The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: sausagesandcash on January 31, 2010, 08:22:56 pm

Title: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: sausagesandcash on January 31, 2010, 08:22:56 pm

Given the terribly cold conditions, and the consequent risk of mortality. what is your advice on farrowing outdoors in arcs?

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: JulieS on February 01, 2010, 12:34:37 am

2 of my gilts farrowed over Christmas, both in outdoor arks.

I was concerned with the very cold weather, but the arks are really cosy.  First litter of 9 all survived, the second with 13 I lost one. 

I have another gilt farrowing this week and will be in the outdoor arks again.

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: gavo on February 01, 2010, 09:04:22 am

Just keep an eye that she does use the arc;if she decides to farrow in the field you'll have to move the piglets in to the arc ;the sow will usually follow;but it can take a while. She will naturally want to stay where she farrowed or began to farrow. If it happens; carry a piglet in front of her; encouraging it to make plenty of noise all the way to the arc.

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: Wizard on February 01, 2010, 09:29:54 am

Hello Gavo I agree with much of what has been said but please be carefull some sows DO take exception at you making baby cry and can become quite nasty.I knew a chap that walked with a nasty limp because a sow got him and she was the quietest sow ever until then.Good luck with her :farmer:

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: sausagesandcash on February 01, 2010, 11:17:25 am

I was the Irish Olympic hurdling champion from 1988-1990......only joking but i'm sure it conjured images of me leaping electric fences with an angry sow in hot pursuit!!

Thanks for the advice,

Morgan (the fretting expectant surrogate father)

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: gavo on February 01, 2010, 12:39:27 pm

I should also have said do this in pairs ;ie have a fellow lunatic with a pig board and a bucket of meal at the ready.We have done this even with our grumpiest sow with no harm to ourselves or her ;MAKE SURE WHOEVER USUALLY HAS THE MOST DAY TO DAY CONTACT WITH THE SOW IS PRESENT DURING THIS PROCEDURE; as they generally will do most things that person wants them to. Oh and always stay calm and even tempered however long it takes; at least with the pig it's not always easy to do with your human helper.

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: Hilarysmum on February 02, 2010, 07:09:23 am

Quote from: sausagesandcash on February 01, 2010, 11:17:25 am

I was the Irish Olympic hurdling champion from 1988-1990......

Could I hire you for Hilary's next litter ???     

Title: Re: Farrowing outdoors
Post by: sausagesandcash on February 02, 2010, 08:57:12 am

Tout a fait