Pot Belly Hooves

Question
Could you please tell me where I can locate a hoist with a sling to do hooves and the usual cost. Thank you in advance for you're response. Sherry

Answer
The system I saw in person used an electric engine hoist from Harbor Freight Tools and a calf sling from Jeffers Pet Supply:

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=lift+hoist&Submi...

http://www.jefferspet.com/product/calf-sling-pictured-with-scale-9509.cfm

Manual hoists are less expensive and work just as well, but they're still big and expensive and could lift a full grown farm hog!

Your local hardware or home improvement store might have a block-and-tackle pulley kit for even less money, but do make sure the pulleys and ropes are rated higher than the pig's weight.

Also, you might find a suitable sling at a medical supply shop, tack shop, or big box pet supply store (look in the large dog stuff).

If your pig is harness trained getting her in the sling the first time should be no problem, and if she gets treats while she's in it she'll be happy to cooperate the next time. If the pig is not harness trained, take some time to teach him that the sling means treats. Give him treats while rubbing him with it, and passing it under his belly, then "wrapping" it around him, get him used to it before actually lifting him in it.

Pigs feet rarely leave the ground. It's a strange and scary feeling for them, so be ready for them to resist. Distract them with treats. You may not need to lift all four feet completely off the ground, you might be able to leave the feet just barely touching.