Did You know Pigs use a Toilet? That’s Right!
People think Pigs are dirty because they roll in the mud and dirt to keep cool and help prevent parasites and skin problems. Pigs are so clean they actually choose an area of their Stall, or Pasture, to use as a Toilet.
I think that’s pretty impressive, and one of many things that makes Pigs so endearing!
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!
The story behind it is three years of hard work!
You can see a, um, rather entertaining video of the tilling at BridenFarm.productions.
We moved here during late Summer 2020 and started by putting our Goats and Pigs and Chickens through here. It is in an area that was once, nearly 40 years ago, pastures and gardens. However it had all grown up into Woodlands, mostly hardwoods, with a lot of ash and poplar.
This particular garden plot was used as a Pasture in 2021 and planted for the first time, by us, last year in 2022. In 2021 we had goats and pigs in there, and last year in 2022 we had goats, pigs, and chickens, and I tilled it as well, before planting.
It’s incredible the amount of roots that have come out of there! However, it’s coming, and improving each year. Last year we had tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, and garlic. Although no great amounts.
This year I’m hoping for more. It’s obvious to me the soil has definitely improved and the number of roots has diminished. Thankfully.
Although, I do try to use my foot to point out some of the remaining stumps, and roots, and you can see the tiller jump ahead or get bogged down when it hits them. You can also see me roll the tiller a couple of times!
Like I said, don’t try this at home kids!