Things You'll Need:
- Sharp set of pet groomers with guides.
- Heavy extension cord.
- Clean pigs.
- Helping hand (to keep pig from eating cord)
- Brush for the pig. We normally use one of our horse brushes.
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Step 1
Double-check the rules of your show before starting. Some shows will not allow for shaving of pigs for show. You do not want to be disqualified for shaving your pig if your show does not allow this.
You should start out with clean pigs. Dirty pigs will mess up your trimmers pretty quickly.
You will need several hours per pig the first time you trim them. Make sure you plan appropriately. You should shave them no sooner than a few days before the show. We normally shave ours about 2 days before the show.
Make sure you have a heavy duty power cord, groomers and the guides ready. It is also helpful to have a brush ready to brush the cut hair away as you go. -
Step 2
Get into the pen with the pig. You may want a helper to hold the cord so the pig does not chew on it.
If your pig is laying down, start with it that way. (Do not make it stand right now.) If your pig is standing, start with it standing. (You will look funny if you tried to force a pig to lay down.) -
Step 3
Shaving your pig for show helps better show off their musclingUsing the 1/4" guide for breeding gilts or 1/8" for the market barrows/gilts, start on their back or side and shave them against the way their hair grows. Do not go too fast as their hair is coarse, making it a little more difficult to get a clean cut than with other animals.
Continue to systematically shave your pig. Do not go any further up the head than between their ears. You also do not need to shave their bellies. As you continue to shave your pig, you will notice their muscling will look more defined. -
Step 4
Use a brush as you go to brush away the lose hair. If your pig is laying down while you start, you will need to get it to stand (or lay on the other side) to finish your job. Make sure you shave your pigs' ears and tail as well.
