The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: aboud on February 22, 2018, 09:39:32 am
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Good Morning,
One of my pigs has started to go quite bald across his back.
He has always been quite thin on top (something I can sympathise with). But he has two patches where he seems to be completely bald.
His skin doesn't look sore at all and he isn't scratching any more than normal / than the others.
Is this something I should worry about or is it normal 'pig balding'?
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I wouldn't be too concerned. Some pigs do seem to have less hair cover than others. Temperature is an obvious factor and although the outside temperature maybe quite low he could just be too warm cuddled in with the other pigs. Mineral deficiency maybe a consideration. Then there are the possibilities of mange or lice but you'd expect soreness and everyone to be the same.
I'd just keep an eye on it and possibility feed something like seaweed in the feed.
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Could it be due to scratching his back against the ark or other structure?
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Is the skin just hairless or does it look crusty in any way? Pigs will often get a staph. infection set in when the skin is compromised due to lice or mange. Has it been stressed in any way - change of routine, really bad weather, etc.?
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No, he doesn't seem to be scratching excessively and the skin doesn't look crusty either. The bald areas don't seem sensitive to the touch either.
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They all look very content and healthy.
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If it gets worse or there are other symptoms I'd consult your vet. It's not something I've ever seen in a pig.