Strange Pig Behaviour

We have three female sibling pigs 10 weeks old recently in their new home (1 week). Two of the pigs are doing fine but the smaller of the three is obviously anxious and has taken and just walking around the pen continuously. She is off her food and not taking on very much water. Can anybody advise?

That is strange. I do not recognize those symptoms, but here is what I would do until I discovered the trouble -


I would set up an area close to the others, in sight, but not connected to your first paddock to quarantine her. Next take her temperature (rectal), if she's running a temp the vet will recommend antibiotics. You can go to your local feed store and buy over the counter injectable antibiotic plus syringes. Normal temperature 38.6ºC to 39.5ºC (101.5 to 102.5ºF)
Respiratory rate at 20ºC (70ºF) 25-30 per minute.

If she is not running a temp I'd change out her feed in case she is reacting to something in the feed. Check her paddock area for biting ants, bees or other problems. Check her body for any marks or swellings.

If she still doesn't eat by tomorrow give injectable antibiotics based on her weight, and lots of extra attention. Being sick and quarantined adds extra stress on animals.

Personally, I do everything I can to avoid antibiotics but a pig off feed is serious and not something you can wait out. You can try tempting her with Gatorade (electrolytes) in her water and molasses on alfalfa pellets, but if she's seriously sick these won't tempt her.

If she doesn't seem to start improving call a vet for some advise. They are usually helpful with things you can try before they have to come out.

Watch her closely for changes or additional symptoms.

Good luck ~ let us know how it goes....

Thanks so much. She seems to have come good and is eating and drinking OK today. We wonder if she had a touch of sun stroke which is a miracle in England! (they do have shade and a wallowing hole)

Hum.... doesn't seem likely that it would be heat stroke as you said she was agitated and pacing. Plus you have shade, so I'd rule that out.
If she is now fine it could have been that she was just on heat. Some pigs get a little crazy during their cycle, none of mine but I've read stories Mark the date of this on your calendar and watch for similar symptoms in 21 days from yesterday.

Here is some info on heat stroke -

A very high respiratory rate.
Muscle trembling.
Skin red.
Weakness.
Prostration.
Vomiting.
Diarrhoea may be seen.
Rectal temperature may rise to 43?C (109?F)

Causes / Contributing factors

High temperatures.
Exposure to sunlight.
Combined with high humidity and poor ventilation in indoor housing.


Glad to hear she's snapped out of it