[pigs n chickens]

Hi All,
I'm hoping to draw on your experience and knowledge once again! My lovely Tamworth, Harriet, is due to farrow in the next few weeks with her very first litter and I wondered if you had any tips and advice for a first time pig midwife?
Thanks in anticipation....and excitement!
Helen   

[HappyHippy]

Hi,
Worm her now (if you've not done so already)
Up her feed rations a bit (be carefull not to go over the top though)
Are you bringing her in to farrow ? If so, move her there 3 -4 days before she's due. I find it easier - that way you can rig up lights to see what's going on and the heat lamp and creep area for the piglets (and it makes the through the night checks easier) If you're planning to be there for the birth (which I'd definately advise, especially as it's her first) get some old towels to rub the piglets to dry them off, a big sturdy cardboard box to keep them contained til she's finished - saves anyone getting squashed !
Once you are able to express milk from her teats labour should start within 24 hours. If, once she's farrowed, there's no sign of milk give her a shot of oxytocin to help bring it in (it helps expell the afterbirth too if it doesn't come with the last piglet). You'll need iron injections for the piglets if indoors, or put a lump of soil in for them to nibble on. Another thing which is handy to have on hand incase she gets snappy is stresnil (not sure if i've spelt it right) this will help calm her. Some pigs can get quite snappy and stressed with the piglets, first timers are a wee bit more prone to it I think.
Once she's farrowed cut back a bit on her food for a couple of days, but by the time the piglets are a fortnight old you'll need to allow an extra half pound of food per piglet to her ration, upping to a pound by the time they are 4 weeks old.
A broad range antibiotic never goes amiss - just incase you have to do an internal or retrieve a stuck piglet.
Argh, I've probably put the fear of god into you now - sorry  It's not too bad. Just be prepared, check her hourly once her milk's in (that way if she appears to be distressed you can act quickly) and enjoy it - the piglets are so worth it !
HTH
Karen x

[Hilarysmum]

All the above and a bottle of wine for the long nights waiting.

[oaklandspigs]

all the above, including the wine, along with book and radio.

[Eve]

A webcam - and tell us on which site we can view it!!

Lots of booties to knit! 
Good luck,


Eve 

[little blue]

and check the new borns dont get squashed by mum... or stuck under her "boobs" if they are on lower rack when she rolls! (from very recent experience! )

[pigs n chickens]

Thank you so much for all your advice! Although I'm a little nervous about it, I'm really excited too! I hope to be around for the birth and I'll start assembling my birthing bag...towels, gloves, radio, book, wine.... (sounds like more for me than Harriet!)
I've moved her in already, will worm her on Monday and start checking her teats for milk!

Thanks for all your tips and advice - pics will definitely follow!

Helen   

[Mawgan]

All the above but, I would be very wary of separating the piglets from mum until she is finished. Piglets are remarkably robust and quickly up and about and more importantly will start "calling" for mum if they can't find a teat to suck on. This will disturb the sow and she may become restless looking for the piglets. Generally allow good access to straw so she can nest and let nature take its' course. Observe and only intervene if necessary. Watch for scouring in the piglets and try to maintain the condition of the sow until weaning.

[HappyHippy]

Hey Pigs & Chickens 

How's everything with you ? Any sign of piglets yet ?

[jinglejoys]

The Sow is supposed to drink the Guiness not you

[alisstuf]

Hi, you may have read my post, like you I was anxious and excited, pre-phoned vet just incase etc... but she just did it all herself 
Hope everything goes well for you, can't wait for photos

[pigs n chickens]

Hi HappyHippy, all seems well but no sign yet. I'm hoping they'll come this weekend as I have booked next week off work.....but Harriet probably knows that and may hold on a little longer! I'm just gathering my kit bag together ready for the big event!

Yes I saw your post alisstuf, your pictures are brilliant - sooooo cute!! I'm pleased it know it all went well for you.

I'll keep you all posted - I'm hoping to shake off a horrible cold before Harriet farrows, don't fancy spending the night in the pig sty with Lemsip and tissues 

Helen   

[Hilarysmum]

I'm hoping to shake off a horrible cold before Harriet farrows, don't fancy spending the night in the pig sty with Lemsip and tissues 
Helen 

No indeed    much better a bottle of brandy (well you must keep Harriet company whilst she drinks her guiness)

[buddy]

I would spend time with her, so she will be tolerant of you, especially as she is so hormonal. I would have something nice for her to eat after she has finished farrowing and she may well be very thirsty. I would give the piglets access to a clump of soil or iron supplements.

[pigs n chickens]

I'm delighted to let you know that Harriet gave birth last night! She started during Countryfile and I eventually went to bed at about 3am! 7 healthy happy piglets and mum and babies are all doing well. Harriet was brilliant with them and for a first litter I was really pleased with her. She was due yesterday and although I couldn't express any milk, her udders had hardened and she went to lie down after her tea, not even hanging around for her usual brush and tickle! After making a lot of noise I went to check on her and to my delight she had given birth to 2 already and both were crawling about looking for her teats. I can't help but feel very proud of Harriet and thanks to you all for your advice and help along the way.

I hope you can see these pics!

Helen