Quickly grab the animal by one or both of its rear legs.
Step 3: Place your other arm under the animal’s chest, and lift straight up.
Step 4: To carry the piglet, release the rear legs and place your hand under its abdomen. Never grasp or hold a piglet by its tail. Not only would this be painful to the animal, but the hold would allow the piglet to slip out of your grasp easily.
Restraining Pigs and Piglets
Pig catchers, snares, V-troughs, snubbing ropes, and hobbles can be used to restrain both pigs and piglets. Small pigs and piglets can also be restrained manually. For administration of oral medication, lift the pig by its front feet and hold it up with its rear legs remaining on the ground. For injections or other minor technical procedures, you can hold small pigs by their rear legs, as follows:
Step 1: Grasp the animal by its rear legs.
Step 2: Lift the body.
Step 3: Place the animal’s head between your knees. The pig’s front legs should touch the ground and its back should be centered between your legs.
Transporting Pigs
Pigs are transported by herding them in groups into trucks or trailers. Under crowded conditions, however, pigs can easily become overheated. Pig transports must allow maximum air circulation between the animals.
Truck beds and trailers composed of steel slats are commonly used for this purpose.
Male pigs and females with litters should be transported in individual crates.
