What is the Link Between Pigs’ Tails and Christmas Trees?
The provision of enrichment – for example, straw to root around in - is an important part of pig welfare and a requirement of the RSPCA’s welfare standards.
We spoke to Lucy about why she’s so proud to be an RSPCA Assured member and she shared her thoughts on what makes her pigs happy.
How Do People React When You Tell Them You’re a Pig Farmer?
I often ask people I've just met to guess what job I do - and they think I might be a nurse or work in a caring profession. I'm rather pleased when they say this as it's a really big part of what I do - it's just I don't care for people, I look after pigs!
The most important part of what I do is ensuring the pigs are kept well, they’re healthy, and that I nurture them and take care of their needs.
There’s nothing better as a pig farmer to have happy and content pigs. It makes my job really enjoyable. Pigs are such good company, especially as when they’re happy and well-cared for, they are a joy to be around.
Can You Tell If Your Pigs Are Happy From Their Behaviour?
I keep a close eye on my pigs’ behaviour to see what their mood is and check they’re happy. One of the ways you can tell is that they wag their tails like dogs!
This often happens when they’re eating as we’re all happy when we eat, and especially so for pigs. But they also do it when they’re enjoying themselves with the enrichment we add to their environment.
I have fewer pigs on my farm now than when I first started as I rear pigs for breeding which are called ‘gilts’. One of the benefits of this is that I can get to really know their different characters especially as they get older.
There’s nothing better as a pig farmer to have happy and content pigs. It makes my job really enjoyable and just makes me feel better about life. Sometimes you can hear the pigs snoring really loudly and you think, yes, that’s a very relaxed pig!
Do You Think Your Pigs Have Favourite Forms of Enrichment?
They really enjoy enrichment and straw is their favourite thing to play in and with - they dive into it and take big chunks that they carry around in their mouths like very proud pigs!
When they get older I make a big toy out of two water pipes as they’re difficult for the pigs to chew and destroy. I hang them from the ceiling and they are obsessed with them!
After I have put down straw for them I can see hours later that the straw has been pushed to the side as they have been playing with their new toy constantly.
I also really like giving the pigs natural enrichment and I’ve found they’re really keen on Christmas trees. I ask all my friends to let me have their old natural Christmas trees once they have finished with them and the pigs are delighted. There’s lots of tail wagging!
They chew the trees, bite the branches off and roll around on the pine needles - which is nice for me as it makes the sheds smell lovely!
The other enrichment my pigs have is music. When the young piglets come in they really seem to like classical music and it creates a calming atmosphere.
I’ve noticed when they get older they prefer Radio 1. They seem to enjoy the talking - and maybe the more upbeat tunes!
Pigs Are Very Intelligent Animals - Have You Noticed Any of Your Pigs Doing Anything Particularly Clever?
Their intelligence definitely keeps you on your toes as they often work things out much more quickly than you might expect.
I have this little piglet at the moment who squeals very loudly with excitement when she sees me leave the door after cleaning: she knows I’ll be putting fresh straw into her pen.
The first time she did it I was worried that there was something wrong, but when you see her playing with the straw and how excited she is, I can really see that she has made the connection. It’s very sweet.
I’ve seen pigs reared in lower welfare systems and it makes me sad to think that some pigs will never experience straw. It’s like their own duvet, a soft bed and a toy all in one.
Do You Have Any Other Little-known Facts About Pigs?
It always amuses me as people think pigs just snort and oink - but they can also bark!
When they are startled or a bit surprised by something, they all run off making a barking noise.
What Would You Encourage People to Think About When They’re Choosing What Food to Buy?
When people make choices about what to eat - I really want them to care about higher welfare.
For me, caring for my pigs to the RSPCA Assured standards is the only right way to do it.
I know some people will say that a farmed pig can’t be a happy pig, but you really can see the difference that higher welfare farming makes.
As well as taking care of their needs, it’s important to me that they enjoy their life - and straw and enrichment are essential.
Your Choices Make a Difference
By choosing RSPCA Assured products when you’re out shopping you help farm animals to have a better life. RSPCA Assured standards mean higher welfare for farmed animals from pigs, to sheep, turkeys, salmon, cows, chickens and egg-laying hens. Take action by lobbying your supermarket to only sell higher welfare produce.
About the author
Jodie - Website Manager
Jodie is RSPCA Assured's Website Manager.