The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: suziequeue on April 02, 2010, 07:46:35 pm
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We went to see the lady who is selling us a couple of weaners javascript:void(0);javascript:void(0);in three weeks time.
Great visit. Getting really excited about getting our boys but she did mention that they would probably scour for a day or two after they arrived. Is this anything to worry about?
What should I do to make it as easy a transition for them as possible? and when do I need to start worrying about the scouring not clearing up?
Susanna
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The only reason I can think that may cause a healthy piglet to scour is stress or a sudden dramatic change of diet - ask her why she thinks they may scour, we sell saddleback weaners all the time and have never had a report of them scouring.
Thanks
Gareth
www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk
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Does she keep them outside? Sometimes if a free range piglet is brought inside for more than a few days this can happen;perhaps she thinks you will keep them in for a few days to get used to them. Keep to the feed they are used to initially; change gradually if you wish; and if you do keep them indoors for awhile after getting them; throw in a sod of earth to them seems to prevent/treat mild scour.
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also if they are wormed on the day you collect they can scour. we alway wean worm and then hang on to the piglets for a week, just to make sure. but if you are collecting them the day they are weaned the change from not getting mums milk and being wormed can cause them to run a little.
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Change of feed/ water/environment and stress are all things that change in a weaners life when it goes to a new home. It should only last 2 or 3 days at most. make sure they have access to plenty of clean drinking water and keep an eye on them. We find that if piglets have been weaned properly by the breeder you should have no problems it just some breeders think you can whip piglets straight off the sow ::) ::)and send them to new homes that day, thats when problems occur!!! HTH
Mandy