The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: pigsatlesrues on March 19, 2008, 08:58:01 am
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We recently had the most beautiful litter of Tammies - possibliy our best litter to date. Heavy and even sized and just the most friendly from the off. Mum Linney is perfect and displays in every way you would expect pre birth - text book signs and is a wonder mum. You know exactly where you are with her and can prepare accordingly.
Her mother however not the case. Vanessa's litter was due in about a weeks time. Ordinarily we would move her about two weeks before she is 'due' to get her settled. We are a tad late with her this time due to events, weather etc, but had intended to move her today.
Well, we went out to feed her last eveing to find no sign of her. She had taken herself off and given birth in an old bakery that is falling down. God what a panic we have had and how awful we feel for her.
She hadn't really bagged up and her back end didn't show any sign of being ready but there it is, she has done it again. We always try to be prepared for the unexpected with her but she is always a step ahead!
Anyway we scooped up her newly born babies in a big bucket and she followed John and her young to the other end of the property - up the road actually since it was the easiest route, and was tucked up in her newly prepared house for the night. All was well thank goodness and she and Delboy are the proud parents of 6 lovely little Saddlebacks (actually Tammy/Saddleback crosses).
This is her second litter with Delboy and both times she has had Saddleback lookalikes or black babies.
Anyway the moral of this story is you can never be too prepared, never be too early and just when you think you know your pig - well they always know better than you ever will!
Kate
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Well done Vanessa and Kate for surviving this. By now you should know that whatever you do Vanessa is ALWAYS one step ahead. She just does it to keep you on your toes.
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Well done, all. All's well that ends well!