Approaching pigs in paddocks and pens, moving pigs between pens and for transport
Pigs will often need to be moved between pens for day-to-day management, and like most animals, they also have a flight zone. This will vary depending on factors such as the age or how tame the animal is. When a person penetrates this zone, the animal will turn and move away. Younger pigs tend to have a larger flight zone than older pigs.
Pigs have a wide-angled vision and this enables them to see behind themselves without turning their heads. When approaching the pig, use calm and low stress techniques as any sudden quick movements would alert the pig and they will see this as a threat and move away.
With a wide vision, much of their responses are visually mediated. Pig handling boards can be used to facilitate the movement of pigs. This is a panel or wood or metal with a handle built across the top.
To move a pig:
Place a solid panel in front of the pig. This causes it to stop moving forward and back up slowly.
It is important to:
Pigs have a wide-angled vision and this enables them to see behind themselves without turning their heads. When approaching the pig, use calm and low stress techniques as any sudden quick movements would alert the pig and they will see this as a threat and move away.
With a wide vision, much of their responses are visually mediated. Pig handling boards can be used to facilitate the movement of pigs. This is a panel or wood or metal with a handle built across the top.
To move a pig:
Place a solid panel in front of the pig. This causes it to stop moving forward and back up slowly.
It is important to:
- Be calm and patient with the pigs.
- Don’t push or crowd it with the board or they can get stressed and once that happens, they will try to turn and move away.
- Don’t rush or yell at the pigs or this will cause them to panic and stress, making it more difficult to work with.