NH Homesteader's journal

[baymule]

Sometimes I wonder why, when I am holding a dead baby, why? Why do I keep doing this? Why? I have to say I keep doing this for the love of the babies that are born, that grow, that play and do the things that baby animals do. That's why.

I hope that Charlotte is a better mother. I hope that she takes better care of her remaining piglets. Baby piglets are so darn cute!

 

[Mini Horses]

In defense of Charlotte -- piglets are very mobile at birth. When mom comes in and grunts, they run to her. Often that means under her as she lays down. Sad but, true. Mine didn't get heat lamps but, lots of straw bedding. The sows actually covered the babes once fed, uncovered when she returned for next round. Of more concern for me was the ones who didn't let go when she got up. I found one outside like that...it couldn't get back over the lip into the hut. Fixed that!!

At least Charlotte had her piglets!! Saved her life.

Those AGHs are expensive there. $25-50 for weaned here.

Pictures aren't showing up for me....

 

[NH Homesteader]

Well those are breeding stock prices (with papers). Not feeder prices, they don't sell well as feeders because no one wants to winter pigs. I see people asking $100 for feeders but I also see those ads staying up for a long time. Not sure what they actually sell for, I'd guess $50-75.

An AGH should be able to not crush babies. A couple, ok. Her first time (which this is not), ok. But she already will only breed once a year so just another strike... DH is outside and I am awaiting news...

 

[NH Homesteader]

One more died last night but it is currently -7 so I was half expecting them all to be dead.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

The longer they survive, the less likely they are to die, i imagine.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Hoping the other ones are over the hump and do really well!

 

[NH Homesteader]

I don't dare check on them, I'll let DH deal with it when he gets home.

Getting a tad warmer, it'll be above freezing this weekend (during the day). Might have to think about tapping some trees...

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Yay for tree tapping!!
Hope the babies are doing well.... you've gotta get out there and see them! They're soooo cute!

 

[NH Homesteader]

I don't want to be the one to find them if they've been crushed I think DH is coming home early today so I'll go out later!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Good point... let DH do it!