Author Topic: Swollen teats on our sow (Read 2967 times)

Mrs Snoodles · « **on:** November 10, 2012, 01:20:50 pm »

We are probably worrying for nothing as our lovely sow is as happy as larry. We moved her away from her piglets yesterday (they were a full 6 weeks old) and popped her back in a nice grassy paddock. She seems absolutely fine, eating, drinking, rooting, and chatting to anyone who comes near etc.

Her teats are HUGE, especially the back ones. She looks more like a milking cow. Do we need the concerned or is this perfectly normal?

Piglets are doing fine, all scoffing pellets nicely and drinking water....just an add on.....should I put any sow replacement milk down for them? We have some as back up.

Kind thanks for your advice

HappyHippy · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2012, 01:42:01 pm »

Her teats will swell because you've weaned the piglets, think about humans who stop breat feeding suddenly

We nomally don't feed mum (apart from a bit of fruit and veg) on the day we wean the piglets as I believe it helps dry the milk up a bit quicker

Keep a close eye on them though - any signs of redness or heat and it could be mastitus - mostly it's just excess milk and should go in 3 - 4 days.
HTH
Karen

Mrs Snoodles · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2012, 02:19:16 pm »

Great thanks. We will not feed her tonight then. She has had plenty last night and this morning and I can give her the remaining kohl rabi and tomato crops tomorrow and see if this helps.

Fowgill Farm · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2012, 12:02:14 pm »

AS karen says its just she's still producing milk and it should dry up naturally, double check her udder for heat or if she's trying to cool it, a sign of mastitis. Like karen i too cut back food for 24hrs after weaning and then put her back on 4lb a day over two feeds.
HTh
mandy