Author Topic: pig biting (Read 4474 times)

Cjnewton82 · « **on:** June 27, 2013, 10:18:47 pm »

one of my 4 month old pigs has just started nipping what is the best way to stop this? i have to say rightly or wrongly i shouted no and smacked him on the nose

Beewyched · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:21:45 pm »

Just to clarify Cj - is he nipping the other weaners or humans?

Cjnewton82 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:29:23 pm »

sorry

me!!! its only a nip really

Possum · « **Reply #3 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:36:06 pm »

Then your initial response is the right one. A sharp tap on the snout and a loud and firm "no". They don't mean any harm by it, it is more of an exploratory thing. But they do need to learn that it is wrong. It will take a few sessions of "teaching" before they fully understand, but it does work.

Eve · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:40:20 pm »

Your reaction was fine, we do the same as some of them need to be trained to learn not to bite us, even if they only bite as part of their play. We're just too fragile for their kind of teeth and jaws

Beewyched · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:42:03 pm »

Definitely need to "nip it in the bud" - sorry couldn't resist that one

Seriously though, he needs to be told-off - a short tap on the nose & a firm "NO" should do it. Has anyone been hand feeding or feeding him outside feed-time, as this can be a cause of nipping? Difficult not to give them treats when they're still at the "cute" stage, but it can start behaviour that's certainly not welcome as they get bigger!

Oh ... & check you haven't got anything that smells edible in your pockets - they can be drawn to the forgotten about dog treat too

Bodger · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2013, 09:10:51 am »

if it doesn't stop, nip him and put him in the freezer.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2013, 01:37:09 pm »

I agree about never hand-feeding pigs. Everything gets thrown into the run so food = floor.

David @ Hector Blooms · « **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2013, 04:15:45 am »

When I first went to look at my weaners at Fowgill Farm they loved to bite wellies but have only done this twice since I've had them, so that's an average of once a month, "give over" was my response. Strangely, they understood

BlackBoab · « **Reply #9 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:34:34 am »

Weaners have that tendancy as a group, it is playing to them . regards bb

Button End Beasts · « **Reply #10 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:50:42 am »

Yes, I go and sit in with the weaners each morning before work, to make sure they will be really friendly, and I have this whole group of piglets swarming over me, biting at my wellies, pulling on my overalls, climbing up me. They even managed to get into the pockets of the overalls and next thing I know, my nice clean work shirt is all muddy. So guess its time to start getting them off the nipping behaviour........