Wolf Teeth in Piglets

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I have read that you are supposed to clip the wolf or needle teeth of piglets to minimize discomfort to the sow and damaging other piglets in fights. At least one producer here doesn't bother with clipping. Has anyone found a difference? And do our domestic breeds of pigs develop big tusks like the wild boar if they are not done?

-- Kathy (homefarmbc@pacificcoast.net), January 11, 2002

Answers

Yes domestic hogs will develope tusks if allowed.

-- Pops (pops762@hotmail.com), January 11, 2002.

When our pigs are born we first make sure they are breathing well, clean them up, clip their teeth and then put them under the heat lamp next to mom. We had one sow deliver in the middle of the night and we missed it, got out there a few hours late. The babies were nursing and she was already red and touchy around her teats. We clipped the teeth right away.

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodigy.net), January 11, 2002.

Yes, clip those teeth. It's simple, using a pair of side cutters. While you're clipping them, you can look the piglet over thoroughly to see if he's okay, give him an iron shot if you do that (you should, especially if your hogs are confined off dirt), etc. Not a big job and it definitely pays off.

-- Rosalie (Dee) in IN (deatline@globalsite.net), January 11, 2002.

Yes Kathy .. it does make a difference. Whether they are indoors or out of doors. Clip them as soon as you can. They are still a bit soft if you clip them as soon as they are born. Your sows will appreciate it and you will appreciate it later. When they get a little older, they can really tear each others ears up if they are not clipped. Good luck! And enjoy those pigs!

-- Sher (riverdobbers@webtv.net), January 11, 2002.

I guess we are the exception. We have never clipped teeth and have had no problems.

-- Mona in OK (modoc@ipa.net), January 11, 2002.


Mona, we never clip and have never had problems either! We keep a few back to raise for meat each year. Maybe it's something to do with Oklahoma pigs. HA! Good luck to all.

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 12, 2002.

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