Pigs are notoriously known for their rooting and their effectiveness to execute it. Many pigs can root under fences when they want to escape due to many reasons.
Pigs would desire to escape their living enclosure if they are bored, lonely, curious or if they are simply not being satisfied by the way they are being raised or cared for.
They can be surprisingly good escape artists as we would sometimes ignore them when they are rooting the earth because it is normal behavior.
Little do we know, the pig is already preparing its escape path by going under your fences.
To prevent this, we listed some helpful ways to stop pigs from rooting under fences.
1. Use wood or any solid concrete to build your fences instead of wires
A determined pig can bend and break common materials used in fencing such as wires even ones made with hog wires. They can even try to chew it off until it breaks just so they can make their escape.
By using thick wood or any other solid material that pigs cannot easily breakthrough, you can be secured that your pig will eventually quit rooting.
They may not give it up but you can catch them in time before they can actually escape.
Wooden fences will also most likely last longer and are sturdier compared to wire fences. Wires may break on its own over time and can be weakened faster than wood.
When a pig stumbles upon a loose wire they will immediately take advantage of the situation as pigs are known to be opportunistic animals. They will not hesitate to go if they see an exit.
2. Four types of electric fences to counter a pig’s rooting
We all know how helpful electrical fencing can be, but what exactly is the best options for you and your pigs? The choices can differ depending on your enclosure setup.
Pigs can be found covered in mud and that can actually help protect them from the electrical shock which is why we need to consider their environment and sizes too.
Owners must prepare a fence with a strong enough shock that will stop pigs from rooting under a fence.
- Solar powered chargers — perfect for areas that do not have AC power and have self-contained batteries
- Plug-in (AC) fence chargers — an all around charger for the common type of fencing and must be placed near power outlets
- Battery-powered (DC) fence chargers — suitable for remote locations
- Low impedance fence chargers — ideal charger for large animals and weedy areas, can also shock through mud covered pigs
3. Set up a second level of defense by installing fences with solid barriers
Despite putting up sturdy wooden fences armed with electrical chargers, it may still not be enough to stop a persistent pig! By putting up a wall behind the fences, they can be discouraged.
This is very helpful as it will permanently stop the pigs from trying to break through or root underneath the fences.
Pigs may have poor vision but they know a wall when they see one. This is great option if you are keeping pigs in a permanent location as walls can serve as permanent barricades.
This is effective even against large pigs and can keep predators and other animals out. This can save you the trouble of rebuilding broken fences over and over.
4. Type of lifestyle preferred by pigs that keep them away from fences
One way to stop a pig from rooting under the fences is by providing them enough space to roam and explore. Pigs are naturally curious animals and would love having freedom to walk big areas.
They are the type of animals that won’t stay in one spot all the time.
Once a pig discovers there’s more to the world than their life inside tight spaced fences, they will go after the outside world by rooting under fences.
You can avoid this by simply giving them proper space. Majority of pigs need a minimum of 400 square feet each for pasture as recommended by the University of Arkansas Extension.
When these minimum requirements are met, pigs are less likely to try rooting under a fence because they do not feel isolated and bored.
Pigs will possibly ignore the fences if they are living properly.
5. Ways to properly discipline your pig to discourage rooting
Sometimes, all it takes is proper behavioral correction. Pigs are actually herd animals and they also have an “alpha” in their group. Some pigs tend to be dominant and territorial too.
If you show your pig that you are the “dominant” one they will tend to be more obedient than usual.
Now, when we say “dominance” and “discipline”, it doesn’t really need to be harsh and cruel for the pig.
There are simple ways to discipline a pig and let them know they should be obeying their owners.
By using vocal communication, pigs can identify if a person is mad or sad. There is even a possibility that they can understand some of the words we tell them.
Use a sharp tone of voice and tell them “NO” directly when you catch them rooting near the fences. Make sure your facial expression matches your sharp tone as they can probably read your emotions too.
They are actually the fourth most intelligent animal in the world and they can be as emotional as us therefore, verbal disciplining can be effective for them.
You can also take advantage of their emotional side by rewarding them with treats if they stop doing the things you do not want them to do.
6. Tips to keep your pig distracted from the fence or entertained
Apart from providing adequate space, there are more ways to keep them away from the fence.
Pigs are social animals and would enjoy their time more if they have a companion to play with. They can be entertained by their companion for as long as you can imagine!
The lonelier a pig is, the more likely they will want to escape.
It does not have to be specifically another pig. Pigs can get along with many other animals even dogs. If you have other domestic pets, you can try letting them get along with each other.
You can also be the one to keep them happy by establishing a proper bond of friendship with your pig. So long as they know you are their owner or family / friend, the pig would not think about leaving the fence.
It means they should have a reason to want to stay within the fence.
Having all their needs provided by properly taking care of them is one reason for pigs to stay and not try to escape.
If a pig has everything they need, why would they leave? Their curiosity is satisfied, their entertainment is maintained, their social life is complete and their health plus diet is always looked after!
Sometimes, it can be as simple as that.
However, every pig can behave differently and may be unpredictable which is why having electrical fences and a second or final line of defense is helpful when keeping your pigs in.
Related Questions
- What kind of toys can keep pigs entertained?
Most pigs love motion toys and light objects that they can easily nudge,
lift or chase around. This means they will enjoy different kinds of balls to
play with.
Pigs are actually not hard to please and they will enjoy many toys similar to
toddler toys.
They will also like sound based toys because pigs do not have great eyesight
and they rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing.
Pigs will also enjoy “hide and seek with treats”. You can leave safe
toys that can contain the treats and the pig has to look around for their
treat. This is actually a good way to stimulate a pig and keep them from being
bored.
They can also be provided with stuffed toys, dolls and figurines that they can
have fun with. Make sure the toy is not small enough for them to accidentally
swallow or sturdy enough not to break into tiny pieces.
Straws, unused clothes and other long yet soft objects can also keep them
entertained. So long as the object is not pointy, filthy or dangerous for a
pig, it should be fine. Pigs can be easily happy.
Read “How to Keep a Pig Entertained?” to learn more about
entertaining your pigs.
- How much space do pigs need?
Normally, one pig needs at least 400 square feet space for pasture.
Space requirement may depend on your pig’s age and breed but we advise to go for the largest space you can provide for a long term planning.
| TYPE OF PIG | SPACE NEEDED | DETAILS |
| Growing pigs up to 10 kg | 0.14 square meters | Ensure allowance for pee and poo area |
| 11-20 kg | 0.22 square meters | Ensure allowance for pee and poo area |
| 21-40 kg | 0.36 square meters | Ensure allowance for pee and poo area |
| Piglet House Pet |
Access to at least one room |
Ensure access to litter box |
| Adult Pig House Pet |
Access to at least one or more rooms |
Ensure access to litter box |
For a more detailed answer, you can check: “How Much Space Do Pigs Need?