Pig Rails

opinions please, i know not everyone uses Pig Rails but i would like to hear everyone's opinions. Many years ago we had a litter (staffs) and NEVER used them and all was well.

Do you Use them ????

Emma
x

what r they?

you drew a nice picture of them on the topic Whelping box that i post the other week |- -|

I wouldn't use them, for the simple reason that dogs are not pigs.

Pig rails are used with pigs because the sow is very heavy and when she starts going down not much is going to stop her. Not to mention sows are usually clumsey and don't look where they are putting their bottom.

It's just my opinion, maybe someone else who has been breeding dogs knows better and will tell you otherwise. But my father used to breed and show Landrace pigs, and he is passing the knowledge on to me now.

you going to vote then Kate ??

Have done Emma. That 1 vote for "no" is from me.

Haha I just voted yes, purely because I heard someone say their bitch had nine puppies and every single one survived thanks to the rails as when mom got too tired/complacent they could easily move out of harms way even if it saves one pups life its gotta b worth it!

I'm with Azz. With my litter I often found my bitch lying against a wall with a pup tucked under the rail. Better safe than sorry I feel.

Definitely pig rails Emma, even if it's just for the first week.
Someone I know had a litter of staffies, and 2 were killed due to mother lying on them against the sides. I think a novice bitch can be very clumsy. Well any bitch can really. In my opinion why take the risk.
Can't wait for your litter to appear.

Mitch

I've voted yes, last year I experienced not having pig rails, we ended up with one dead pup, she was the smallest of the litter and just not strong enough to get out from underneath mum, mum and litter had only been left for 10 mins max. :smt022 :smt022 :smt022