The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Tamsaddle on June 07, 2011, 07:49:23 pm
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Could anyone tell me how much weaners need in the way of extra nuts, over and above the sow's milk, in the period between 1 and 2 months old? I know that when they are weaned properly at 8 weeks old the traditional quantity is 2 lbs per day per piglet. Now at 4.5 weeks old our ten piglets seem to be consuming vast quantities of their mum's nuts, much to her annoyance (and a flying piglet this evening), so we usually spread some extra around her bowl at approx. 4 oz per piglet per day, which gets eaten very quickly, but I am wondering if this should be increased over the next 3.5 weeks, not just for them, but to allow the sow to eat what she needs herself. If so, how much more should the piglets have? Or will they be getting enough food with just this basic amount plus her milk, and then suddenly on weaning day give them 2 lbs each per day? All 11 pigs, babies and mum, look fine and are neither skinny or fat, but there is increasing competition (and noise) every meal to gulp down the maximum possible. Would much appreciate some advice - Tamsaddle
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I usually start feeding the piglets at 3 weeks and by the time they are the age of yours I would have them on 1 pound of feed each per day and then gradually increase it to 2 pound by the time they are 8 weeks and so on.
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I tend to feed ad lib whilst they are in with the sow, at 8 weeks I start the 1lb per month of age.