Newborn piglets are extremely vulnerable during the first few days of life, and they need extra attention to ensure their survival. One of the most important factors for their well-being is their environment, especially the temperature. After birth, piglets are suddenly exposed to a new world outside the warmth of their mother’s womb, and this can be a big challenge for their tiny bodies.
Maintaining the proper temperature for piglets is just as important as providing them with food and a safe space away from adult pigs. Like food, warmth is essential for their growth and survival. Separating them from adult pigs is important to prevent accidents, but keeping them warm is equally vital for their health.
Many smaller farms may face the challenge of not having access to electricity in the barn, making it harder to regulate the temperature during cold seasons. However, the absence of electricity shouldn’t discourage you from raising piglets. There are several methods available to keep piglets warm, ranging from budget-friendly options to more costly solutions for those who can invest more.
Today, I will share with you different methods you can use to keep piglets warm without relying on electricity, ensuring they grow even in challenging conditions.
Contents
Low-Budget Options
Create a shelter
Whether you have electricity or not, the priority is providing proper shelter for your piglets.
To maintain a good temperature inside, it’s important to insulate the shelter. You can do this by using materials like wood, straw bales, or even proper insulation, which helps trap heat and block wind. Keep the shelter small so the piglets stay in one spot, rather than wandering around. This helps them stay warm together.
Along with keeping the shelter insulated, it also needs to have good ventilation. This helps prevent the buildup of moisture and keeps the air fresh, which is important for the piglets’ health. So, while making sure the shelter is warm and cozy, also ensure there’s enough airflow to keep the air clean inside.
Make sure the roof is insulated to reduce heat loss from the shelter during colder times.
The walls also need to be insulated to prevent condensation.
You can use materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or stone, to build the piglets’ shelter. These materials absorb heat during the day (from the sun) and release it slowly at night, helping to regulate the temperature inside the shelter.
Use Straw or Hay Bedding
The floor is where piglets spend most of their time after birth, so it’s important to keep it warm to help heat their small bodies. A great way to do this is by using deep bedding, like straw or hay. Adding thick layers of straw or hay helps trap heat and insulate the piglets from the cold ground.
Just make sure to regularly clean and replace the bedding, as it can get damp over time. Keeping it fresh helps maintain the warmth until the piglets are no longer sensitive to the cold, which usually happens after about three weeks.
Hot Water Bottles or Heated Bricks
For farmers on a budget, another option is to use hot water bottles or heated bricks to warm the piglets’ area.
For water bottles, you just need any type of sealed container and access to hot water. Fill the containers with warm water and place them in the piglets’ bedding area. The piglets will naturally snuggle up to them for warmth when they’re cold.
You’ll need to replace the water with fresh warm water once it cools down.
Heated bricks or stones are also a simple, affordable option. You can heat them in the sun or near a fire, then place them in the piglets’ area. These materials release heat slowly, keeping the area warm for a longer time.
For heated bricks or stones, just like with the water bottles, you’ll need to reheat them each time they cool down.
Use a Heat Retention Box or Nest
One expensive option is to buy a nesting box for the piglets, but you can also make your own simple insulated wooden box.
To help trap and retain their body heat, you’ll need to insulate the floor and sides. For the floor, it’s easy—just use straw or hay, and change it regularly. For the sides and top, you can cover the box with straw or thick fabric like wool blankets. Just make sure there’s still enough airflow inside for the piglets to breathe comfortably.
Heat Retention from Sows
The sow isn’t just important for feeding the piglets, but also for keeping them warm. You can use the mother’s body heat to warm the piglets by keeping them close to her. Just gently position the piglets near their mother’s body.
Since there’s always a risk that the sow might accidentally step on or roll over her piglets, it’s a good idea to set up some barriers. This way, the piglets can stay safe while still enjoying the warmth of their mother.
Higher-Budget Options
Gas or Propane Heaters
While gas or propane heaters can be a bit pricey, they are a great investment for farms without electricity. These heaters provide steady heat without needing to replace the heat source frequently. Once installed, they work continuously throughout the cold season, and some models even allow you to set a specific temperature.
Just remember to place the heater in a well-ventilated area to avoid any harmful gas build-up. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use, and think about using a carbon monoxide detector in the barn to keep both the pigs and the environment safe.
Solar-Powered Heating Systems
Solar-powered heaters or thermal panels can be installed to provide heat by harnessing sunlight. These systems effectively distribute warmth throughout the barn, keeping your piglets cozy and safe from the cold.
While the initial investment is significant, once it’s set up, you can save on heating costs over time. Think of it this way: invest once and save on your bills in the long run. Plus, it’s a sustainable option that helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Just make sure to place the panels where they’ll get plenty of sunlight during the day.
Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are specially made for animals to keep them warm and comfortable in colder temperatures.
They’re easy to use—just lay them out in the piglets’ bedding area and let the piglets snuggle up on them. While they might cost a bit more than regular blankets, thermal blankets are designed for animal use and are durable enough to last.
Make sure to keep the blankets clean and dry so they work well, and regularly check for any damage that could reduce their warmth.
Tips for Warming Pigs Without Electricity
No matter what heating method you choose, keep these important points in mind:
- Check the Temperature Regularly: Make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Too much heat can cause overheating, while too little can lead to hypothermia.
- Ensure Proper Nutrition: Make sure your pigs are eating enough. Good nutrition helps them generate body heat, which keeps them warmer.
- Use Thick Bedding: Lay down plenty of straw or hay to insulate the pigs and trap heat. Remember to change and fluff the bedding regularly to keep it effective.
- Create a Safe Snuggling Area: Make sure the pigs have a cozy space to huddle together. This keeps them warm and also helps reduce stress.
- Watch for Signs of Distress: Keep an eye on your pigs. If they are huddled together or shivering, they may be too cold. If they are spread out and panting, they could be too hot.
- Ensure Good Airflow: Make sure there’s proper ventilation in the barn while avoiding drafts. This keeps the air fresh and reduces humidity without exposing the pigs to cold air.
- Keep the Area Dry: Make sure the barn stays dry, as wet conditions can make the pigs feel cold.
