Pigs were first domesticated from wild pigs in Europe and Eastern Asia around 10,000 years ago. Pigs are considered by many to be the equal in intelligence with dogs yet, the way they are kept on most farms causes a great deal of distress and suffering. The Natural Pig Pigs naturally live in social groups near woodlands. They use their highly sensitive snouts to search out a wide variety of foods. The sow builds a large nest where she will farrow and protect her piglets. Under natural conditions the piglets would normally be weaned at 10-20 weeks. contrary to popular belief, pigs are very clean animals with a toilet area away from their living space. Pigs do wallow in mud in hot weather to keep cool as they do not sweat like humans. How Are Pregnant Sows Kept? On most farms once a sow has become pregnant she will be placed in a sow stall. The sow stall has bars to the sides, back and front so she cannot turn around or mix with other pigs. Some sows are kept in a tether stall where they are chained to the concrete floor of the stall. The chain is attached to either a strap around her middle or a metal neck collar. The sow will stay like this for her entire pregnancy - nearly four months. Do Sows Suffer In Stalls? Yes. Obviously it is impossible for these large, intelligent animals to behave normally in such unnatural conditions. Sows struggle to try and free themselves when first tethered. Lameness, sores and hip problems also result from being cramped - usually their is no bedding either. Pigs also display signs of abnormal behaviour whilst in stalls similar to behaviour of mentally disturbed humans. What Are Farrowing Crates? Indoor sows will be moved to a farrowing crate just before they are due to give birth. The farrowing crate is narrower than the sow stall and it is difficult for the sow to lie down quickly. (Even standing up or lying down is difficult for the sows, and turning around is impossible.) What Happens To The Piglets? They will be taken from their mothers at around three weeks and fattened for meat (pork, bacon, ham, sausages). Piglets are most often reared in cages or metal pens for the first six weeks, then transferred to fattening houses where they are often kept in crowded conditions on concrete and slated floors with dim lighting. Some pigs have bedding but many do not. A few pigs are reared outdoors.