I was walking by the farrowing barn and saw the piglets sleeping in a pigpile. If I'm quiet I can sneak up on them.
I've been sufficiently quiet, they're still sleeping soundly. Notice that they're all woven into each other, head to tale. that's the way piglets sleep. They snore a little.
I'll sneak a little closer here.
Yep, they're out of it. but it's not like they're alone. Mom is sacked out too. that's her in the picture below, to the left. It's exhausting raising this many piglets. Moms need a break, too.
Everyone sleeping in the sun on a warm spring day.
I've been sufficiently quiet, they're still sleeping soundly. Notice that they're all woven into each other, head to tale. that's the way piglets sleep. They snore a little. 
I'll sneak a little closer here.
Yep, they're out of it. but it's not like they're alone. Mom is sacked out too. that's her in the picture below, to the left. It's exhausting raising this many piglets. Moms need a break, too.
Everyone sleeping in the sun on a warm spring day.
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6 comments:
I just discovered your blog, and it's wonderful. I love seeing all the details of your farm, the pens, the hoophouse construction, the brooder boxes. We have a small farm, just with chickens so far, and there's so much to learn. The advice about making clay ground more fertile is welcomed, because we have a lot of clay to deal with here in SW WA. Your piglets are adorable! I've never seen pigs with such interesting patterns! Thanks for sharing all this.
Always glad to talk to fellow farmers, whatever size. I like the spotted pigs too.
The clay has been a real problem because it's mostly inert, inorganic material. So the chips are the first step, but a good soil test helps as well. You can get one from the local ag extension -- they'll usually ask you what your goal is, "pasture" "row crop" "blueberries", and give you what you need to add to make that crop work on your soil. cost is around $45.
Thanks, I did learn about soil tests - last fall I took a small acreage class through the extension, and I learned a LOT of stuff I wouldn't have even thought to ask! I can't believe all the resources available through the extension office. I want to put more of it into practice, but the economy is putting the bite on our regular business. But we know if we hold on and keep at it, eventually it will all work out.
What do you feed your pigs? At what age do you first breed a gilt?
We usuall expose them to a smaller boar at 6 to 7 months of age. We've found that pigs that get pregnant that early tend to be the best sows we produce -- early litters are a sign of a productive, efficient sow for me.
Thanks! I really enjoy reading your blog. I first found it when we got a dairy cow a few years ago. You have great advice and you make it sound like it is possible! :-) So often when you're starting a new animal project what you find makes it seem scary, haha.
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