Practical Pigs Magazine Buying the burly Pietrain Back Issue

AS WE HEAD towards the season of lower
temperatures, higher winds and heavier rain, those of
you keeping pigs over winter for the first time will be
facing new challenges. But, as long as you can
continue providing the basics – fresh water, good feed
and decent, sheltered bedding – your pigs should
remain pretty happy whatever the weather decides
to throw at them. For keepers, though, the short days,
plunging temperatures and the unrelenting mud can
be far more of a challenge.
Nevertheless, we’re all duty-bound to make the
best of things, and to continue providing the levels of
attention for the animals under our care, whatever
the weather; that’s the deal. It’s all about responsibility
and, hard and inconvenient though it may be to get
out there to break the ice on water troughs on
freezing mornings, or scrabble about on your hands
and knees replenishing the straw in the ark, this is
what you must do.
Your pigs are dependent upon you for their health
and well-being, so don’t let your husbandry routines
slip this winter, however cold and unpleasant the
weather may get. Be organised, equip yourself with
the right clothing and be determined to relish the
bracing pleasures that are to come!
Chris Graham, Editor