Keeping Piglets Warm

[Paul]

We estimate that our sow is going to be giving birth in a couple of weeks. This is the first time we are going to be dealing with a sow giving birth on our farm. We don't have a heated birthing shack here, and we're a little afraid of what might happen if it's still cold out.

Given that piglets can't regulate their own temperature for the first 24-48 hours, do you all have suggestions on how we can keep the piglets warm for the first day or two? We want to be prepared to do whatever we need to in order to take care of the little guys when they arrive.

 

[Nathaniel]

Could you possibly put the sow and piglets in a confined space and use heat lamps to keep them warm? They'll stay warm that way, and you won't need to worry about trying to warm a large barn.

 

[Logan]

Heat lamps are a good idea. You can also provide them with livestock bedding. You can use hay, straw, or leaves for bedding. I like the idea of using leaves. You can save them up from your Fall raking and put them to good use.