Natural Behavior and Environmental Requirements

In the wild, feral pigs tend to live on the margins of forested areas and build nests that they use for shelter from the elements.  These nests help provide security from aggression, prevention of trauma while mating and protection of piglets, and isolated areas in which pigs can stay within a smaller social group.  Pigs are actually very clean animals, and tend to build their nests on elevated ground so their waste can run downhill.  They spend most of their day foraging and often travel several miles a day in search of food.
 
A sow nursing her piglets in a pig nest.  This image is obtained from the website of Sugar Mountain Farms, a traditional-style farm in Vermont.  You can visit their blog at http://sugarmtnfarm.com/.  
 
 

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