06/02/2026
Who doesn’t love the piglet stage? 🐷 It’s that sweet spot where they’re all ears, snouts, and curiosity! Let’s take a look at some of the classic juvenile behaviors — from the irresistibly adorable to the slightly less charming (but totally normal) parts of growing up pig.
💨 Zoomies
You haven't really experienced joy until you've seen piglet zoomies! That burst of wild energy where they run full tilt, take sharp corners, spin in circles, or chase who-knows-what — it’s technically called a “random activity period” (RAP), and it’s just them being playful and full of life. Dogs and cats do it too. It's not stress, it's just pure piglet fun — and it’s SO entertaining to watch.
🐽 Rooting & Eating Habits
Rooting — that snout-digging action — is a built-in behavior. Piglets use it to explore their world and “test” surfaces (including you, more on that in a second). It’s how they learn and forage. You’ll notice younger pigs root more often, especially when they’re in new environments.
Also, don’t be surprised if your littlest piggies turn their nose up at hay — many piglets just aren’t interested in it yet. That appreciation tends to come with age.
👣 Rooting on You & Nipping
Piglets are born knowing that rooting on momma brings milk. So it makes sense that they’ll try the same thing with your hands, feet, ankles, or even your boots. It’s normal, usually gentle, and they typically grow out of it by weaning. If it starts to get a little too enthusiastic, a firm boop on the snoot is usually enough to discourage it.
Nipping can also pop up — especially when they’re excited for feeding. While it might seem cute in a 10 lb piglet, it’s not something you want to carry into adulthood. By weaning age, nipping should be discouraged firmly and consistently. If a piglet nips, pause — don’t feed them until they’re calm.
Some folks say you shouldn’t hand-feed pigs because of this. Personally, we do hand out snacks all the time — but it depends on the pig. Some are super gentle, others we’re just a bit more mindful around. The key is knowing your animals and setting good habits early.
🐷 Herd Dynamics & "Piglet Fights"
If you see piglets wrestling like it’s WrestleMania, don’t worry — that’s totally normal. These play fights are how they start figuring out herd hierarchy. It might look intense, but the worst you'll usually see is a few nicks around the ears.
You’ll also see the sow push piglets away from her face or food. She’s not being mean — she’s teaching them pig manners and helping them learn how to read body language in a herd setting. It’s all part of the piglet learning curve.
Piglets are a wild ride — curious, stubborn, sweet, and full of life. Understanding their behaviors makes it easier to enjoy this stage (and raise better-behaved pigs down the road). Got a funny piglet story? Drop it below — we love hearing them! 🐖💬
