notjustair
Well-known Member
I grew up finishing hogs but never farrowed until I started farming myself. Hog farming is an art lost to Hormel and the huge houses.
I had three sows farrow this week. Two are sisters and the other is their mom. Good genes stay put!
First sister farrowed. 12 eager suckers. Then grandma. She had 6. She's close to 8 years old so that's fine. She's pretty well hit pet status. Last daughter was this morning. 18 PIGLETS! I haven't had a litter that size here before. I grabbed four of them and gave them to grandma to raise. Mom only has a table that seats 14 for Pete's sake. That's why the old sow is still around - she will take anyone's cast offs.
18 piglets. Sheesh. Her last litter was 13 but she lost four. I farrow in regular hog houses not crates so there are a few here and there that don't make it. I guess she earns her ticket to stay another year.
I had three sows farrow this week. Two are sisters and the other is their mom. Good genes stay put!
First sister farrowed. 12 eager suckers. Then grandma. She had 6. She's close to 8 years old so that's fine. She's pretty well hit pet status. Last daughter was this morning. 18 PIGLETS! I haven't had a litter that size here before. I grabbed four of them and gave them to grandma to raise. Mom only has a table that seats 14 for Pete's sake. That's why the old sow is still around - she will take anyone's cast offs.
18 piglets. Sheesh. Her last litter was 13 but she lost four. I farrow in regular hog houses not crates so there are a few here and there that don't make it. I guess she earns her ticket to stay another year.
