How To Get Your Pig Ready To Show
Getting your pig in show shape happens long before show day. To begin with, they should be on a regular vaccination and worming program and get good quality balanced feed (around 16% protein) with clean water every day. If you’ve done these things, then about a month minimum before the show its time to really get to work! If you can, the best thing to do is to keep them in a stall or other small, mud free enclosure. From here, let’s break down the key things that you should be thinking about and doing.
Feed: The last month or so before a show, it is really important to push high protein feed to your hog. You should be feeding twice a day, around 2 pounds of feed each feeding. You want to feed close to 20% protein to help convert fat into muscle. There are many wonderful balanced feeds that you can use for this. Two popular choices are Lindner’s 632 feed or Sunglo Show Pig Feed. The last couple days before a show or you shoot your entry videos, start offering electrolytes to your animal several times a day and also always offer fresh clean water.
Whip Training: Once your animal is completely comfortable with you in a small enclosure, start walking him every day. Start with a couple minutes and build to 15- 20 minutes each day. Start in a small space and work up to large outdoor spaces. Your goal is to walk long straight lines as well as turns. You can use a tree or fence post as a focal point to pretend it is a judge. Practice like you are in a real show and practice showing your “judge” all four angles (front, back, each side) of your animal. You might start out with two whips, one for each side to help teach your animal control. Also, if your animal runs off, you can cross the whips in front of the animal’s neck to keep it under control. Treats can help this be a fun experience for both of you. If your animal does what you want, immediately reward them with a small treat (mini marshmallow, skittle, etc.) and remember, a well trained animal is made with a whole bunch of small successes. If your animal is doing well, reward them and quit for the day. Try to always end on a positive note where you are both having fun. If you’re struggling, ask for something small- when your animals does it reward them and then stop until tomorrow. You can also take a couple minute break as needed during a walking session.
Grooming: Conditioning your pig’s hair starts long before show day. You should be giving them two baths each week and keeping them somewhere that they will keep their coat clean (stall, mud free small enclosure). You should also be brushing them with a soft brush for their face and a stiffer brush for their body every day. Any shampoo works fine. If you have a white pig or pig with large white spots, a whitening shampoo like Weaver’s Whitening Shampoo will brighten their white hair and get rid of any stains. Hydro-Boost Lotion also from Weaver works really great as a daily lotion to condition their skin and hair. I like to dilute it to make a spray (1/3 lotion, 2/3 water). On show day, Formula C will add gorgeous shine to their hair that will really make them stand out. I spray it all over and then brush it in really good.
