Hi all,

I have two boys with one pig each at our school barn here in North Georgia. We get our August born pigs first week of Nov, and show Jan-Feb. We usually begin hand feeding in December twice a day. There are times it would be nice not to constantly go back and forth to the barn (long weekends, holiday breaks). We live about 15 minutes away on acreage, and I realize trailering can be stressful on animals. Our outdoor weather on average weekends during this show season is usually cool to moderate (30-60 degrees). If I'm able to load and unload these animals as easily as possible, keep the inside trailer temperatures 50-70, would there be much risk (health/stress/weight loss) in bringing the two pigs home occasionally and letting the boys work with them in our grass field? Basically, we'd treat the trailer as a portable barn during these times. I'm looking for either "Heck no, leave em at the barn other than show times!", or "Yes, - assuming these conditions". I realize there are other variables at play, but any general thoughts or experiences you may have had would be appreciated. Thanks, Brad

As your pigs get used to it the weight loss will subside. I think it's a yes. The more you expose your pigs to unknown places the more comfortable they will be in the show ring and loading and unloading from the trailer.