So, aside from the fact that I have a serious problem with my hog population which we will be addressing soon, a couple of these pigs have ridges or lines on their hides. Has anyone ever seen this before? If so, what causes it to happen? Thanks in advance
What do you mean, ridges? Do you mean that they have a ridge each, or plural? If you are just talking about the brown ones being striped, that is nothing. They will grow out of it.
Last edited by Double Naught Spy; 04/15/1912:55 PM.
The brown ones aren’t just striped, but have a raised pattern of lines/ ridges on them. I just haven’t noticed any like that previously, didn’t know if it was just a phase or a genetic abnormality.
I saw a hog on a game cam pic at my place that had a raised line on the back. Looked into it last week as I thought it was unusual. Apparently it's not uncommon - realized that's why they are sometimes called "Razorbacks" - check out the logos of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team. I knew of the football team but never but two and two together.
Curious what causes it. Maybe it's just being dirty heh. My hair also does funky things after a day without a shower
The brown ones aren’t just striped, but have a raised pattern of lines/ ridges on them. I just haven’t noticed any like that previously, didn’t know if it was just a phase or a genetic abnormality.
I guess I'm not following you. The 'striped' young (whether piglets or shoats) are as common as dirt, they lose that feature as they mature and become their solid color.
But the 'raised-ridge' of these markings is something I have never encountered. Can you explain in more detail what you mean by that or provide a photo of such a pig (dead) up close?
Do you mean the hair is actually raised up or grows such that it mimics that found on the back on some pigs (a mane or dorsal hair line)?
If you are suggesting this based solely on photos...I would submit it is in error, if you have actually observed this on dead pigs...I would be most interested in seeing a photo as it would indeed be quite the anomaly.
I see the same pattern all the time in smaller brown hogs but not in larger ones. My guess is that the pattern is visible only until they get their longer shaggy fur.
I have noticed several of our hogs have the distinctive razor back Mohawk on their head and neck.
Last edited by Pappybear; 04/15/1904:02 PM.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke
You are seeing the difference between the feral domestic hogs and the Eurasian bloodline. The feral domestic hogs will not have the stripes on them, at least not as prominent. Razorbacks are just hogs that developed hackles so to speak. I wonder if they are the crosses that only manifest the longer, thicker hairs as hackles, not all over the body. We can see the difference in body type in the hogs we have on the family place. It's really quite interesting to see the feral and Eurasian bloodlines side by side.
Thanks everyone, hopefully I can ground check one soon and see up close and personal. This is my first full year running cameras, and the first piglets on camera. There is a ton of knowledge and experience on this forum along with the appropriate amount of BS,
Almost all animals will have fur/hair that runs the midline of the back that can be raised when they are excited or frightened. Dogs, cats, hogs, deer, etc. We see it all the time in animals with longer fur, and in humans we typically call it the hair on the back of our necks (I have always wondered if furry back humans get it running down the length of their back?). I think that is what you are catching here in the photos.
There is a very distinct difference between the "hair raising" of excitement/fear and a true razorback type Mohawk. I don't see any of that in this pic, but it may not represent well in the one photo.
I see them occasionally where I hunt in the PK lake area as well. Very distinctive mohawk/razorback stripe down their neck and back, usually black.
We have all kinds of pigs (body shape and color) around here. But over the years I have noticed the 'average' pig is much, much different in appearance than what we used to see 30 years ago.
The average 'feral' hog we have now is normally fairly short and 'square' looking once they mature and fill out.
In years gone by...many hogs were taller and leaner. Sort of tapered up at the rear and with longer looking legs. Also, the hogs we used to have were almost universally long haired. We still have some that sport a distinctive 'mane/stripe' down the neck and part way down the back.
What I see less of are the hogs with the long snout, tall stance, body heavier in the front than in the rear. Haven't seen anything I could call a 'Pineywoods Rooter' in years.
Most of our hogs are solid in color (can be black, brown, reddish). Of course...we have all the variations as well.
In the past...it was pretty much black, but also a reddish color with black markings (tufts) on the ears and legs.
I will post a couple of pics of what I am talking about. And then if I can find an old pic of a PWR..I will post that later.
I would be more than happy to assist you with the eradication efforts. Let me know if I may be able to help! Extra hands, ammo or guns or whatever else you need. Just want to get out there