Our range for pigs is modest, and we would rather say so straight away. There are seven products in this collection, chosen because they are genuinely useful when keeping a few free-range pigs or a small group: enrichment material, barn tools, a livestock prodder and injection needles. No feed, no housing and no medicines.
What is in the collection
- Anti-bite ring with hanging chain: a ring you hang in the pen, so pigs have something to chew on and play with.
- Birch tar oil from Excellent: a traditional care product; read the label for how to use it.
- 113 cm shovel (Vplast): a sturdy plastic shovel for mucking out the pen.
- Kawe livestock prodder from Kathrein: for guiding animals when moving or loading them.
- Injection needles: 1.6 cm aluminium disposable needles for piglets and lambs, and 3.8 cm metal needles.
Enrichment material is required
Pigs want to root, chew and explore. That is why, under Dutch and EU welfare rules, they must have permanent access to enrichment material they can investigate and manipulate, such as straw, hay or wood. A chain or a ring alone is not enough; see the chew ring as an addition to straw or other rooting material, not as a replacement. Without enrichment, pigs start biting each other, for example tails and ears.
Registration, even for two pigs
In many countries, a single free-range pig in the garden counts just as much for the authorities as a farm: the holding has to be registered and pig movements reported. Check the rules in your country and make sure this is sorted before the animals arrive.
Points to note with needles and prodders
Only inject with products you get through the vet, and if in doubt, under their supervision. Choose the needle length and gauge that suit the animal and the product, use clean needles and dispose of used needles safely. Use a livestock prodder calmly and as little as possible; pigs are usually easier to guide with a pig board and patience.
Other farm animals
For a wider range, see goats, sheep and cattle, where you will also find barn equipment and needles for larger animals. The overview of all species is in farm animals.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chew ring enough as enrichment material?
No. Pigs must have permanent access to material they can investigate and manipulate, such as straw or hay. A chain or ring alone is not enough.
Does a pet pig need to be registered?
In many countries, yes: even with one or two pigs, the holding must be registered and movements reported. Check the rules with the relevant authority in your country.
Do you sell medicines or feed for pigs?
No. Medicines go through your vet and pig feed is not in our range.