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Watch the pigs as they cycle through our small seasonal operation in Southeast Washington State. Mama pigs that are in a farrow crate or pen will have their names appear in the top left corner of the video as the cameras rotate. Camera scenes will change every 15 seconds except for when one of the mom's is about to farrow. Scroll down this page to check out screen shots from this video feed.
More photos of animals and life around this area on my Facebook.
Weather Station at this location.
How do the pigs get water?
We use stainless steal water nipples by Trojan and Monoflo connected directly to a 15 psi line for the most clean and fresh water supply.
Why the farrow crate?
1. Farrowing crates are restrictive pens that prevent the sow from turning around, and which aim to reduce the risk of the sow lying on and crushing her newborn piglets.
2. The crate allows us to safely handle the piglets and give them the necessary shots to prevent disease and low iron.
3. The crate also allows us to give the sow a shot of penicillin if she develops an infection after she farrows. When the piglets are around 3 weeks and we feel it's safe to do so we will move the sow and piglets out of the crate and into a pen.
Why heat lamps for piglets? Piglets are born without the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. They also need a warm environment to thrive, and a heat lamp can provide a localized, warm space for them. As they get older they will be less dependent of a heat source. Heat lamps in our farrow house are thermostat controled and will turn off automatically on warmer days.
Pig Terms:
Gilt - A young female that has not produced her first litter.
Sow - A female who has produced her first litter
Farrow - To give birth.
Boar - Uncastrated male.
Barrow - Castrated male.
Why castrate boars?
Male pigs are commonly castrated to prevent "boar taint," an undesirable odor and flavor that can develop in the meat of uncastrated male pigs (boars) as they mature. Castration also reduces aggressive behaviors and sexual activity, making them easier to manage in group settings.
Why do pigs like mud?
Pigs roll in mud for several reasons, primarily to cool down as they lack sweat glands and to protect their skin from sunburn and insects. With Eastern Washington's hot summer days (90+°) the mud hole is a necessity to keep the pigs alive and healthy.
Check out the live sheep cam here.
More photos of animals and life around this area on my Facebook.
Weather Station at this location.
How do the pigs get water?
We use stainless steal water nipples by Trojan and Monoflo connected directly to a 15 psi line for the most clean and fresh water supply.
Why the farrow crate?
1. Farrowing crates are restrictive pens that prevent the sow from turning around, and which aim to reduce the risk of the sow lying on and crushing her newborn piglets.
2. The crate allows us to safely handle the piglets and give them the necessary shots to prevent disease and low iron.
3. The crate also allows us to give the sow a shot of penicillin if she develops an infection after she farrows. When the piglets are around 3 weeks and we feel it's safe to do so we will move the sow and piglets out of the crate and into a pen.
Why heat lamps for piglets? Piglets are born without the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. They also need a warm environment to thrive, and a heat lamp can provide a localized, warm space for them. As they get older they will be less dependent of a heat source. Heat lamps in our farrow house are thermostat controled and will turn off automatically on warmer days.
Pig Terms:
Gilt - A young female that has not produced her first litter.
Sow - A female who has produced her first litter
Farrow - To give birth.
Boar - Uncastrated male.
Barrow - Castrated male.
Why castrate boars?
Male pigs are commonly castrated to prevent "boar taint," an undesirable odor and flavor that can develop in the meat of uncastrated male pigs (boars) as they mature. Castration also reduces aggressive behaviors and sexual activity, making them easier to manage in group settings.
Why do pigs like mud?
Pigs roll in mud for several reasons, primarily to cool down as they lack sweat glands and to protect their skin from sunburn and insects. With Eastern Washington's hot summer days (90+°) the mud hole is a necessity to keep the pigs alive and healthy.
Check out the live sheep cam here.
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