Food & Swine

good girl diamond

Much to our surprise and delight this morning upon early chores it was discovered that Diamond had pigged.  She is the York gilt we kept (a few litters back) out of our beloved “Queenie” who passed in December. (Yes, the Mama of the orphaned pigs we raised in our garage was Queenie).  Anyway, Diamond was found nursing her 10 live nice looking pigs, she had unassisted (her first litter mind you) in the middle of the night. (Her milk was in last night, but not enough that we thought she’d be getting after it in the wee hours of the a.m.)  However, everyone was dry, warm and fed.  Way to go Diamond, you are certainly a keeper.  She’s talking to them quite nicely and they are totally adorable!

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Shorts and boots… my favorite outfit. My daughter making her favorite pose. (A little cold to be doing this tonight I’ll say.)

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Halle wanted to show off her pig-coat.  She picked it out for Valentine’s Day.

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Cinnamon’s babies were anxious to see me.  As usual. Lazy little Duroc fatties.

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Some are quite curious.

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I wish this one turned out better, aren’t their ears adorable?

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After their scratches (they beg… seriously) they are more camera-friendly.

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Having a look…

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Now, the brand new cuties… good girl Diamond.  Did I ever tell you ‘Diamond’ was another naming battle I lost with my daughter?  I wanted to call her ‘Sugar’.  Fooey.

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They were so cozy but ready to eat when their Mama got done eating her food and laid down, she ‘talked’ to them so sweetly.  Their sire is White Cloud who stands at S.G.I.

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They reminded me so much of our litter in December (because they are technically the grandchildren of Queenie).  I miss my little orphans that used to be in the garage.  *They’re still doing well by the way!

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5 year old little girls are so gentle with the new babies.  The miracle of birth is such a good lesson for the kids.  The tragedy of death is a less desired lesson that takes place on the farm of course, the kids know that.  We’re so happy to have 10 live pigs today.

One or two fingers to gently pet these little guys… she insists!

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The perspective of a child.  She just patiently sits in the pen and watches them.  It is sweet.

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Little guy got a little mixed up and wandered over to her, she picked him up and cuddled him.  I missed that cute picture of course… she’s setting him back down now.

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Oink’s pigs are rambunctious, colorful and are really coming along.  As my husband says, ‘she’s really crankin’.  Barn speak for… she’s milking well, eating, drinking and raising her pigs up nicely.  She ‘talks’ to her babies the best of all 3 of the sows in the barn… you can hear her ‘talking’ a mile away.  Seriously. It is loud, but soothing all at the same time.  They won’t even let her lay down… they love to EAT! (See Cinnamon’s littlest pig on the left… Oink has taken to him quite well.)

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This is a favorite of mine… cute and STOUT made.  I call him Crazy Ears.  Love him.

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That’s all for tonight!  I need to get some rest… I’ve got a big day tomorrow! (A little surgery, NBD… stupid gallbladder.)  I hope to be back in touch with everyone in a few days!

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5 Comments

  • Reply nicolepatt March 12, 2014 at 2:28 am

    Loving your pig pictures! I’m trying to master and trust myself enough not to drop my phone (camera) in the barn into some undesirable.. dirt. ;)

    • Reply Cristen March 13, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Nicole, I’m laughing at your reply! Love it and YES I’m always afraid of that happening. I’ll tell you my strap has saved me a few times. I always take a big zip top bag when we are going into the big barns. I don’t like my camera to get smelly either!

  • Reply Jenny Casteel Unternahrer March 12, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    I love piggies. Noses are my fav! We used to raise runt for the farmer we rented our house from growing up.

  • Reply Kelly March 13, 2014 at 3:03 am

    Wow! Thank you! This post brings back so many memories of my childhood. I grew up on a 350 head Farrow to finish operation. I miss the sows talking to the piglets. And cuddling with the cute pink baby pigs. I now raise corriente cattle, horses and row crops.

    • Reply Cristen March 13, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      That’s awesome! Do you rope too? I just love horses… we don’t have any at the moment. I miss them! Thanks for checking in. We’re so lucky to live the agricultural lives we do!

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