Author Topic: Sow in pig, or not? (Read 2564 times)

GribinIsaf · « **on:** January 24, 2016, 08:18:16 pm »

Our first time round with breeding pigs here. We have a sow who was put to the boar nearly three weeks ago. They spent time together on two consecutive days and we witnessed several apparently successful matings.

Question is - should we keep an eye on her as 21 days come round and if the slightest sign she might be in season give him another opportunity or if the job was done is that that? Observing her over the last few months she has only had small external signs of being in season. This sow has had a couple of successful litters by the same boar (with previous owner) so they are both experienced.

Thanks

shygirl · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2016, 01:39:11 am »

if you have him on site then put him to her. or run them together for a few months if you have the space.

Backinwellies · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2016, 07:52:49 am »

If mating occurred then she should be pregnant ... but you could put boar in to be sure I guess

harmony · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2016, 07:53:38 am »

Leave them together and yes, watch her. If she has had litters before probably all will be well but better to be safe. Never count your piglets so to speak....

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2016, 12:11:56 pm »

If we don't have any other work for him we leave the boar in with the sow until she's about three weeks off her earliest farrowing date. They both like the company. We put down feed in separate piles so they don't squabble.

hughesy · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2016, 02:34:18 pm »

All our sows live together with our boar from mating until just before farrowing. They get along fine without too much squabbling as he's in charge so none of the sows are trying to be top pig.

GribinIsaf · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2016, 06:46:39 pm »

Thanks for all your thoughts and info. Looks like she is definitely not coming into season this week so job done. I would like her and the boar to be able to enjoy a bit of closer company for these few months - they are normally in neighbouring enclosures and have to make do with communicating through the wire fence. They each have a decent sized ark but not sure how readily they would take to sharing it, he in particular has a carefully made straw bed that matches his body shape perfectly.

Buffy the eggs layer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2016, 02:52:56 pm »

Ow bless him!

is there a way that they can both move between both enclosures and choose whose house they both should move into? As I dont keep my own boar then the visiting boar has to move into my sows accommodation for 6 weeks or so. Didnt seem to be a problem even though the sow likes to make a piggie shaped nest too.