Mama Knows Best

May 17, 2024

Despite a profound difference in opinion as to where she should farrow, our sow had 8 piglets and they are all doing great.

She flat out refused to farrow in the trailer I set up for her. Nor would she even consider the plein air makeshift pen I cobbled together when it was clear the trailer wasn’t going to make her happy. In each spot I placed a nice fluffy pile of hay for her to make a nest. I also supplied her with a generous food trough filled with everything a pig might want- and more, and a nice clean bucket of water. Most importantly, I set up fencing to keep out the other pigs – who would have immediately finished off the food in the trough, tipped over the water bucket, eaten the hay, and sat on the newborn piglets.

Her preferred spot was on the far side of the paddock. Perhaps coincidently, it was also the furthest point she could get from me. There she made a nest with cardboard boxes, dead trees, a wad of broken fencing and whatever random sharp objects she could find. She was as industrious as she was determined, and in my humble opinion - misguided. But of course, I gave in and let her do what she wanted, where she wanted. Arguing with a pig is futile, and arguing with a hormonal pig is even more futile - and perhaps suicidal.

I dutifully hauled the food trough and water bucket to her chosen spot. Then I hauled the big fluffy pile of hay on the off chance that she would change her mind and use that for her birthing nest (she didn’t). Next, I hurriedly installed temporary fencing around her and watched as she proceeded to give birth to her brood.

For now, I’ll keep schlepping food and water to her “over hill and yon”. Hopefully, she’ll decide sooner than later that the dry, spacious trailer near the barn is actually a rather nice spot and then on her own accord and in her own sweet time, she’ll lead her happy band of little piglets there. Until then, mama gets what mama wants, wherever she wants it.