[crossbelt]

I have 2 saddleback sows which went to the boar last winter, returning - hopefully in pig - 18 Jan 10.
I reckon the latest they could be farrowing is 12 May (if my maths is right).

They are not showing any signs of carrying piglets, no extra girth, no dags, and I dont want to keep them unless we have some weaners on the way.

My great pig expert has asked if they are 'hogging' and I'm too embarrassed to ask her what that means.  I have tried google without success.

Can you tell me what a hogging sow looks like, and how she behaves?

[Hilarysmum]

Im assuming she means showing a season, i.e. red vulva etc.  Thats just a guess.  Please wait until well after due date before sending them down the line.  They sometimes dont show at all until last minute.
 

[JulieS]

I agree with Hilarysmum, still plenty of time for them to show.  I had one gilt who I was still not sure about until about 5 days before she farrowed.

I've heard the term hogging used for two different things......Showing a season, as Hilarysmum says.  Some other people ask if they are hogging, as in standing for the boar.

As yours aren't with the boar anymore I presume she's asking if they have been coming into season.

Others on here might have some other meanings.

Good luck with everything, let us know how you are getting on.   

[oaklandspigs]

Hogging does mean in heat, but a "hogging sow" will typically be one that is trying to mount other sows, showing that she is near or in season. Frequently they mount a couple of days before they peak, which is a clear sign to get them to the boar. As HM says, watch the vulva to see if it is changing size, if getting larger then she is coming back into season, if getting smaller then she is coming out. As they have a 21 day cycle you should be able to see a change over a few days.  If you are less experienced at judging by eye, it is good to measure the length (top to bottom) of the vulva, this will show any change.  

If your sows were successfully mated, the vulva should stay the same size, as they will no longer to cycling. If significant change, would suspect that they did not take.

If you have gilts (first timers), then they may not show any of the classic pregnant signs until very close, and even then their teats can look quite normal.

Good luck