PIG CARE GUIDE

Congratulations on Your New Idaho Pasture Pig!

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Thank you for choosing an Idaho Pasture Pig from Ebenezer Farms! Our piglets are raised with daily handling, quality nutrition, and plenty of socialization to help them become friendly, easy-to-manage companions. This guide will help you provide the best possible care as your piglet settles into its new home.

Feeding

Bottle Feeding (If Applicable)

Most piglets leave our farm fully weaned. However, if you’ve purchased a bottle baby, continue feeding according to the schedule provided at pickup.

Always feed milk warm using clean bottles and nipples. Never force-feed a weak piglet.

Monitor your piglet’s weight, energy level, and appetite daily. Every piglet grows at a different pace, so feeding amounts should be adjusted based on the individual pig.

Weaned Piglets

Once weaned, your piglet should receive a quality 18–20% grower pig feed divided into two meals per day.

Provide:

• Fresh, clean water at all times

• Free-choice minerals if recommended

• Fresh pasture for grazing and rooting whenever possible

Treats should only be given in moderation.

Safe treats include:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Whole oats

• Pumpkin

• Watermelon

• Squash

Avoid moldy food, spoiled food, excessive sugary treats, and anything toxic to pigs.

Water

Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Piglets can become dehydrated quickly, especially during hot weather. Check water sources daily to ensure they remain clean and full.

Housing

Provide your pig with:

• A dry shelter protected from wind and rain

• Plenty of clean bedding such as straw

• Shade during warm weather

• Protection from drafts during winter

• Secure fencing designed for pigs

Idaho Pasture Pigs are excellent grazers and generally respect fencing when introduced properly.

Pasture Management

Idaho Pasture Pigs thrive on pasture.

For best pasture health:

• Rotate grazing areas regularly.

• Avoid allowing pastures to become overgrazed.

• Provide supplemental feed even when pasture is abundant.

• Offer shade during hot weather.

• Mud wallows can help pigs regulate body temperature during summer.

Health Care

Observe your pig daily.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Loss of appetite

• Persistent diarrhea

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Lameness

• Weakness

• Fever

• Refusal to drink water

Routine parasite control and vaccinations should be discussed with your veterinarian based on your location and management practices.

Preventing Heat Stress

Unlike many animals, pigs do not sweat efficiently.

During warm weather:

• Always provide shade.

• Ensure unlimited fresh water.

• Allow access to a mud wallow or another way to cool down.

• Avoid transporting pigs during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.

Signs of heat stress include heavy panting, weakness, reluctance to move, or collapse.

Socialization

Idaho Pasture Pigs are intelligent, curious, and highly social animals.

They thrive when:

• Handled regularly.

• Given enrichment.

• Allowed to root and explore.

• Raised with another pig whenever possible.

Spend time with your pig every day to build trust and confidence.

Weaning

Piglets from Ebenezer Farms are generally weaned around 6 weeks of age, provided they are:

• Eating grower feed well.

• Drinking water independently.

• Maintaining healthy weight gain.

• Active, energetic, and thriving.

Continue monitoring weight and appetite during the first two weeks after bringing your piglet home.

Common Health Concerns

Diarrhea

Can occur from stress, sudden feed changes, or illness. Keep your pig hydrated and contact your veterinarian if diarrhea persists.

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Chilling

Young piglets can lose body heat quickly. Keep them warm and dry, especially during cool weather or transportation.

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Heat Stress

Piglets overheat easily during summer. Always provide shade, water, and cooling opportunities.

Supplies We Recommend

Before bringing your piglet home, we recommend having:

• ✓ 18–20% grower pig feed

• ✓ Heavy water bucket or automatic waterer

• ✓ Straw bedding

• ✓ Secure fencing

• ✓ Livestock thermometer

• ✓ Electrolytes

• ✓ Basic first-aid supplies

• ✓ Shade or shelter

Helpful Tips

• Handle your pig daily.

• Introduce new foods gradually.

• Keep feeding times consistent.

• Rotate pastures whenever possible.

• Observe your pig every day so you’ll quickly notice any changes in health or behavior.

• Idaho Pasture Pigs enjoy companionship and do best with another pig whenever possible.

We’re Here to Help

Purchasing an Idaho Pasture Pig from Ebenezer Farms means you’re part of our farm family. If you ever have questions about feeding, housing, pasture management, or general pig care, we’re always happy to help.

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Ebenezer Farms
Preston, Idaho

📧 info@ebenezerfarms.com
🌐 www.ebenezerfarms.com

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We hope you enjoy many wonderful years with your Idaho Pasture Pig!