Walking

[ShowPigGirl2008]

I have three pigs headed to show in 10 days, but even though I have gotten them out in a practice ring to work with them for about 3 weeks, the pigs do not want to walk. They are all friendly, but now the don't even try to move when I touch them. Help!

[4-Hgilts]

It sounds like your to gentle with them. You have to get them to know that your in charge and they're supposed to move. Hit them harder but only the appropriate areas ( neck, or legs). Also have someone show them a grahm cracker( my pig loves them) while you tap them or whip them. Then they will gat the idae of moving when they feel the tap. Be patient and work with them alot and they will improve. Just don't be afraid to get a little aggresive. When my pig first got out she did not like to move and I was getting angry with her. So I hit very hard on her neck behind the ears and she listened after that. In fact she got a bruise there. But it's ok cuz the butcher does not use the meat behind the ears. That is why u only hit the pig thre or on the legs.

[MonroviaBoy]

They use the meat on the legs. And the neck, you just dont know it because it is what we like to call sausage lol. Are you using a whip or a pipe. I like to hit them a little past midway of their stomach to get them to go forward, and get them with the stinger of the wip under the neck to turn them and get their heads up. If you wanna slow them down hit them in the face in between the ears.

Thanks,
Cody Berling
Berling Farms

[ShowPigGirl2008]

Thanks for all the advice. I took them to show and did really well. Reserve Breeding female, Grand Champion Market Hog, and Supreme Swine!!!

I think the main problem is they have been real itchy lately and want to stop and itch. I've wormed them with ivomec and kept their pen clean, but they are still itching. Any suggestions?