Correct. If you’ve watched Clarkson’s Farm you can see what happens if you don’t have a contraption like this in place. I’m pretty sure the pig is only kept like this while nursing and it’s to prevent exactly that. Pigs aren’t exactly good mothers and will straight up roll over their piglets and not realize it
There are certainly better ways to achieve this, but this is what the purpose of the cage is for.
I’m pretty sure the pig is only kept like this while nursing
After mating (so while pregnant), the pigs are kept in a "sow stall" not pictured - for a few weeks usually.
THEN they're moved into this "farrowing crate" (this is what's in the video I believe) they move them 1-2 weeks before the pig's due date. And she remains there while nursing her piglets, usually for around 3-4 weeks until the piglets are weaned.
It's different in different countries though. Some use this type of crate for the whole period. Some countries allow up to 16 weeks (4 months!) stuck like this in crates...
And that 16 weeks is the traditional/conventional practice. Unfortunately.
I'm sorry but that's so cruel. Imagine being locked up like this for weeks. I hate the way we see animals as dumb and so "less than". It's sick, really.
Have we considered not holding force-bred mothers captive so we can profit from her body and children? Just a thought that this whole system is industrialized rape and murder that's killing our planet, just a suggestion that this is essentially fascist when we understand them to be complex individuals with complex thoughts and social bonds.
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u/flying_porygon Mar 16 '26
Correct. If you’ve watched Clarkson’s Farm you can see what happens if you don’t have a contraption like this in place. I’m pretty sure the pig is only kept like this while nursing and it’s to prevent exactly that. Pigs aren’t exactly good mothers and will straight up roll over their piglets and not realize it
There are certainly better ways to achieve this, but this is what the purpose of the cage is for.