How to Take Care of Piglets

Although sows give birth to piglets, many of them aren't very good parents. In order for the piglets to survive without human intervention, the mother must provide milk. It isn't uncommon for sows to give birth and then completely abandon their babies, although the babies still are unable to provide for themselves. Piglets are extremely fragile and must be taken care of with the same urgency as a human newborn. Despite their dirty reputation, piglets require a safe and sanitary environment to thrive.

Things You'll Need

  • Enclosure
  • Heat lamp or heating pad
  • Eyedropper
  • Bottles
  • Sow milk replacement
  • Baby rice cereal
  • Iron supplement
  • Tusk clippers (optional)
  • Tail clipper (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the piglets in a safe area with no chance of other animals getting in or the babies getting out. The piglets need a constant supply of fresh air, so ensure the area has adequate ventilation.

    • 2

      Place a heating pad under the piglets or a heating lamp in a secure location above them. Make sure the heating lamp is close enough to do its job, but not so close as to burn them.

    • 3

      Feed the piglets at first with an eyedropper. If they are big enough to accept the nipple, feed them with a bottle. Fill the eyedropper or bottle with sow's milk replacement. Goat's milk is often substituted because it's easier to find. Adding baby rice cereal keeps the piglets full longer and decreases the amount of times you need to feed them daily.

    • 4

      Keep an iron supplement on hand. All piglets are born with low iron and need iron supplementation since they aren't drinking their mother's milk.

    • 5

      Clip the tusks to reduce injuries when the piglets fight. Clipping the piglet's tail is also common. By clipping the piglets' tails, you help prevent biting on the tail and infections from the resulting wounds.