Today, began, like most other days. With a nice Farm Breakfast, followed by chores, both here at Briden Farm, and over to the Barn Property. Feeding our Chickens, Muscovy Ducks, Rabbits, Goats, and Pigs of course. Then, something almost magical happened…
Lara and her eight healthy Piglets made their first journey out into the outside World. Out on Pasture for the first time!
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On the evening of April 5, 2023, our Berkshire Gilt, Lara become a Sow, as she gave birth to 8 healthy baby Piglets. Now they’re eight day# old, and all eight, 8 day old piglets are starting to eat and drink on their own. Priceless!
Lara’s week old Piglets have sure grown! Actually it seem longer than a week ago that I was sitting with Her while she gave birth to these eight amazing little baby piglets. A natural birth, no crating, and a week later Mom, Lara, and all eight baby pigs are alive and healthy!
Which is pretty incredible since this is Lara, our Berkshire Pig’s, first time farrowing and having piglets. Considering we didn’t crate her, and let things happen naturally! With it also being our first time overwintering pigs and ever having a pregnant pig!
Now, while I give most of the credit to Lara, and answer to prayer, I did take some preparatory steps to help insure the outcome. Mainly, in December when Lara weighed about 300 lbs, now about 450 lbs, we put two smaller pigs, Elvis and Babe, in with Her. All three spent the Winter together. When inside they shared a stall. Since Babe and Elvis were about a third the size of Lara, it was a good opportunity for her to learn how to maneuver around without laying on or otherwise crushing them. Although, it’s an incredible thing when a 450 lb mother manages to safely have, and care for, eight little piglets that only weigh about two to three pounds at birth!