10/05/2020
We wean off piglets at roughly 8wks with several determining factors- if sow is trying to self- wean earlier or sow is losing too much weight etc all come into consideration, but normally its 8wks plus with occasional 12-14wks on certain sows that just love to be mother's.
We remove all the largest piglets first, leaving the smaller to benefit from the extra milk foe a few extra days- which helps keep saow from torture of full udder an nothing to nurse.
Sometimes the last remaining piglets are crafty /wiley. After a week of extra nursing this little gilt has eluded capture on several occasions by various means.
Today, I was determined not to be out foxed by a piglet - her continued nursing keeps sow from cycling and being rebred.
So I setup the "The Barrel Trap" a pan of feed inside, only half of barrel end is cut open to allow small pigs in while keeping larger ones out.
Success! She is caught at last...it's time for a cold Beer to celebrate...after we transport and set her in sorting pen.
Update: sitting having a cold beer after all chores finally done for the day, always more that could have been done but they will keep until tomorrow.
Suddenly, I spy that little gilt that was murder to catch running free back to momma, free as a bird.
I was determined the day wouldn't end in failure- using the extra large fishnet, I caught her once again, this time she spent the night jailed in a dog kennel we use for piglets.
A successful evening comes to a close, farming hours a varied but we work long into the evenings and sometimes nights- to insure our family, friends and customers can enjoy All Naturally Raised Pork- eat on and enjoy !
