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Tell-TAIL Sign?
September 17, 2025
By: USGOS Pig Society
Did you know that tail posture can be used to determine the well-being of your pigs? If you watch their behavior, an excited pig will often come running toward you with a curled tail. One that doesn’t feel well may just have their tail hanging straight down. It’s important to watch the behavior of your pigs so you can better assess when there is an issue.
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Pigs curl their tails to express contentment, excitement, and positive well-being. A curled tail is a sign that a pig is happy, social, and in a healthy emotional state. In contrast, a straight, hanging, or tucked tail can indicate stress, pain, illness, or a negative affective state, and it can also be a precursor to tail biting behavior in pigs.
Signs of a content pig:
Curled tail:
A fully curled or loosely wagging tail signals happiness and good feelings.
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Active hanging:
A tail that is actively hanging down can indicate foraging or exploration and is not necessarily a negative sign.
Signs of a negative state
or potential problem:
Tucked or hanging tail:
These postures are often associated with stress, pain, or a negative mood.
Straightened tail:
A permanently straightened tail can be a sign of poor health, such as from worms, or a negative emotional state.
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