Trailering school barn pigs home for weekends and breaks?

General swine health questions, bio-security, vet recommendations
Post Reply
bds1078
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 17, 2019 4:01 pm

Trailering school barn pigs home for weekends and breaks?

Post by bds1078 » Thu Oct 17, 2019 4:16 pm

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

Pac
Showpig Specialist
Showpig Specialist
Posts: 241
Joined: Sun May 17, 2015 8:16 am

Re: Trailering school barn pigs home for weekends and breaks?

Post by Pac » Fri Oct 18, 2019 12:00 pm

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.

Post Reply