any experience with runt pigs?

[hatchaholic]

I just got two tamworth piggies Saturday. I've always heard you shouldn't buy the runt, but I just couldn't help myself. She was just so dang cute. But, she's half the size of her sister.

We bought these pigs to use as breeders. I know buying the runt as a breeder wasn't the smartest thing. Actually, she may just end up being a pet, or maybe just used to breed occasional feeder pigs.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anybody out in BYC land has experiences with raising runts. I'd like to know what to expect. I've heard they can be less healthy and also that they don't grow to full size.

Tell me your stories...

 

[herbsherbsflowers]

Wilbur turned out to be "some pig," but of course that was just in a book.

 

[momma's chickens]

I know nothing about runt pigs, but I have to tell you my daughter just finished reading Charlotte's Web. She loved that book and I have always loved that story!

 

[chickens4jojo]

I have no advice, but have to say that they are so cute!

Best wishes with them.

 

[hatchaholic]

Charlotte's Web is the reason I have 5 pigs now. I had to wait about 30 years, but I FINALLY have my pigs.

 

[youdontknow32]

I have had 3 runt pigs, I always pick the runt, they all turned out bigger then the rest of their brothers and sisters...

...But maybe it's just me...ha.

 

[greyfields]

Sometimes they catch-up... sometimes. I'd never buy one. I'd take one if given it.

My last runt made it until the DAY BEFORE he was to be shipped in for pork. I watched him die in his pen or a heart attack or stroke of some sort. I had invested all that feed into him, which I was never able to get a return on.

I'm bitter and will never get runts again, unless give one. And if I'm given one, I'll eat the jerk at about 100# live weight so I don't get screwed again.

 

[lilchick]

When I was a kid the neighbors gave me a runt pig. I fed it scraps and whatever I could rustle up.
She grew into a nice large sow.
I sold her and bought myself a pony!

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:

That's some bitterness there alright!

 

[hatchaholic]

I agree, I'd never buy one as a feeder pig. But, I've always wanted a pet pig so I figured she'd be as good as any.

But I did read a couple of places where people said their runt pigs died just short of a year old because of heart issues. I guess we'll see what happens...