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Winter Health Reminder
by Phyllis Battoe

It's that time of year again with the changing temperatures so its good to keep a special eye on the pigs that live in our states with the cold and colder weather. This time of year the temps can go crazy...or they have here anyway. One day its 80 and the next it's cold in the 50's with a cold rain.

Outside pigs can take the cold if given good housing, but even those with good housing can be affected by the drastic change and dampness when it comes so suddenly. There have already been a bunch of calls with pigs with pneumonias.

The main thing to watch for is general lethargic pigs, ones that aren't eating with the same gusto that they have shown before and if in doubt....take that temperature!! A temperature above 101 is cause for concern. (Don't let your vet tell you that normal temperature for a pig is 102....that's normal for a farm pig , but not a potbellied pig).

Pigs don't usually cough with pneumonia...they just quit eating...the sooner you catch the problem the easier it is to fix. Pneumonia can be fixed if your on top of the problem in the beginning.

Make sure if your in the wet areas that the pigs have dry bedding...wet bedding will increase the chances for your pig getting ill. Also drafts...not a little draft, but if you have buildings where the wind can blow through that is a draft.

Hope this helps avoid the problems.

Copyrighted by Phyllis Battoe - All Rights Reserved
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