Porcine

Handling Porcines

Handling porcines can be a challenge as they are very strong and willful. When trying to move porcines, never pull them - always push.

A rope "snare" is slipped over the top snout and behind the teeth, and tied to a heavy post. Porcines have a tendency to pull back when tied which will make it easier to work with them; they will protest, however, and loudly!

Health Care for Porcines

Maintenance

When properly cared for, most porcines tend to be hearty, healthy animals. Sanitary housing, clean pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly reduce health problems. During daily contact with porcines, watch for any unusual physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating a sick porcine include: poor appetite, weakness or staggering, labored breathing, or abnormal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed. Porcines may need their hooves trimmed, particularly older porcines that are less mobile. A Beastcrafter teach the proper way to perform this procedure. Male porcines will also need to have their teeth trimmed every two to three months. This is important as teeth can cause severe injury to others during play and normal daily activities. A Beastcrafter can also teach the proper procedures for trimming teeth.

Common health problems

• Colds - Porcines, like people, are susceptible to colds, particularly if their shelter is drafty or if they're exposed to rapid temperature changes. Symptoms include loss of appetite, listlessness, coughing, and discharge from eyes. A fever may also be present for a couple of days. If symptoms persist or grow worse, consult a Beastcrafter.

• Limping - Due to their abnormally large weight, porcines will often suffer from stiff and sore joints. This is basically a form of joint ailment, and some porcines will grow out of it, others will only get worse with time. Unfortunately it is often incurable, but you can ease your porcines discomfort with pain relievers generally used with humans. If a porcine is limping, check to make sure there is nothing caught in his/her hoof. If it continues for more than a few days, consult a Beastcrafter for appropriate treatments and pain relievers.

• Worms - Though good sanitation will greatly reduce worm problems, you should still have your porcines checked regularly for worms. Loss of weight and greatly increased feed consumption are signs of worm infestations. Medication to treat worms in geese can be obtained from a Beastcrafter.

• Hoof Infections - Hoof infections are a very common problem among porcines because of their excessive weight. Symptoms include: limping, swelling of foot, foul smelling discharge and bleeding. If any of these symptoms are noticed, consult a Beastcrafter. If left untreated, infections will become progressively worse. It is very important that treatments be followed aggressively, as hoof infections can spread quickly and can cause serious problems for porcines.

• Heat Exhaustion - Porcines suffer greatly from the heat mostly due to their inability to sweat. Symptoms of heat exhaustion would include: elevated temperature, weakness, muscle tremors, labored breathing, lethargic staring, vomiting, and collapse. Contact a Beastcrafter immediately if any of these symptoms are noticed. Meanwhile, it is important to cool the porcine off as quickly as possible. There are several ways to reduce a porcine's temperature: hose him or her down with cool water, apply cold packs around neck, chest and between back legs. Beastcrafters may recommend that the porcine be given a cold water enema, however this will prevent getting an accurate body temperature for the porcine. Be sure to move the porcine out of direct sunlight; if he or she cannot be moved, set up a temporary shade shelter with tarps or sheets.

Nutritional Needs of Porcines

Water

Clean, fresh water must always be available to procines. Porcines need lots of water, but they tend to dirty their water so it is not recommended having a large water container. A thick, pliable container is best. If porcines constantly spill their water, build a wooden frame around the container and stake it into the ground.

Feed

The following formula is recommended for mixing porcine feed: 3 parts corn; 3 parts oats; and 1 part soymeal. Young porciness (up to 6 months) should have a feed with more protein -- add 1 part more soymeal. Porcines, particularly young ones, like moist food so the grain mixture may be moistened with milk.

A lush, grassy pasture will provide procines with all of their green needs. However, since porcines have the wonderful habit of "rooting" (digging up pasture), it may be wiser to supplement (and save your pasture) by giving porcines hay.

Treats and leftovers are always a favorite for porcines. However, to ensure a properly balanced diet, it is not recommended using leftovers as the main food source.

Physiology of Porcines

The average lifespan for a porcine is approximately 6 to 10 turns. However, health problems relating to their excessive weight are not uncommon and may reduce their lifespan by a few turns. Mature female porcines (sows) and mature male porcines (boar, if uncastrated, barrow if castrated) generally weigh between 700-1000 pounds. The normal body temperature for porcines ranges from 101.6° to 103.6°F.

Shelter Requirements for Porcines

Building

A larger building or small barn (a minimum of 16' x 16') makes a fine shelter for porcines. Always provide porcines with plenty of clean, dry straw for bedding. Remove damp and soiled straw daily, replacing it with fresh straw. Spreading lime over wet areas will help keep the shelter dry.

The shelter should be waterproof and well ventilated, especially in warm weather. Porcines do not sweat and can suffer greatly in extreme heat. For cold weather, it is important to keep porcines warm. If it is difficult to keep the shelter temperature above 35 degrees F, provide extra bedding straw (porcines love to burrow).

Fencing

In addition to adequate shelter, a fenced-in area is needed. The ideal fencing to use for porcines is 4 foot high.

Pasture

It is recommended to have one acre of land for every 2 porcines. For warm weather, the fenced area must have plenty of shade. Porcines love water, so a pond or mudhole is recommended, especially in hot climates. Ponds or mud holes should have fresh water that can be flushed out, as stagnant water will lead to potential health problems.