12/28/2024
What makes a good trim area when trimming your pet pigs and WHY.
Good afternoon everyone! I am sharing this in hopes to help you, help me in making sure your pigs hoof trim goes as safely and smoothly as possible. Too many times(once is too many!!) I have had to deny trimming pigs due to unsafe trimming environments.
Trim pen size.
The smaller, the better! In our message that goes out before trimming, it says 5x5 or smaller. In my opinion, 5x5 is still too big! The more room your pig has to move, the more likely they are to injure themselves or the humans around them. For me, I like the pens longer than they are wide. 4x2-3 is perfect!
Outside pigs
For those of you with outside pigs, I really really encourage you to make a more permanent area for trimming. Trimming happens frequent enough, and especially with the weather here in the great state of Texas, a water resistant area under shade with clean footing(stall mats are best!) is very important. I refuse appointments constantly due to weather. Pigs have gone multiple cycles without hoof care for this reason. This leads to prolonged pain, cracks in the hooves, and less mobility for the pigs. This lowers their quality of life by straining ligaments and joints.
Indoor pigs.
A living room isn’t containment. They are usually larger than 5x5 and have end tables, chairs, book shelves etc for the pigs to run into, knock over, get hurt on. This adds to the stress levels of the pigs and the chance of injury rises. Hallways are great! Small bathrooms are great! Mud rooms are great! Small spaces, slick floors, clear of objects are what we like to work in.
Our goal is to flip, trim, and care for your pig/s as safely and quickly as possible while keeping the quality of care high! This is why I’m making this post. It saddens me when I have to refuse or reschedule an appointment due to preventable measures. Understandably pigs are smartasses and do escape their pens and eat or mud bath or do something that prevents me from safely caring for your animal. It happens. It’s hard to build Fort Knox for these guys. Totally get it! But many times I show up and no measures have been taken.
Stall mats make great flooring! They are hard but have give, and if they get wet that dry easily. Solid walls are best so pigs don’t stick legs, noses, tusks, or heads and get stuck in them. Shade is important, especially in the summer!!! A temporary roof works just fine. Keep the area cooler or dry if raining. A fan in the summer helps as well.
This year, I am doing more to take care of myself. If I don’t, I can’t take care of your pigs. So I need your help to make sure I can keep doing that. I’m more than happy to help you come up with some ideas on trim pens or areas to make this work. Let’s work together to keep your pigs happy, healthy, and safe during each and every appointment!!
Www.mohrmethodgroup.com
