Piglets pile up together mainly for warmth, comfort, and security.

Here are the main reasons:

1. Thermoregulation (keeping warm):
   Newborn piglets can’t regulate their body temperature well. They lose heat quickly, especially if the farrowing area is cool, so piling up helps them conserve body heat.
2. Instinct for safety:
   In the wild, piglets huddle close for protection from predators. Even in a domestic setting, this instinct remains, so they feel safer in a group.
3. Bonding and comfort:
   Staying close provides tactile comfort. It helps reduce stress and keeps them calm, especially in the first days of life.
4. Indicator of environment:
   Farmers often check piglet behavior as a clue to conditions:

1. Piling up tightly → the pen is likely too cold.
2. Spread out evenly → the temperature is just right.
3. Away from each other, panting → it’s too hot.

👉 So, piling together is normal, but if they’re always tightly clumped, it may signal that they need extra warmth (like heat lamps or bedding).