Did you know that pigs can suffer from sunburn? Pigs cannot sweat so it’s important that they can cool down in hot weather.
A mud wallow is a good way to help prevent sunburn and heatstroke as the pigs can go and wallow in the muddy water and cool down their skin.
Make sure your pigs have good shelter from the sun so they can get out of the suns rays.
Sunburn – Light coloured pigs are particularly susceptible to sunburn. You can apply suntan lotion to help protect the skin, but not oil as the oil will help to burn the pig’s skin. The symptoms of sunburn are a reddening of the skin, blistering and a staggering movement. The pigs should be moved to a shaded area and kept cool. Apply calamine lotion to the sunburn and cold wet cloths applied behind the ears will help lower the pig’s temperature.
Heatstroke – If a pig gets too much sun then it can cause the pig to stagger about. The pig will start to shiver and stagger. They may lie down and be panting and their temperature will be raised and their skin hotter than usual. You will need to cool your pig down if they suffer heatstroke or sunburn. You can cool them dow by hosing them down or placing a wet towel onto their skin or creating a mud wallow near them so they can lie in it.
A useful book for a new pig keeper and breeder is the book Starting With Pigs by Andy Case.
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