When a sow (female pig) is about to farrow (give birth)

🐖 Environment & Housing

Clean pen: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the farrowing area before farrowing.

Dry bedding: Provide clean, dry straw or shavings (avoid slippery floors).

Warmth: Piglets cannot regulate body temperature well. Use a heat lamp or heating pad in one corner, keeping it around 32–35°C (90–95°F) for the first week.

Creep area: Create a warm, safe zone where piglets can rest away from the sow (to prevent crushing)..

🍼 Immediate Care After Birth

Clear airways: If piglets are born with mucus, gently wipe the nose and mouth to help them breathe.

Dry piglets: Rub them with a towel or cloth to stimulate circulation.

Navel care: Dip the umbilical cord in iodine solution to prevent infections.

🧪 Health Management

Iron: Piglets are born with little iron; at 3–5 days old, give an iron injection (or provide iron-rich soil if traditional/free-range).

Teeth & tails (optional): In commercial settings, needle teeth clipping and tail docking are sometimes done to prevent injury—but this depends on local welfare rules.

Record keeping: Note birth weights, litter size, and health status.

⚠️ Monitoring & Safety

Watch for crushing: Sows may accidentally lie on piglets; farrowing crates or guard rails can reduce this risk.

Check sow’s health: Ensure the sow passes the placenta, is not overly stressed, and has clean water and feed.