PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

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Darla2K17
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PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

Post by Darla2K17 » Tue Feb 07, 2017 10:22 pm

I have a Hampshire gilt show pig that is an VERY Picky eater! I need to gain 20lbs in 16 days. I have been giving her Purina Heavy Weight as well as Palene. I've tried adding cake mix to feed, honey, eggs, etc. to try to entice her to eat more. These work OK but don't get her to eat that much more, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of things to add to feed to entice a pig to eat more, but again she's really picky.

Also, this pig is very stubborn when it comes to walking (in terms of using a show stick). Therefore, any tips on how to get a pig to respond better to a show stick, or just walk better would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for any and all feedback! :)

pigfarmer1025
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Re: PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

Post by pigfarmer1025 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 10:38 pm

For your feeding problem trying making a slope feed. What I do is get ground meal feed and add water to almost where it is like oatmeal before you put it in the microwave. The cake mix should help. I've used it before and they really like it!

Now your walking issue, try to be gentle with her. When feeding paylean you don't want to stress them out a whole lot because problems can arise. How much paylean are you feeding?

swineshower33
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Re: PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

Post by swineshower33 » Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:07 am

Do you have more than one pig? some pigs need competition to eat. If you have more than one pig I suggest putting them in pens next to each other and hanging their feeders back to back so they can see each other while they eat. I did this with my duroc gilt who wasnt eating well and she is doing much better now. I hope my advice helps.

Pac
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Re: PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

Post by Pac » Thu Apr 27, 2017 4:39 pm

Pigs like consistency. If you are constantly changing or adding different things to feed it's going to be harder to get them going on anything. If you are using paylean it takes about 7 days to start "working". Once it's going there is generally an increase in consumption and rate of gain. Make sure that this is on top of your feed physically so that it is getting eaten.

The other thing to consider is that fat supplements (when used in large quantities), like heavy weight, can actually discourage consumption because the energy requirements of the animal are being met faster and the "need" to eat is no longer there. I know you're crunched for time but under feeding your animal and then gradually bumping it up over a week or so is a way to encourage pigs to clean up when being fed. Even right now you could pour small amounts at a time and let her finish before giving her more.

There are also products that help. I am a big fan and have had success with the Sure Champ and Vita Ferm supplements. The Vita Firm paste or Liquid Boost administered orally has always had our pigs going nuts at the feeders.

How much total feed in pounds are you feeding? Are you breaking it up into 2 feedings?

curlytailpiggy
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Re: PICKY eater and STUBBORN to walk

Post by curlytailpiggy » Fri Jun 02, 2017 7:11 pm

When I started feeding our pigs I had to switch them over to the feed we had. They absolutely loved milk so you could try giving her that. You could see if she likes milk, straight don't add anything. If she does you can start soaking the pellets in (this is what we did) starting with a little bit then gradually increasing the amount of pellets. Then you can can start increasing her food. I feed three times a day and my piggies have no problem eating anymore, I actually have a problem where they are getting too fat. I do agree with the person earlier commenting that pigs do like consistency. If you don't want to do milk you could use something else you know she loves.
I hope that helps.

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