The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Sudanpan on April 02, 2010, 06:10:32 pm
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Went and picked up our 4 new weaners this morning :pig: :pig: :pig: :pig: ;D
4 boars, 3 month old Gloucester Old Spots. They came from a smallholding just about 2 miles away from us, so lovely and local.
Up til now they have been kept in a permanently fenced paddock, so today not only did they have to get used to a new place they then had to learn about electric fencing - much squealing >:( but given the amount of noise they made when just being picked up (eardrum bursting volume) I am happy that the noise volume does not correspond to pain!
They tucked into their supper no problem - after having spent the afternoon snuggled up in the long grass under the cornish hedge - they didn't bother to even inspect the ark!
The dogs are not impressed with the new arrivals, and even less impressed with the electric fence having touched it with a wet nose.....
Very happy with the whole set up ;D (http://www.robot-systems.co.uk/images/1stday.jpg)
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Oh they're gorgeous !
You'll have so much fun, you'll start looking for more places where you can find room to fit a few more in soon ;)
Enjoy !
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Great to see - you look suitably happy !!
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Lovely picture of lovely piglets.
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After the euphoria of getting the piglets yesterday I'm in need of some reassurance - or advice please.
The weaners have come from a non-electric fence setup and that's what we have as an enclosure - when they arrived here they seemed quite happy and had their supper etc and then took up residence at the bottom of the cornish hedge. Unfortunately that is where they have stayed - all night (and it was pretty wet down here last night, and cool) - they haven't rootled around to explore the enclosure and haven't found the ark (lovely and dry with lots of tempting straw - or so we thought)
This morning when I went to feed them they were huddled together in the vegetation and really weren't interested in any food, or leaving their little den (which looks wet and cold to me). Its now nearly 2 o'clock and they still aren't venturing away from the cornish hedge sanctuary - I have brought their food trough over to them but my presence seems to freak them out >:(
Should we be doing anything else???? Am I worrying needlessly?, is there any point trying to catch them and put them in the ark?
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No panicing needed I don't think! you could always put a bit of food in their house shake the bucket they may follow you in! Gos are a hardy breed and will be ok outdoors even in this delightful weather we're having! let me know what happens
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They look gorgeous....What a lovely picture :)
Personally I wouldn't try and catch them up......If you've got a bit of time to spare how about sitting in there for a little while? They are naturally curious and you will find if you stand/sit still for a little while they will come up to investigate. Once they have been into the arc they will realise how cosy it is.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.
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Dying to hear how you are getting on with your "shy" little weaners.
Have they moved today?
We are getting two in a few weeks time so I am keen to know what happened in case ours do the same.
Susanna
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Gary, JulieS and Oaklands
Many thanks for your reassurances and advice - I went and sat in the paddock for 45 mins and was relieved to see the boys rootling around, munching and doing bit of exploring - albeit in a strip about 6 ft away from and parallel to the hedge. I just sat there and they looked up to check on me every so often but seemed alot happier. They haven't ventured as far as the arc as yet.
The forecast is dry tonight so I've given them some straw in the area where they have made their den so far, hopefully they'll discover the dry shelter and decide to move into there before too long.
I'll give an update on progress tomorrow
Tish
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If the weather is dry enough, take a book and a bucket. Sit on the bucket, read the book, they will come to you out of curiousity. Once they get used to you the rest will follow.
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We set up and PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) camera onto the pig pen (partner's company does cctv as a business) and were able to watch the boys activity during the evening yesterday - they became quite active around dusk and were exploring and rooting around quite happily which was good to see. As it got darker we saw the 4 of them head off towards the arc, so we thought 'HOORAY' and as we didn't see them reappear figured they had discovered the comfort of the shelter.
This morning I went to feed them to see that they had, in fact, returned to their den under the cornish hedge and were fast akip. Given that we had seen them exploring and go to the arc the night before we were quite happy that they had chosen not to stay there, as opposed to not knowing about it. There was evidence that they had had a good explore during the evening and had also found the water trough, so all in all we are much happier ;D
I have spent a bit of time sitting on a bucket (Thanks Hilarysmum :D) in the pen and they have come a bit closer, and today their tails have a curl in them whereas yesterday they were droopy and straight.
Am sitting here in our caravan (we are building the cottage) watching them on the camera (in fact the pig pen is only 40yards away but I can do this with a drink in my hand ;D)
Happy Easter all 8) Thanks for all the words of comfort and advice - much appreciated and settling :)
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When I die i want to come back as a pig on your land - you sound very kind and caring.
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absolutely cracking they are :pig:
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pigs are Crepuscular - that is most active at dusk and dawn.
Glad to hear that they are settling into a routine, even though they prefer nature to your housing !!
Let us know as they progress
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Sooo pleased to hear that they are pottering about and adjusting to their new environment.
Susanna
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glad they've settled.. they're very cute (and will I'm sure be delicious!)
When ours we tiny, they used to climb on my knee.... which I'd forgotten until the other day when I was in with the now very big girls & paused for a rest - yes, they did remember and tried to sneak up for a ten-tonne cuddle!!
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Love your piglets, I am sure they will be all over you in no time, mine used to come running as soon as they heard the field gate open. :pig:
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Today the piglets have decided that the Arc is the place to be ;D ;D ;D
They were by the hedge again this morning, but after their morning feed decided to give the house an explore - and didn't come out again for ages :D When I looked in on them at midday they were all snuggled up in the straw, then for the evening feed came out of the arc stretching and snuffling around, 3 of them came within 4 feet of me which I was very happy about.
Its been a bit of a wet day today so them being in the arc is very satisfying
Oh, and I've named them..... Earring, Teardrop, Cleanface and Headspot :pig: ;D
Tish
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:D
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Tish,
Really pleased to hear this ;D
Keep us updated !