The famous curly tail is typical for our pigs because tail-docking is forbidden in ecological farming. The animals have plenty of space and a comfortable, stress-free life. In comparison to the EU guidelines for conventional pig farming, an organic pig has twice as much space in his pigsty plus outdoor areas. There the animals can completely satisfy their tremendous curiosity and great desire for activity. Certain sty areas are layered with piles of straw: the piglets use this to play in and the sows build their nests in it. Moreover, pigs love to rummage in straw or earth. Even when they are not hungry, they are always searching for something.
They also love to wallow in dirt or mud. This protects their sensitive skin from sunburn, helps to keep them clean, keeps mosquitos at bay and because they can't sweat, it also helps in a way to regulate their body temperature. So much for „dirty swines“! The animals take great care that their toilet area is far from where they lie and sleep.
Another thing they need is light and fresh air: free movement outside strengthens their immune system and gives these intelligent creatures additional variety. Just like the things the farmers provide to occupy them. Their nutrition also plays a particular role. It consists of fibre-rich „roughages“ like fresh grass, straw or hay and strengthening food pellets made of groats and protein-rich plants such as peas, beans and lupin, most of which the farmers grow themselves.
