It is always exciting when we get a new batch of pigs to raise. You never know quite what you are going to get. I imagine it is like how teachers feel at the beginning of each school year. It is fun to see the new little arrivals walk into their new home and check it out. We let them roam the alley way for a minute before we escort them to their new room in an effort to reduce stress. We don't like to rush the babies.
This go-round we are excited to be receiving weaner pigs.
So, what's a weaner pig?
It's a pig in a bun...duh!
But seriously, a weaner pig is a piglet freshly weaned from his/her momma. They are just little guys and gals. They are also very, very cute!
From the truck they go directly into the building, down a short hallway, and into the barn where they will grow...and grow...and grow...and grow until market weight.
We just sit back and let the pigs naturally flow in and check out their new environment. We don't want to rush them or stress them. Relaxed movement, that's the key when they are still so young.
More and more file in and roam around the alley way. They sniff, snort, and get acquainted.
Once they've had a chance to get use to the barn we move them into their very own pig pen where they get to know their roommates.
We get to know them too.
As you can see, they are very curious...especially when you give them something to chew on like your rubber boots, pant legs, or a nice soft leather glove...with your finger still in it. They're cute but they bite! That's okay, though, we're use to it.
Aaron's a sucker for a baby pig, especially the ones with a bit of color to them. What is funnier than seeing a manly farmer walk around holding and petting a baby pig is listening to the baby talk coming out of his mouth. But you didn't hear that from me!
This group of snouts will be with us for the next six months or so and we will raise them to a fat and sassy 280-300 pounds, approximately. It is a fun adventure and rewarding to know that these guys and gals will go on to feed thousands and thousands of people--including my family.
What would you like to know about pig farming or farmers in general?
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