Settling your Pig into its New Home

Biosecurity
	Always review the biosecurity arrangements for the pig – particularly if there are already pigs in the household – isolation and acclimatisation will be required.
	Treat the pig for mange (Sarcoptes scabiei). Unless told otherwise, it is always wise to assume the pig is positive. Two injections of ivermectin 7-14 days apart should eliminate this and other parasites (except tapeworms)
Preparing the pen
	The pig will want to sleep in a dry draught free area. Allow the pig to select this area. Place a loosely broken bale of straw and allow the pig to make its own nest. Even newly weaned pigs will make their own nest.
	In the area designated as the toilet area, make the area damp with some damp straw.
	Observe the pig over the first few days to ensure it agrees with you regarding the layout of the pen. Healthy pigs are determined by minimizing stress.
	Ideally the source farm should supply 5 kg of food to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
	Ensure the water supply is clean and accessible.
	In the hot months, with pigs over 30 kg, the provision of a wallow or other cooling aid will be necessary.
First day
	Plenty of dry straw
	Provide water as soon as the pig settles in the pen
	Provide food at the end of the day – make sure the pig knows the position of the feeder. The addition of milk to the feed (2:1) may help encourage appetite. If the pig is over 30 kg the addition of a 0.5 litre of beer/ale to the food will assist the pig to sleep.
	Remove the feeding bowl
	Turn all the lights out 1 hour after feeding.
	Allow the pig to get a good night’s sleep.
Get to know the pig
	Give him or her a name and use it.
	Gentle handling will equate to tender pork
	Get to know his (her) eating and other behaviours.

Make the pig your friend

As a stockperson you can still enjoy pork and the company of pigs
What is not suitable?

Dirty poorly prepared accommodation The floor is dirty and broken	Damp bedding full of mould which was intended for sleeping
Unclean polluted water supplies – with water from the cleaning programme	Contaminated (rodent droppings) old feed – from the last pigs who left 3 weeks ago!!
Draughty accommodation	Use of old needles and syringes
Neglect – the pig cannot be saved – the kindest treatment is euthanasia.	Abuse (staged photo). If the pig will not do what it asked – it’s our fault not the pig’s. They have the right to be difficult