While piglets are adorable, it's crucial to plan for their future health and behavior by understanding the importance of spaying and neutering.
Neutering Male Pet Pigs
I castrate (neuter) all my male piglets not intended for breeding before they leave for their new homes at 6-8 weeks old. This procedure is simple, safe, and included in the price of our pet pigs. Neutering prevents unwanted behaviors like aggression and mounting, it also removes the risk of testicular cancer.
Spaying Female Pet Pigs
For females, the timing can be a bit trickier. While my vet recommends spaying between 4-6 months old, many families want to bring their piglet home sooner. That's why we allow unspayed females to go to their new homes, but we strongly encourage owners to budget for the procedure. Spaying costs vary, but early spaying can be less expensive than waiting.
Why Spay and Neuter?
Un-spayed females experience recurring heat cycles, often every 19-21 days. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like aggression, mood swings, and attempts to escape. It also significantly increases the risk of uterine tumors, which are often fatal. Spaying eliminates these risks and unwanted behaviors.
This is a video of one our girls, Clover, she has actually chased Josh around and tried to mount him when in heat. She will mount the other female in her pen and can be dangerous to be around when she is in heat and we are not breeding her.
Post-Operative Care
Your veterinarian will guide you on post-operative care. In my experience with Ripley, our Kunekune, she recovered well with minimal discomfort. However, each pig is different. Be sure to follow your vet's recommendations for pain management and monitor your piglet closely during recovery.
Important Note:
It's crucial to discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian to determine the best timing and approach for your individual pig.
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