How to Care for Your 4-H Pig

Raising a 4-H pig will teach a youth valuable lessons about responsibility.

Things You'll Need

  • Pig Dusting Powders
  • Pig Wormer
  • Straws
  • Animal Water Buckets
  • Wood Shavings
  • Large Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a clean, dry, draft-free shelter for pigs. Despite their reputation, pigs need clean living quarters.

    • 2

      Provide bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, for warmth if temperature drops below 60 degrees F.

    • 3

      Provide water for your pig to lie in if temperatures are above 80 degrees F. This is how pigs cool themselves.

    • 4

      Feed your pig using a clean feeder located where the pig is unable to soil its food.

    • 5

      Provide fresh drinking water at all times. Keep water in a large water trough that can't be turned over, or purchase a self-watering barrel.

    • 6

      Check pigs weekly for lice or mange mites. Dust with lice dust if necessary. Check with local feed store for a good brand.

    • 7

      Worm pig at least once before you show it. You can use a wormer you mix in feed.

    • 8

      Check with veterinarian about vaccinations your pig needs.

    • 9

      Walk your pig around its pen to build muscle tone - something judges look for in show pigs.