[gavin davies]

Hi everyone I have been feeding the pigs before I go to work usaually around 07:00 and then when I get home from work which is usally around 17:30-18:00 this week I have to work on all week as we are really busy at the moment and won't be getting in till 19:00 at the earliest so I was wondering would it be better for me to give them extra feed in the morning as it will be arounf 20:30 by the time they will get their feed or is that ok or do pigs put on weight if they eat to late like us humans I will still go up and check on them when I get back but was just wondering if it is too late to feed them then

Many thanks gavin

[ppd]

I am not an expert by any means, but I am at home all the time and I do second feed before dark so it is getting later each night. What I find is that they tend to go to bed after the last feed anyway. They remind me more of puppies.....charge around and very busy, then a nice big tummy full and off to sleep
But I have no experience of feeding after they are settled for the night!
 

[Hassle]

I've fed after dark only a couple of times they will wake up, but normally I feed at 7 ish and around 4 but when on the yard I hear them starting to get hungry around 1:30 and mine like to be asleep when dark.  Can't you get a stand in to feed dinner for a week?

[gavin davies]

Hi there no I can't get anyone to help me this week as my wife is 5 months pregnant and I don't want her going up the in the dark as the path up is poor under foot at the moment my father is away this week as he would do it  and I don't know anyone who is on the allotment well enough to ask them to feed them for me

[fairhaven]

Our's usually get fed just before dark, whatever the time of year, but over the winter with 4 young children and other things... we have had occasions where we have had to feed them a couple of hours late, not any problems at all, yes, they had gone to bed, but they still got up in the dark to feed & then just went back to bed - They should adapt & be just fine, maybe a bit noisy when you aren't there at normal time but they'll soon settle down (As long as you have secure fencing in case they come looking for you!  )

[Tiva Diva]

We work full time (but I work shifts) so ours are often fed in the dark and have no problems with it. They get VERY good at spotting my head torch  !
All animals get used to being fed at certain times, but of ours it's only the hens that won't eat after dark. It is more difficult to check fences and make sure the pigs are all OK in the dark, but a good torch helps!
Incidentally, there's no scientific evidence that eating late does make humans any more likely to gain weight - but can't imagine a short spell of late feeding will affect your pigs' weight in any way.

[SallyintNorth]

All my livestock get used to rather random feed times, as I have to fit 'my' lot in around the demands of the farm.  (Which includes taking care of the farmer  .)  What I observe is that they don't start expecting food at any specific time, but they - and the resident cheeky jackdaws ) know my round routine.  So when the pigs hear my footsteps then the door of the stable in which I keep the pig food, they know it's their turn (and the jackdaws do too and will be waiting near the pigs' trough.)  Similarly, the house cow knows that when the sows stop screaming, it won't be long before I appear to fetch the cow for milking.

I very often give the pigs their second feed in the dark; it can be very late, after they've gone to bed.  They don't seem to mind getting up and having a midnight feast - and the advantage is that the jackdaws have also gone to bed and don't get up!

[RonMinch]

My weaners know the sound of the bolt on the stable door, as soon as they hear this they start squealing even if its not time for a feed, they are always ready for one!

[Button End Beasts]

I agree with the others that pigs have no problem with getting fed at irregular times or in the dark. Only problem we had was with some GOS boars, about 4 months old, who got so excited at feed time and, perhaps couldn't see the electric fencing in the dark,would often charge through the damn Fencing!!! Then I would have 2 hungry pigs hassling me in the dark near the food bins!


This winter was hard though, me and my hubby work full time with early starts, so were doing morning and evening feeds in the dark. When it came to the weekend, the pigs had to wait while we had a lie in!

[Tudful Tamworths]

The occasional double feed won't do them any harm, but make sure they're okay for water if you have to leave them for a long stretch.

[MKay]

As sally has said, pigs love a midnight feast and do fine off randomised timings.

one thing though if your pigs are underweight and hungry they may see your tardiness as a reason to come looking for you, make sure your fence's/battery are optimum.

Or as your wife is not in condition to do the feed regime, would she manage to go up just before dusk and distribute cabbage leaves and carrots? this pre tea snack will go down well and keep them sated until you make it out.

[SallyintNorth]

The other distraction that they love is a flap or two of fresh straw chucked into their bedding area.  You can leave it in the sack for extra stimulation and entertainment!