Author Topic: Farrowing early? (Read 2354 times)

Sasha · « **on:** September 24, 2014, 04:38:34 pm »

Hi,

How early can a gilt farrow? I've got a Middle White gilt who's due 2 weeks today but she's already really bagged up (so much that it all swings as she walks) and her teats are getting fatter every day.

Thanks in advance

devonlady · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2014, 07:13:34 am »

My ma used to say " they'll come out of the oven when they're cooked" In other words the piglets will be born when they're ready. Some sows bag up early, some just before the birth. Keep an eye and don't worry

HappyHippy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2014, 10:46:01 am »

Her udder can start to form from a month before birth. You'll find her vulva will start to swell before birth too and once you see milk spurting from her teats you should have piglets within 24 hours

We've had them go over, but never come early

HTH

shygirl · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2014, 10:53:01 am »

different breeds are different though surely, my sheep always came a week early and i put that down to them being a smaller breed. just be prepared.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2014, 10:59:36 am »

Yup........the one thing I've learned with pigs is just when you think you've got something sussed, they go and surprise you again

Could be, Middle Whites are smaller pigs, so you might get them early.
Have you got her separated and in her farrowing pen? If not, I'd do that just to be on the safe side

shygirl · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2014, 11:12:42 am »

ooohhhh i got my first LIKE

Sasha · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2014, 04:15:32 pm »

Thanks everyone, I put her in a separate stable on her own last week and she's looking heavy and tired now. Her bag has been forming over the last month and I spend way to much time looking at pigs backside's for one reason or another! I've spent the last 18 years breeding horses but I think this is just as stressful!