Should you put a ring on it?  

Why do pigs root? 

As part of their natural and instinctive behaviour, pigs will regularly dig up the ground in the environment in which they live (rooting). This behaviour allows pigs to search for roots and other goodies to eat as well as providing them with some all-important enrichment (alleviating boredom). 

What is the procedure of putting in a nose ring? 

Placing a nose ring or nose clip is essentially a surgical procedure so, as per the code of animal welfare, it can only be performed by a qualified veterinarian.  

The pig is sedated and local anaesthetic is applied to the area of interest. The nasal ring/clips are placed using suitable equipment and a long-acting anti-inflammatory is then administered to provide pain relief and reduce initial inflammation.  

There are a couple of different options available when it comes to nose rings for pigs:  

• Clips (these are smaller & multiple are applied to the outer edge of the nasal cartilage)  

• A ring (applied to the nasal septum)  

The type of ring that is used, and where it is placed, generally depends on the breed, size and age of the pig in question. Smaller pigs/piglets will generally do better with nasal clips, and brachycephalic pigs (those with a ‘squashed nose’ such as the popular kune kune) will also generally do better with nasal clips, as these are less likely to disrupt airflow and interfere with breathing.  

As with most procedures, there are also associated risks with inserting a foreign body into the skin of an animal, particularly when that area is likely to be regularly exposed to dirt and bacteria within the environment. It’s important that pigs are monitored closely for the first couple of weeks after having a nose ring/plates placed to ensure that the following does not occur (and if they do they are identified and rectified quickly): 

• Infection (redness and discharge)  

• Change in breathing (increased breathing effort, increased breathing rate or increased sound when breathing)  

• Lethargic/off-colour  

• Reduced appetite  

How does it work? 

Nose rings and clips work by causing discomfort to the animal when pressure is applied to the tissue surrounding the ring/clip. So essentially, when a pig performs the rooting behaviour in the environment, and so puts pressure on its nose, pain/discomfort is inflicted. Pigs are very intelligent animals, and over time most of them will make an association between the behaviour of rooting and the discomfort they experience; resulting in less rooting behaviour. However, for some individuals the drive to express this instinctive behaviour, and/or to alleviate boredom, may out-weigh the discomfort that they experience, and the ring/clips may do little to change the level of rooting. Some individuals will also become ‘a Houdini’ and will find a way to remove their nose ring/plate; so please be aware that this is always a possibility!  

Nose rings and pigs can become a somewhat controversial topic, with some people questioning the ethics of discouraging an animal from performing their natural/instinctive behaviours by causing discomfort or pain when they attempt to do so. 

What should you do?  

If you have a pig or piglet, and you are considering having a nose ring/plate placed then it’s important to ensure that you are aware of the possible complications that may arise and that some individuals will require multiple rings to be placed throughout their lifetime (either as they grow, or if they manage to remove them). The type of ring or clip placed is best decided by the veterinarian performing the procedure; they will be able to determine the best option based on your pigs’ breed and age. It is also strongly encouraged to provide your pigs with engaging activities to alleviate boredom (and therefore hopefully reduce the amount of rooting occurring without the need for a nose ring or clip).  

Some enrichment ideas that we have include:

Mud bath or paddling pool to wallow in

Swiss ball or football

Hanging ropes

Road cones

Hay/straw bedding in their hut to allow nesting behaviour

Providing them with access to an area that they can root up

Ad lib access to hay/roughage in a slow feeder or hay net

Companionship (pigs are generally very social animals, and will often thrive with a friend)

As always, if you have any questions regarding your pig(s) and whether to go ahead with having a nose ring or plates placed or not, then please call to have a chat with one of our large animal vets!