Baby Pigs: Piglets Definition, Appearance, Growth

The baby pigs or piglets are cute, and small creatures, and many people find them very interesting. They are also called piglets. Here we are going to describe more about these baby pigs. But before discussing further, let us first explain what baby pigs actually are.

What Are Baby Pigs?

When a sow or female pig gives birth, then the little pigs that come out are called baby pigs or piglets. These piglets are very small when they are born. These piglets are usually born in groups, and the groups of baby pigs are called litters. A sow or female pig can have many piglets at once, sometimes can have up to 12 or more piglets.

Appearance

The baby pigs are very tiny when they are born, almost about the size of a large banana. In terms of coloration, they are typically pink and have soft, smooth skin. They also have tiny hooves, just like the mature pigs. They have a small snout, little ears, and a curly tail. Their skin color change as they grow. Some piglets may have black or brown spots on their pink skin, or sometimes they may grow darker.

Growth

Piglets typically grow very quickly after they are born. Average weight of a newborn piglet is typically around 1 kg, but within a few weeks, they can weigh much more. And these baby pigs start to look like big pigs within a few months. The piglets need to drink milk from their mother when they are small. Their mother feeds them with her milk, which is very important for their growth. Initially, the piglets drink milk from their mother about every two hours when they are newborns. And they start to eat food like corn, grain, and other special food for pigs after a few weeks.

Activities

Baby pigs are very curious and they typically love to play and explore. They are very smaller in size, but they can run around and play with each other. Like the mature pigs, the piglets also enjoy rubbing their noses (nuzzling) against each other or their mom. They also love to rest and sleep a lot (they need to do so because they are growing very fast). These piglets will start learning how to root, especially when they are a little older. They start pushing their noses into the ground to search for food (like roots, small plants, or insects). Mature pigs use this skill for finding food.

Communication

Piglets communicate with each other and to their mother by using special sounds. They can grunt, squeal, and make other noises for communication purpose with their mothers and other piglets. The piglets may squeal to let their mother know that they are hungry. They might make soft sounds when they are playing. And they do so to show that they are happy with their environment.

The piglets typically stay with their mother for about 8-12 weeks. And during this time, they learn how to eat solid food, how to drink water, and also how to stay safe from the predators. And after within a few months, these piglets become strong enough to be separated from their mother, and they begin to live on their own or with other pigs.

Importance

The baby pigs or piglets grow up to be an adult pigs, that’s why they are very important. They help the farmers by providing meat (like bacon, and pork). Pigs also help by eating leftover food and turning the foods into manure that helps the plants to grow well. Some people even keep the pigs as pets. Because the pigs are very friendly and smart animals.

Things To Know About Baby Pigs or Piglets

• The piglets are born with their eyes closed, and they can’t see at first. But after a few hours, they gradually start to open their eyes.
• The piglets are very smart. They can gradually learn tricks, find their way through mazes, and even play simple games.
• Baby pigs are very clean. Even though they live on farms, they like to keep their area clean. They typically go to the bathroom in one corner of their pen.

However, the baby pigs are adorable and smart animals. They typically grow fast, play a lot, and are very smart. And it is very fun and interesting to watch a baby pig grow up. Hope this guide has helped you. Good luck and may God bless you!

Frequently Asked Questions

People often ask several questions regarding the baby pigs or piglets. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions about piglets and trying to answer them. Hope these questions and answers will help you.