Just in case you find yourself victim of a scrupulous sale and end up with an adorable but very young baby potbelly, then tread carefully and consider the following few suggestions to help you with the parenting. First, at all times be aware and keep reminding yourself that the baby pig was taken away from the mother way too early in its life. The poor babe certainly hasn’t been introduced to eating and doesn’t know how to! It is probably still fretting and misses the mother and siblings. This little piglet of yours is going to take all you can offer to get over the confusing, scary and lonely feeling. Be sensitive. Create a play pen that can keep the babe safe and confined.
Dedicated baby pig care:
It is natural for the babe to take a while to create a strong bond with the master and other family members. The mortality rate of raising a one week old piglet is no more than 50% and not at all good in the case of babies. The piglet will adjust in time, but you need to be dedicated to its needs and be very patient with the baby.
Piglets should be raised in a playpen, to prevent them from picking up things that are unsafe for them. The play pen should be such that it can offer the baby the required heat. This requirement is of utmost importance because unlike other animals, baby pigs do not generate their own body heat for at least the first two weeks of life! The mother is equipped by nature to take care of this special want. The ideal temperature to be maintained in the play pen should be 90 degrees. You can generate this heat by placing a heating pad, wrapped in a towel in the playpen. The wrapped heating pad is quite close to the heat extended by the mother’s body.
Surround the babe with soft blankets and a soft stuffed toy or two, to sleep with. Nothing better than a stuffed or rubber piggy! You could also try stuffing a pillow cover with dry beans and knot the top. This make shift ‘mama’ can be warmed in the microwave when and as required! Continue reading
