Runt and shelter

[Bfaber]

I brought two piglets home two evenings ago. One is about 13lbs while the other is only 8lbs. We bought them at an auction but unfortunately could not get ahold of the breeder to ask questions. Once we got them home we immediately put them in our indoor portion if the pig pen. It is closed off and bedded with straw and has one heat lamp. The piglets are shivering but have been fine the past few mornings. With the temperatures dropping, should I do anything else to keep them warm?

The little runt seems to be pretty happy although I've been worrying about him not being warm enough for him. He's been eating and drinking lots. Unfortunately we don't know where they were kept before but I'm pretty sure they were outside with little to no shelter.

I am also curious about vaccines or dewormer. Without knowing if they have been wormed is there anything I can safely give them? Are there any vaccines I should give them as well?

 

[jhm47]

Lots of deep, dry straw is sufficient. Make sure they are eating a very high-density ration with plenty of fat for energy. I would use ivomec as a general parasiticide. It will get the worms and also any external parasites that they might have. Mange is a terrible thing for pigs, and makes them itch. As for vaccinations, I'd go with erysipelas and anthrax. Good luck!