These photos are appropriately titled New Pig Digs a double entendre as not only has Maybelline been successfully resettled into the drier, more baby pig friendly quarters but she also immediately set to work plowing the sod. The excavations you see here were made within the first 15 minutes or so. By later in the afternoon shed dug up quite a bit more. She did take a lot of breaks to stretch out and snooze in between her excavating efforts. You can see by the broad side view of her broad side that more than just her belly is swollen. The engorged teats are a sure sign of near at hand birthing so you can expect baby pictures soon. Im hoping for tomorrow with its warm, dry forecast but the weather over the next few days is within a comfortable pig birthing outdoors range so no worries. Theyre hardy buggers from the git go plus mama has a snug straw nest in the shed ready for them. I knew full well Maybelline would turn the thick sod of the pen into a moon scape of mud craters before she was through; its just what pigs do. And the soft, rich soil of a pen that has housed years of poultry, lambs, and goats wont put up much resistance when had at by a 500 lb driven hog snout. No worries though. A couple of hours work with the tractor will smooth it back out and the millions of seeds waiting dormant in the soil will spring into action; by next Spring youll never know she was here. Youre wondering how the trip from old pen to new went, arent you? Have to say it was very ho hum. I set a few gates to directionally encourage her then just walked ahead of her enticing with a pan of treats. Had to scoot right along as the treats were a good incentive to follow and she can really hustle when motivated. What treats? Simply oats with a big smear of (organic free trade kinda expensive) molasses. Pigs have a great sense of smell and a definite sweet tooth; once in the pen I put down the treat containing pan and stroked her hard lard back while she scarfed the goodies. Thinking to myself well, nothing much here to write about tomorrow. Guess I managed to find a few words to share after all!
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:40:42 +0000
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