How it works
Pigs have a short, remarkably predictable pregnancy: about 114 days, remembered everywhere as 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. Most sows farrow within two days of that date, which is why commercial units can schedule farrowing rooms months ahead. The normal range is roughly 111 to 117 days.
Gestation by type of pig
| Type | Gestation | Usual litter | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc crosses) | about 114 days | 10-14 | Gilts usually farrow one to three fewer piglets than mature sows. |
| Heritage breeds (Berkshire, Tamworth, Large Black) | about 114-115 days | 6-10 | Slower growing, excellent mothers, often farrow outdoors with little help. |
| Kunekune | about 116 days | 6-8 | Grazing breed; often a day or two past the chart date. |
| Pot-bellied / mini pigs | about 114 days | 4-8 | Small litters, and the sow is often a family pet, so plan a quiet pen. |
The farrowing countdown
- Day 18-24: watch for a return to heat. A sow that does not cycle back is almost certainly pregnant.
- Day 25-30: ultrasound confirms the pregnancy.
- Day 100: stop any feed changes. Keep her on a steady ration, and keep her moving so she stays fit.
- Day 107-109: move her into a clean farrowing pen or hut so she settles and builds a nest before labour.
- Day 112-113: she will start carrying straw or bedding. Nesting is the clearest sign.
- About 24 hours out: milk can be squeezed from the teats, her vulva swells and reddens, and she grows restless.
Farrowing itself
Piglets usually arrive 10 to 20 minutes apart and the whole litter is normally out in three to five hours. Each piglet should be up and sucking within minutes. Colostrum matters enormously in pigs: a piglet that does not nurse in the first six hours is at real risk, so watch the small ones and make sure the biggest piglets are not blocking every teat.
When to call the vet
Call if she strains hard for an hour with no piglet, if more than an hour passes between piglets while she is still straining, if there is a foul-smelling discharge, if she is dull, feverish or refusing food after farrowing, or if she shows no interest in the piglets at all. After the last piglet, the afterbirth should pass within about four hours.
How to use it
Enter the day she was bred or inseminated. If the boar stayed with her for a few days, add the day he was removed.
Reference chart
| Type | Typical gestation |
|---|---|
| Average (most breeds) | 114 days |
| Kunekune | 116 days |
| Pot-bellied pig | 114 days |
Frequently asked questions
How long is a pig pregnant?
About 114 days, or 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. The normal range is about 111 to 117 days.
How many piglets does a sow have?
Commercial sows often have 10–14 piglets. Heritage and Kunekune pigs usually have smaller litters, and first-time gilts have fewer than mature sows.
What are the signs a sow is about to farrow?
Nesting (gathering bedding), restlessness, a swollen vulva and milk you can express from the teats. Milk usually means farrowing within about 24 hours.
How soon can a sow be bred after farrowing?
Sows usually come back into heat 3–7 days after the piglets are weaned. Breeding is normally timed to that heat.
Figures are typical values from university extension guidance (sources and method). Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian.