How to Neuter Pigs

Three little pigs

Ideally, domestic baby pigs should be neutered before they are 21 days old. Because they are easier handle, heal faster, and are less stressed by the procedure while very young. This recommendation refers only to domestic pigs typically raised for pork. Some examples of domestic pigs are Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire. The recommended age to neuter, a pot-bellied pig or a guinea pig is from four to six months old. While the basic procedure is the same, these pets have health concern not common to the domestic pig. Therefore, these pet pigs typically require sutures and antibiotic treatment after neutering. Pigs of all ages can be neutered these are just the recommended ages for the healthiest and easiest outcome for the animals. How do you neuter pigs?

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife with
• Size 11 blade on a #3 handle
• Iodine or iodine spray
• Antibiotic powder or Blue Coat
• Two small buckets
• Disinfectant or bleach
• Cotton balls (optional)

Instructions

1. Gather needed supplies to the area where you intend to neuter the pigs. You will need your utility knife, antibiotic powder, iodine, cotton balls, and a bucket to collect the removed testicles. You also need a bucket containing water and disinfectant to disinfect your knife after each pig.

2. Hold the pig by the hind feet letting its head hang. Do this when it is about three days old. You need to see the scrotum clearly to neuter the pig. Therefore, it needs to be upside down or on its back. Most people hang the pig upside down. Large pig farms may use a metal holding device that fits around the pig and holds it stationary and upside down. At this age, you can probably do this alone. If you wait until the pig is two weeks old, you may need someone else to help you or hold it for you. When neutering an older pig lay it on its side and have an adult press on the shoulder to hold it down. Other steps are the same.

3. Swab the scrotum area with iodine. Some people mix up a solution of iodine and water and put it in a squirt bottle. Then squeeze a little out onto the pig's scrotum before making the incision. There is also an iodine spray available that may be easier to use.

4. Locate the testicles and push them up with your thumb. Make your incisions over the top of each testicle. Do not cut straight down but across from the front towards the anus. You only need to cut through enough layers to reach the testicle. The incision only needs to be long enough to pop the each testicle out through the opening. Lower incisions allow for better drainage.

5. Push the testicles through using thumb pressure.

6. Grasp each testicle between your thumb and your index finger and pull on it until the cord breaks. Be careful not to let the second testicle slip back down while you are removing the first. Do not cut the cord.

7. Spray the incisions with Blue Coat or antibiotic powder.

8. 

   Return the piglet to the sow. It should calm down immediately. Make sure the area is clean to reduce the risk of infection.

9. 

   Remember, if you have a pet pig like a pot-bellied or guinea pig the procedure is almost the same but done at an older age. There is also an increased risk of hernia and infection in these pigs. If any pig develops the scours after neutering you may need to administer antibiotics.

Tips & Warnings

• The lower you make the incision the better the drainage.

• Neutering pigs when a few days old causes less stress, bleeding, and tissue damage.

• Keep the pen clean to help avoid infection.

• Beginners should have a veterinarian or other skilled person demonstrate the proper techniques.

• Contact your veterinarian if pigs get the scours after neutering there may be an infection.

• If piglets are weak the added stress may cause death.

Resources

• Baby Pig Management
• Video of piglet castration
• Processing baby pigs