Stone's Throw Farm

I’m happy to report that there are 16 wiggly piglets on the ground at my parents’ farm. Unfortunately, I also have sad news about the sow they called Bobtail:  she didn’t make it through the birthing process. It sounds like she just didn’t have good “birthin’ hips” and her piglets were a little bigger than normal. She had 5 healthy piglets and then was unable to deliver the rest, even with help. Despite 3 housecalls from the local veterinarian and a determined and sleep-depriving effort from my parents to save the mother pig, she eventually died. 

The second sow delivered 11 big healthy piglets last night with no problems, my mom reported this morning. They put the littlest piglet from the first batch in with the new babies and are feeding the other four piglets from the first litter milk replacer. At least they have a heat lamp, plenty of bedding, and each other for comfort.

Here are my parents showing my nephew, Franklin, the piglets. It sounds like he wasn’t sure what to make of them and definitely didn’t like the noisy propane heater in the farrowing house! The piglets and the Longtail sow are in farrowing crates for now. The crates give the piglets room to move around without being in danger of getting accidentally crushed by the big sow, yet they can still snuggle right up next to their momma. The sow is let out of the crate several times a day to eat and drink, relieve herself, and get some exercise.

Elden and I plan to meet the piglets in person later this month.