[MarthaR]

Hi everyone - I am a relative newbie and on my second batch of pigs - six, five month old mangalitza saddleback crosses. They are lovely pigs and have been doing well but yesterday evening didn't eat with the usual enthusiasm (normally I'm nearly mowed down in their haste). They also didn't clear their food this morning but did eat some concentrates and then some veg this afternoon although without the usual gusto I  expect.

I am trying to decide whether I should be worried - there is no coughing, no discharge, no scour and theyre still drinking water. I did move them into a neighbouring enclosure two days ago (out of the quagmire) but its the same ark, newly bedded with ventilation. They are not lying about any more than usual and still come out to greet me, chase each other around although are spending more time in their ark I think because weather here in south wales is currently dire.

I am puzzled. My instinct is that pigs off their food is not right but they don't seem unwell.  I haven't taken their temp (broken brand new thermometer!) but no obvious sign of fever. I am registered with a vet although they are not terribly expert in pigs. But I will happily get them checked in case they need penicillin or am I being over anxious?

Any wisdom greatfully received as I look at this site daily and learn loads which has helped me so far.
Thanks
Martha

[Fowlman]

First thing i would check is the feed, does it look and smell ok.

[MarthaR]

Thanks Fowlman - yes it does. Same stuff I have been using for a while and kept in galvanised bin. But will try an alternative bag tomorrow to see if that makes a difference. Tonight they're the same - enthusiastic ad I arrive, just not impressed by the feed. They do seem to be having a good time rooting though as they have moved from mud filled enclosure to one with some vegetation which I guess could be contributing...

[Marches Farmer]

If they're filling up on vegetation it could be they're finding their "ordinary" feed too boring by comparison.  If you're using pelleted feed you could try putting in some small pieces of chopped apple, carrot or parsnip, or stirring in a little molasses or treacle and see what they do then.

[Humblepie]

im sure they have filled their bellies with new slugs and weeds etc to be too hungry. its good that you know their habits so well. just monitor them.

[MarthaR]

Thanks for the reassurance Marshes Farmer and Humblepie. I do try and get to know their behaviour and so was thrown that it changed, but did coincide with first full day of being moved into new bigger, greener enclosure.

I did give them some veg this afternoon which they ate some of in between rooting. Will try mixing it in with pellets.

Will try the treacle trick tomorrow morning - just normal black treacle Marches Farmer?

Thanks again
Martha

[Marches Farmer]

Yup, pigs have a sweet tooth - just like humans!

[MarthaR]

Thanks- gave that a go this morning which must have been a sight given gale force winds, torrential rain and the stickiest substance known to (wo)man or pig 

They charged out this morning but still sort of lose their enthusiasm after initial munching. I had pellets, chopped veg and some treacle this morning. They ate some from the troughs, explored the bucket and ate a bit from there and then left quite a bit although they were in and out of the ark and eating bits as I did my rounds with the chickens.

I guess it's just a case of keeping an eye on them. And am sure weather isn't helping their mood - it certainly isn't helping mine!!!

Martha

[JulieWall]

You said they are spending more time in their beds? Is it likely that they just aren't as hungry due to being more sedentary? I must admit, a pig not wanting to demolish all and any food sounds odd but if they are still eating something I'd be inclined to suspect the move and staying inside had more to do with it myself.

[Humblepie]

what weight of hard feed are they getting?

[MarthaR]

They're getting just over the 2kg each as they're five months old, split into two feeds a day.

[Bodger]

I had the same thing happen to my pigs at the beginning of the week and I was worried to death. I'd changed nothing in their diet and they did eventually scour a bit. I took advice and jabbed them up with Pen & Strep and thankfully, they were over whatever it was within 48hours. Touch wood, they are now back on track but it was extremely worrying.

[Tiva Diva]

Are they gilts? If so, they may be starting to come into season. Some gilts & sows go off their food when they're in season.

[MarthaR]

Thanks Bodger. They ate a bit better today although still not normally. And the weather is once again dreadful so they are spending more time in the ark.

Mine were in a pen similar to your pics but managed to move them to another enclosure which is when their change in behaviour happened.

On the medication front - can I ask a stupid novice question? I read a lot about people administering stuff themselves and I had bought a snapshot injector and needles when I got set up but have not ever had to use them, but where do you source the medicine from and how do you know how much to use etc?

Tomorrow I was planning on calling the vet as although they are not looking ill, I am worried that they're not right.

Tiva Diva - five boars and one gilt I am about to separate as soon as weather eases (I know she needs to come out asap) and I can build the ark and get her a pal (within a week). There is lots of boisterous activity between the boys, but no real interest in her yet although this morning she is the one who ate least.

Thanks
Martha

[Humblepie]

as they havent improved over the last few days i would get some antibiotics to be on the safe side. if you phone your vet when they are open, you should be able to pick up some meds that you can use yourself.
the slapshot injector - look on utube as there are really good vids on how to use them.