"We must achieve the character and acquire the skills to live much poorer than we do. We must waste less. We must do more for ourselves and for each other. It is either that or continue merely to think and talk about changes that we are inviting catastrophe to make. The great obstacle is simply this: the conviction that we cannot change because we are dependant on what is wrong. But that is the addict's excuse, and we know that it will not do."
—Wendell Berry

Monday, 17 February 2014

Piglets

Reading back on my last few posts I realise I have been a little tardy with the news.
Sausage has indeed has her litter and dropped thirteen piglets. Unfortunately four of these did not survive the first day, either stillbirth or else accidentally squashed by a nervous sow. This is the way of things with pigs. The remaining nine piglets have powered on however and are growing by the day.
Our pig pens were never designed to keep really young pigs in and so the piglets squeeze under the yard gate every day and go for a roam.
Seen here on a muddy day raiding the chooks food. They are enchanting little things, full of life and curiosity. It is endless fun watching them play and explore. The chooks are not very impressed with the state of affairs and must move smartly to avoid having their tail feathers tasted by a curious piglet.
At the time of writing the piglets are due to be weaned and I think their mum is pretty sick of them by now anyway. At this age they develop some rather sharp teeth and bad table manners which helps the sow decide to wean them.
So we have found a new home for Sausage where she shall free range as a breeder sow for a family of self sufficiency types. We are very happy. This Saturday we will load her onto a trailer and she shall go to her new home. Likewise most of the piglets will be sold off as weaners and we shall keep three or four for our own needs.
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2 comments:

  1. Jim20 February 2014 at 11:42

    Good to see you back Ulf! I am sure you have been very busy with the way the season has been going.
    How did your fig harvest go? After picking more than 4600, I am down to the last couple of dozen now.

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  2. Ulf20 February 2014 at 12:18

    The figs have been producing steadily -from their pots... I *still* have not been able to plant them out as I am waiting on some work to be done with an excavator on the site where they will eventually go. I must say I am impressed by the volume of figs to come from the potted plants. They are also absolutely delicious!

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