Yesterday we had our first litter of pigs! I say we, because I feel like I worked for 'em too! If you've been watching the weather, you know what it was like in Oklahoma yesterday. RAIN!! We have two low water bridges on the road to our place, both were about hood-deep. Hubby couldn't even get out for work yesterday! I sat in the rain( I was afraid to get in the pen with her....first litter.....too many horror stories about upset sows)all day talking to her. I figured a little moral support couldn't hurt! It takes a long time to have 11 babies! I did get in with her and retrieve the first one which she dropped while out of her shed right in the mud. She turned out to be amazingly calm and a very careful mother. Before she lies down, she startes at one end of the shed wall and noses down the side to make sure they are all out of the way. If she does get on one, she jumpes up at the first squeal. I didn't realize what aggressive little boogers they are! If one has a tit that another one wants, they bite each other on the nose untill one lets go. She was standing when she had the first one. As soon as it hit the mud, it sat up on it's haunches, shook it's head, sneezed, and was ready to eat. Amazing!! The kids keep going to check on the runt to make sure he is getting enough to eat. They are hoping we have to bring it in the house to feed it for a while. Way too much Charlotte's Web!!!

Sorry to take up so much space. I've already told everyone I could get to listen over the phone! Just wanted to share it with yall!

Mona

-- Mona (jascamp@ipa.net), June 22, 2000

Answers

Mona: Congratulations! Does this make you a "swinemother", or a grandswine? Don't you just love all the animals with their babies? Now, remember, on another thread, someone said to start out calling them "ham", so you don't get too attached! Good luck! Jan

-- Jan in Colorado (Janice12@aol.com), June 22, 2000.

Congradulations! It is so neat to be there when any kind of babies are born. I helped pull pigs when a mom was having a hard time and she wasn't agressive at all at the time I sometimes think they know when we are trying to help. but always have your guard up because I also have had one that nearly jumped a fence to get to me and she was not happy! I had to be the one to pull the pigs because I have very small hands she had a contraction once while I was trying to help her and I ended up following her on my knees in the pen when she decided to get up and walk, It was a sight and an experience. My hand was swollen and bruised the next day. Enjoy those piggies but don't get to attached. I know easier said than done sometimes. Sorry I ran on.

-- cynthia (chemenway@hotmail.com), June 23, 2000.

Congratulations! What breed are they?

-- Jean (schiszik@tbcnet.com), June 23, 2000.

Mona, I didn't think this was a long post. I enjoyed it very much and it brought a smile to my face. Thanks!

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), June 23, 2000.

Congrats, Mona! Now somebody just needs to come up with a line for the 11th piggy-this little piggy went....

Cynthia, I wish I'd been there. Can't wait to tell the vet next time I see him-he'll appreciate your story. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), June 23, 2000.

Mona, you go right ahead and long-post any story like this anytime you want to...it MADE my day......God Bless...

-- Lesley Chasko (martchas@gateway.net), June 23, 2000.