When to Wean
Most commercial operations wean piglets between three and four weeks of age, while small and homestead farms often wait until six to eight weeks for a gentler transition. Waiting longer allows piglets to build stronger immune systems and body weight from their mother’s milk, which can reduce stress-related illness during and after weaning, though it does keep the sow out of her next breeding cycle longer.
Reducing Weaning Stress
Start introducing solid creep feed a couple weeks before the planned weaning date so piglets are already used to eating on their own. Wean gradually if possible by removing the sow for a few hours a day before full separation, and keep littermates together after weaning since the social stress of losing mom is easier when familiar piglets stay nearby. Clean, dry housing and fresh water nearby help piglets settle in quickly.
