Why is outdoor time so important for pigs?
This page is still under construction, so we will be elaborating on the importance in much more detail.
For now, please understand there is a difference between NEED and WANT. Want is something you desire, Need is something you require. Need is the best word to describe outdoor time for pigs.
Pigs need sunlight to absorb certain vitamins, I'm not sure if you were aware of that or not, but that is also the same for humans. Some absorption requires Vitamin D (which we get from limited amounts of sun exposure) to properly utilize minerals and vitamins in the body.
Pigs are naturally iron deficient. Pigs root in the soil, the soil contains traces of iron which can balance any deficiency.
Pigs need exercise and fun. Bored pigs are often destructive pigs, allowing them the time to "be a pig" in the yard can prove to be pleasurable for a pig. Obviously when a pig is given more space, they have the ability to walk more. This increases circulation, it promotes healthy living, aids in digestion, helps the bowel function and also helps them burn off excessive calories. Walking around, digging and sometimes even "zooming" is ALL great for pigs! Pigs who aren't given these same opportunities tend to be lazier and less mobile, usually more arthritic as they grow older.
It has been scientifically proven that pigs that are given more space to "play" or forage around in have less aggression problems too. Most likely this is because they have the opportunity to be a pig versus being cooped up in a house with nothing to do, but nonetheless, exercise builds endorphins which is the hormones responsible for making you "feel good", I am quite sure this doesn't hurt and could certainly be viewed as a positive aspect. To read more about the study conducted using various breeds of pigs raised indoors and outdoors, click here.
Rooting is a natural instinct that can be explored in a yard. Pigs need to root. If you do not allow this behavior outdoors, your pig will likely begin rooting indoors and this can lead to life threatening intestinal obstructions as has been the case more than once in indoor pigs.
I think it would go without saying that pigs who are given the chance to root for additional food typically eat less than those who rely solely on the caretaker feeding them exclusively. When grazing and eating grass and worms (and God forbid, whatever else they find outside that we may not find so appetizing) they do have the ability to curb any hunger themselves by looking for food themselves. Don't get me wrong, they will still eat what you provide, and they'll let you know when it's time to eat...but we also know these outdoor pigs are constantly searching for food and sometimes hit the grub worm jackpot. (so to speak)
Please also take in account the weather conditions and know that in extreme weather, and really any weather, a pig needs a space where they can go to cool off, or just simply get out of the sun or rest comfortably while feeling safe. An outdoor structure doesn't have to be elaborate, especially if your pig spends limited time outdoors, but they should have somewhere they can go outdoors. You can click here to see others pig structures and/or pen ideas. Fencing MUST be secure to protect your pig from predators, like dogs. So check fencing for areas of weakness often. Trust me when I say, your pig will be checking the areas themselves.
Fresh water should be available AT ALL TIMES, this is even more important during the hot summer months as well as the cold winter times. Water freezes which can lead to water deprivation, water bowls can get too hot to the touch and the water inside can become too hot to drink, so scattering water sources throughout your yard, in addition to a kiddie pool or wallowing area for your pig is ideal to help keep them cool. In addition to the water, you should use sunscreen on your pig to prevent sunburn. Light skinned as well as dark skinned pigs are both at risk for sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can also exacerbate a short lived illness called dippity pig syndrome that you can read more about by clicking here.
The point of this page is that pigs need to go outside, even if it's only for a short time, they need to explore and be pigs. As stated above, this is a NEED, not a WANT.
For now, please understand there is a difference between NEED and WANT. Want is something you desire, Need is something you require. Need is the best word to describe outdoor time for pigs.
Pigs need sunlight to absorb certain vitamins, I'm not sure if you were aware of that or not, but that is also the same for humans. Some absorption requires Vitamin D (which we get from limited amounts of sun exposure) to properly utilize minerals and vitamins in the body.
Pigs are naturally iron deficient. Pigs root in the soil, the soil contains traces of iron which can balance any deficiency.
Pigs need exercise and fun. Bored pigs are often destructive pigs, allowing them the time to "be a pig" in the yard can prove to be pleasurable for a pig. Obviously when a pig is given more space, they have the ability to walk more. This increases circulation, it promotes healthy living, aids in digestion, helps the bowel function and also helps them burn off excessive calories. Walking around, digging and sometimes even "zooming" is ALL great for pigs! Pigs who aren't given these same opportunities tend to be lazier and less mobile, usually more arthritic as they grow older.
It has been scientifically proven that pigs that are given more space to "play" or forage around in have less aggression problems too. Most likely this is because they have the opportunity to be a pig versus being cooped up in a house with nothing to do, but nonetheless, exercise builds endorphins which is the hormones responsible for making you "feel good", I am quite sure this doesn't hurt and could certainly be viewed as a positive aspect. To read more about the study conducted using various breeds of pigs raised indoors and outdoors, click here.
Rooting is a natural instinct that can be explored in a yard. Pigs need to root. If you do not allow this behavior outdoors, your pig will likely begin rooting indoors and this can lead to life threatening intestinal obstructions as has been the case more than once in indoor pigs.
I think it would go without saying that pigs who are given the chance to root for additional food typically eat less than those who rely solely on the caretaker feeding them exclusively. When grazing and eating grass and worms (and God forbid, whatever else they find outside that we may not find so appetizing) they do have the ability to curb any hunger themselves by looking for food themselves. Don't get me wrong, they will still eat what you provide, and they'll let you know when it's time to eat...but we also know these outdoor pigs are constantly searching for food and sometimes hit the grub worm jackpot. (so to speak)
Please also take in account the weather conditions and know that in extreme weather, and really any weather, a pig needs a space where they can go to cool off, or just simply get out of the sun or rest comfortably while feeling safe. An outdoor structure doesn't have to be elaborate, especially if your pig spends limited time outdoors, but they should have somewhere they can go outdoors. You can click here to see others pig structures and/or pen ideas. Fencing MUST be secure to protect your pig from predators, like dogs. So check fencing for areas of weakness often. Trust me when I say, your pig will be checking the areas themselves.
Fresh water should be available AT ALL TIMES, this is even more important during the hot summer months as well as the cold winter times. Water freezes which can lead to water deprivation, water bowls can get too hot to the touch and the water inside can become too hot to drink, so scattering water sources throughout your yard, in addition to a kiddie pool or wallowing area for your pig is ideal to help keep them cool. In addition to the water, you should use sunscreen on your pig to prevent sunburn. Light skinned as well as dark skinned pigs are both at risk for sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can also exacerbate a short lived illness called dippity pig syndrome that you can read more about by clicking here.
The point of this page is that pigs need to go outside, even if it's only for a short time, they need to explore and be pigs. As stated above, this is a NEED, not a WANT.