KUNEKUNE PIGS AT CAMP SKIPPING PIG

 Be safe, not sorry !

Every consideration must be made to ensure the safety of your pig. It is no different than a toddler in its ability to find trouble and danger. To avoid a needless and senseless tragedy, the pig's area must be securely fenced and "pig proofed". Take the time to thoroughly scour the pig's area for potential dangers and remove or securely fence around them. Think AHEAD to prevent an accident rather than try to react to one that has already occurred or be forced to live with the knowledge that you could have prevented a needless death or injury with just a little caution and preparation.

 The pig's area must be securely fenced with quality fencing to prevent escapes and access by predators. In some areas a good lock on the gate may be necessary. There is no substitute for a good fence and the protection it offers.

 If you provide a pool for the pig to cool off in be sure that the depth is shallow enough for an easy exit. We use lids from plastic totes for our babies and gradually work them up to a child's plastic pool as they grow large enough to safely enter and exit. Pigs are good swimmers but that won't prevent an accidental drowning. And while we're on the subject of pools, NEVER allow your pig access to an inground pool or a swimming pool with a deck! Even if the pig has never shown an interest and appears to avoid the area, sooner or later tragedy may strike and your pig could fall in and drown. Just as you would fence around a pool to keep out small children, you must securely fence to keep out a curious pig. One slip and you may never forgive yourself for your lack of caution. Also, pails of water should never be used as a drinking source or be left within the pig's reach. For one thing, a pig isn't built to easily drink from a bucket. He needs a shallower non-tip dish or tub for easy access. A pig attempting to drink from a pail may slip in head first and drown, especially if the bucket has been tied up to prevent it from tipping. And never count on the pail tipping over and the pig escaping, even if it's not tied. Sadly, I once saw a young farm pig that had drowned in a pail of water. He'd escaped from his pen, found the pail and gone in head first.

 Scour all accessible areas for toxic chemicals and plants. Some examples to look for are yew, nightshade, oleander, ornamental plantings, anti-freeze and lawn chemicals or cleaning products. A pig can and will bite thru heavy plastic to access a perceived treat, so you must never assume that a tight cap is enough protection. All potentially harmful items must be stored in secure upper cabinets because your pig can easily rip off a locked cabinet door if there's something in it he thinks he should have. Store all pig, pet and people food above his reach as well. Your pig will overindulge and will suffer for several days.

 Electrical cords can pose an electrocution or fire hazard. Never leave a cord where a curious pig might chew on it or become entangled in it. If a heat lamp is used, be sure it is high enough to prevent bedding from being piled too closely and that it can't burn the pig. Secure it well to avoid it accidently being knocked or pulled down by the pig. Be certain that nothing combustible is anywhere near the lamp. We often use a simple 100 watt light bulb rather than a more powerful 125 or 250 watt heat lamp. Quite frequently that alone provides enough supplemental heat without the use of the hotter bulbs, especially in the large wooden crates we use in the pig stalls. In the house beware of cords that may entangle the pig and cause a lamp to be pulled over. 

 Beware of heavy or dangerous objects that may be tipped over and fall onto a pig, such as cabinets, ladders, tool boxes, tools on unstable tables, hot food, irons and ironing boards, water, etc.

 Check the pig's living quarters and fencing for splinters or protruding nails or wire that may cause an injury. Be sure fencing is secure enough to prevent escape by the pig or access gained by a predator.  Also, in many areas, pet pigs are frequently stolen right out of the yard or pen and eaten! Be sure your pig is protected from human predators, too! Beware of people with evil intentions who may poison your pig because of a disagreement with you. Keep him in a safe area when you're not home to supervise. Check his lot for broken glass, nails, etc, especially on an older property. After 20+ years we still find broken glass, wire and nails that work their way out of the ground.

 Check that there's nothing your pig can climb up on or fall into! Bradford's mother suffered a tragic, needless and terrible death when she climbed a pile of hay bales and fell headfirst into an empty barrel. Her owner was devastated when she finally found her.

 Every year countless pigs die needlessly from excessive heat or exposure to cold. There is no excuse for either. Always be sure your pig has access to a cool location and clean water for a drink and a dip! Never leave him in a hot enclosed, poorly ventilated space such as a small building, trailer or car, or in an area where there's no shade. Direct sun, even on a relatively mild day could overheat you pig. During the cold months be certain there is abundant bedding to make a warm nest in a dry, draft free location. Add a heat lamp if necessary, but ample bedding usually provides enough insulation to keep most healthy pigs comfortable. Remember, if you're hot, your pig feels even hotter and if you're chilled, he feels even colder.

 Kids 'n pigs 'n dogs all need close supervision when interacting. Any combination can be a bad mix and care must be taken to ensure everyone's safety. Because young children may be unaware of proper behavior around animals, they must be closely supervised to prevent them from unintentionally aggravating or hurting the pig.  If a child pushes or shoves the pig, it may interpret it as an act of aggression and retaliate by biting. Pig bites can be very serious and must be treated immediately. Never let a child pick up a small piglet, as they're quick to scramble loose and a dropped piglet may suffer a broken limb or back injury. A sitting position on the ground in a low lap is safest for all concerned and more comfortable for the pig. Older children need to be closely supervised because they may intentionally (or unintentionally) tease or torment the pig. Be very aware of what your children or the neighborhood kids are doing when around the pig. Some children (and adults) are intentionally cruel and your pig must never be put in such a situation. You may run into the occasional adult that "knows it all" and handles the pig too roughly. You need to protect your pig from such mishandling, though there is no negative intent on the person's part. Your pig will only learn to be distrustful of any new people.

 A pig should NEVER, even for a few minutes, be left alone with a dog. Pigs are prey animals and dogs are predators. No matter how well they may appear to get along, it can all change in an instant. A dog may severely injure or kill a pig and a larger pig with longer tusks may inflict a serious bite to the dog in self defense. Pigs often lose ears and even large areas of muscle to dog bites. One pig at a Florida sanctuary was attacted by a pitbull and its face crushed. Extensive and repeated surgeries saved it, but the pig should never have been injured in such a horrific way in the first place. Well socialized pets and well behaved children rarely have conflicts when well supervised! I personally will not let a pig go to a home with large dogs, especially those such as Akitas, rotweilers, pit bulls, German shepards, etc. One nearby rescue has a horribly disfigured potbelly that was injured by a Rotweiler. Her injuries were nearly fatal and the muscles from the back of her head and front of her neck are gone. She is terribly disfigured and very lucky to have survived. See photo of "Venus" below...

                    THIS DIDN'T NEED TO HAPPEN !!!

I have also had inquiries (many) near the beginning of the school year where ignorant youths (or older) look for a "mascot" for the football team. They're dismissed with little discussion. No responsible breeder would even talk to them. The same rescue with the potbelly disfigured by a dog also had a sad little pig who was tortured by college students. Her ears were cut off and she was burned. Perhaps when those students reach their final destination, the same will be done to them. One can only hope.

 This is only a partial list of potential dangers to your pet pig. As you survey his area, you may find many more items to be addressed. It is far better to err on the side of caution than to forever regret not taking the proper measures to protect your pet from potential harm.

  Again, BE SAFE, NOT SORRY !!!