Since our blog about the pros and cons of owning pigs came out, we have had several questions get sent in, so we decided to publish a second blog about RIP from Yellowstone.
Rip’s Backstory
Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what the character Rip Wheeler from the television series Yellowstone has to do with pigs; well, let us tell you!
The eighth episode is titled “The Unraveling, Part One,” and it begins with a flashback to the year 1997 on a pig farm close to Miles City, Montana. The setting is in small-town Montana. The backstory of a younger version of Rip Wheeler is shown to the audience throughout this period of time, and they get the chance to watch it play out on film. In the summer of 1997, Rip’s father came to the decision that the best way to get even with his ex-wife for deserting him was to return to the farm. Rip’s mother and brother both ended up being murdered as a direct result of the decision that was made. After he came to, he learned that his father was viciously abusing his mother and that his brother had been killed. Rip knew that there was no other way out, so he used a skillet to split open the man’s skull which killed his father. However, by the time Rip arrived at his mother’s side, she had already passed away, thus it was too late to do anything for her. Soon after that, John Dutton found Rip hiding in a barn, covered in cuts and blood, and ultimately made the decision to hire Rip as a farmhand on his property.
Since the Yellowstone series didn’t provide any background information, we have no idea what RIP from Yellowstone’s childhood on the farm was like or how he spent his days.
Day in the Life
The day of a pig farmer always begins and ends with the same routine: checking in on the pigs to ensure that they have sufficient food and water as well as a living place that is adequate for them. When tending to chores, it is essential to have a sharp awareness for the possibility of encountering sick pigs who require veterinary care. Your “pig chores” each day, which include providing food and water as well as checking in on the animals, will take up to an hour of your time on average. The pigs need to have unrestricted access to their food and water at all times. It’s okay that the way you conduct chores is different from how other pig farmers do them; in fact, it’s better that way. What’s important is that you find out what works best for you and your pigs and then stick to it.
Piggy Facts
- Pigs are in fact quite clean animals, which is ironic considering the fact that your mother used to refer to your bedroom as a pigsty while you were growing up, right?! In fact, they are some of the cleanest creatures, and if given the opportunity, they will choose not to defecate in the same areas where they sleep and feed. Even newborn piglets will go out of their sleeping places in order to relieve themselves.
- Pigs enjoy having their bellies scratched just as much as other pets do. Besides getting belly rubs from their human caregivers, pigs like rubbing and scratching on trees. They also take pleasure in interacting with each other and a variety of enrichment toys.
- Since pigs can’t sweat, the common expression “sweating like a pig” is also misleading. Because they lack many sweat glands, pigs must instead cool off by swimming, wading, and sleeping in mud. Rolling around in mud has another benefit: it protects a pig’s skin from sunburn.
- That dog of yours isn’t as savvy as a pig. Absolutely, positively, 100% true! Pigs are the fifth most intellectual animal due to their toddler-like intelligence. In comparison to canine species, pigs have superior intelligence and are easier to train. Two weeks is all it takes for them to memorize their names and respond to their owners’ calls. Pigs are even capable of playing video games better than some primates.
- One of the cutest things about pigs is that sows will sing to their young as they nurse. Upon hearing their mothers’ voices, piglets instinctively head in that direction, and pigs are continuously interacting and sharing information with one another. Over 20 different grunts and squeals have been categorized as signals of need, such as hunger or the calling for mates.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this blog has provided you with additional answers to your questions regarding the process of raising pigs and RIP from Yellowstone.
Should any more questions come to mind, the Cat’s Claw Fasteners team is here to assist you! Don’t hesitate to email your inquiries to our Head Cat Collector, Chava, at chava@catsclawfasteners.com. And, for additional content, make sure to read our other blogs and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube!
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