Handling and restraining pigs

Introduction

By the time they are weaned young pigs are too big to be easily lifted. Older pigs can be moved from place to place using pig boards. Pigs are very clever and quick to learn. They can be dangerous. It is hence important to know how to safely handle young and older pigs and restrain them.

Handling the young pig

Piglets can be caught from behind and held by grasping the hind leg just above the hock. The small piglet can then be lifted by placing the other hand under the chest and lifting the animal. When holding the piglet, always support its weight against you. By the time the piglet is weaned, it will be too heavy to lift.

Handling the older pig

Pigs will naturally head for a gap (or opening) when you approach them or try to catch them. You can use this habit to make the pig go where you want it to. If two pig boards (wooden boards 0.8m square) are placed either side of the pig's head it will move forward in the direction the handlers want it to go. As the animal gets older it can be trained to move under the control of one handler who uses a board and a wooden bat of about 1 m long.

The handler always keeps the pig board between himself and the pig. If several people try to drive a pig it can turn and charge between them.

Restraining a pig

You can restrain a pig by holding it with ropes against a wall or fence. Large pigs can be easily restrained with a rope or wire loop around the snout.

Source : Pashu sakhi Handbook