Yes, it may seem as if we are only pig farmers if you read this blog lately. We promise to share other farm stories, but it is true that with 3 sows farrowing in November and December, the pigs are quite prominent. Santa came early and Doodle delivered her piglets on Monday, Dec 21st, right on schedule. The birthing hours are exciting and a bit nerve-racking. Laura was home with the crew while the Omland’s celebrated an early Christmas, leading to recommendations of skipping the game theme for names and going right to Santa’s reindeer.
She had 8 strong piglets by 11 pm, but one didn’t survive the night. A misstep by Doodle seemed to have been the cause. Those 4 lb piglets have to be careful and lucky to not get stepped on by their 750 lb mama. Another, since named Tiny Tim, had his leg broken and cut probably by her hoof. He, however, is growing nicely, in his bathroom suite in the house, though still not using his leg.
Now they are nursing and growing and exploring their surroundings. After just one week, they no longer seem so fragile. And as we glance over at the older piglets, only 5 & 7 weeks old, we can hardly believe that soon they will be that big. [Photo is piglets at 1 -4 hours old; video is them at 1 week old]