Recently, pigs are becoming a lot more famous as pets and more people are growing curious about them!
Why do pigs have curly tails? The truth is, there is no scientific explanation about it yet. However, the most “popular theory” says that having curly tails protect domestic pigs from physical tail injuries. Straight tails are more prone to injuries as they are easier to grab and get bitten by other animals or fellow pigs. While having curly tails will let them dodge bites a lot easier. This theory says it’s more of a domestic evolution for pigs.
Other theories say that it’s nothing but an unexpected side effect because of the domestication and selective breeding that people caused.
This theory could prove to be one of the most logical reasons as selective breeding even for other animals had resulted in various deformation or unnatural changes to an animal’s behavior or physical appearances.
Wild pigs often have straight tails. Male pigs regardless if they are wild or domesticated usually have straight tails too. However, domesticated pigs are born with curly tails including male pigs.
Certain pig owners say that the tail is only another way to determine a pig’s health.
A healthy pig should have a curly tail while a pig that is feeling sick will have a hanging straight down tail.
There is also another theory that the curly tailed pigs began in China because the Chinese farmers or pig owners believed the curly tail is a sign of good health as mentioned above.
Due to this belief, curly tailed pigs are intentionally paired together for breeding purposes and now, most breeds that originated from China are often curly tailed.
There are breeds that have natural curly tails and some breeds that do not, but may be born with a curly tail if bred with a curly tailed pig.
What is the purpose of a pig’s tail? What else is there to know about pigs and their tails? In this article, we’ll share more helpful information.
The purpose of a pig’s tail
Many people might wonder about the purpose of their tail, other than for appearance purposes.
A pig’s tail is almost comparable to a human skin. This is why a pig’s tail can be sensitive.
The most logical use of a pig with their tail is warding off parasites like flies and other insects.
Because of the way their bodies are built, the only part that could reach areas they normally can’t such as their backs would be their tails.
Like other animals such as cows, horses and other similar animals, the tail is what they use to get rid of the flies which could potentially make them sick.
There is no other known purpose for their tails other than this defensive mechanism.
A pig’s tail can be sensitive which is why when there are fights among the pigs, they tend to bite the other’s tail which could leave marks, continuous bleeding and a serious injury.
This is why certain farms do “tail docking” and “tooth clipping”.
Specific breeds that have curly tails
Since we mentioned there are breeds that naturally have curly tails, we listed some of them. Although, it’s not guaranteed that all of them will have the same curly tail.
Some of these breeds are really not “naturally” curly tailed but began to “adopt” the trait after crossbreeding and now seems “natural”.
- Duroc Pigs
- Large White Pigs
- Berkshire Pigs
- Piétrain Pigs
- Hampshire Pigs
The pigs on the list are popular as domesticated breeds and often have curly tails. However, for the popular pet breed of miniatures and potbellied pigs, most of them have straight tails.
What is tail docking?
Since tail biting has become a problem for pig owners or farmers who raise them, tail docking became a “solution” for this problem.
Tail docking is “clipping” or “cutting” the tail shorter and sometimes, removing it completely. This process is often done without anesthesia!
This sparked a controversy among people asking if tail docking was necessary at all. Having a part of your body cut without anesthesia would cause great stress, trauma and of course, pain for anyone even animals.
As for tooth-clipping, this is usually done to newborn piglets to reduce injuries especially when feeding off their mother’s milk.
This is required as piglets are born with a pair of two needle-sharp front teeth and can prove to be painful when biting and sucking to the point that their mothers may refuse feeding them.
Is tail docking illegal?
Tail docking rules in pigs are not yet officially addressed, but it is said that as long it is done by a professional or a veterinarian, there should be no problem.
Other animals like dogs have strict rules and regulations when it comes to docking, but there are no specific rules for pigs as of the moment.
Teeth-clipping is completely allowed for domestic pigs to be properly handled by their mothers and avoid injuring other pigs.
Aside from tail docking and teeth-clipping, a similar topic which is “ear clipping” can be thought of.
A registered pig may be required to be “identified” and have an “identification mark” which is usually done by tagging their ears.
Clipping is different and may not be applicable, but tagging is safe.
Ear tagging or tattooing a pig as a mark is completely legal and allowed. Assistance of a professional is highly advised before proceeding with the marking.
Are pigs dangerous?
Learning that they do bite and attack each other which brought us to the topic of tail docking, it’s natural to wonder if they are naturally dangerous.
The answer is no, they are not dangerous.
They’re very similar to dogs in behavior.
Though they are capable of biting, it rarely happens and probably only does when they are hurt, mistreated or threatened.
Pigs are prey animals and they would rather prioritize fleeing than facing danger themselves as it is too risky. Their only way of fighting is charging with their tusks if they have one and biting if they can reach.
Their aggression could also depend on the type of breed. Since most breeds are now domesticated, not many of them are dangerous.
Sometimes, it could also depend on their age or how they were raised.
Piglets that grew up lonely without social interaction tend to be unfriendly towards people and even other pigs. Older pigs could also be a bit aggressive when it comes to having an alpha male status.
In general, domestic pigs are friendly or neutral most of the times to the point you can even allow them near children.
Normally, they are social animals that get along well with other pigs and companions fast and easily. Some pigs may even get lonely without a companion and this indicates that they are naturally social.
However, another reason that they could be “dangerous” is if they are sick or carrying a disease.
Which is why, you can use their tails as a “reference” to see if they are doing well or not.
Most owners say that curly tails are a sign of good health. Tail wagging is also a sign of happiness, contentment and even excitement.
It’s also important to have them checked medically and get vaccinated too.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- Is it legal to raise or own a pig?
The answer depends on where you live. Laws differ on every country especially regarding animal welfare. It’s highly recommended to check with your local officers to verify first before you adopt a pig.
If it requires a license, please register your pig for its safety and yours too. It might also come with various benefits, so it’s worth the cost.
We have a helpful, detailed article on how to get your pig licensed.
- How much does it cost to raise a pig?
An estimated total could take up to $600 and more. It’s natural to wonder about the total costs after finding out about their needs, so here’s a helpful page that can explain all the costs in full detail for you.
Link: https://lovelivegrow.com/cost-to-raise-a-pig/
To explain further with more detail, the feed alone could get expensive. You must also consider the amount of water supply for drinking.
Housing or bedding if they are indoor pets is necessary for comfort too. Medications and treatments should be added to your calculations and lastly, if it’s required, licensing may cost some money as well.
Please be reminded that prices may differ depending on your country or area therefore we can only provide an estimated amount.
- What is the life expectancy of a pig?
The life expectancy of an average pig is 15 to 20 years. This is long compared to their wild counterpart that only lives 4 up to 8 years.
Although the popular pet breed “mini pigs” are said to have shorter lifespan due to their complicated and selective breeding, many pig owners claim their pets lived up to 15 years and more.
This information brings us to the conclusion that there are times that they can live longer than their expected lifespan as long as they are healthy and loved.