So... I have a big, beautiful, porcine princess who I absolutely love. She is going to be having her first litter of piglets in October. I am moving soon, and my mom and step-dad agreed to care-take my pigs when I do. the thing is that my mother and I have VERY different views on how that needs to be done. Cookie was raised on pasture... She has always been free range since we got her. She is extremely well mannered and friendly and smart. I joke that she behaves better than my dog. I just love her, and want her to be comfortable and happy. I believe that given a comfortable environment and all the things she needs, that she will be a fine mother and her piglets will survive.
My mom on the other hand is of the belief that the only way any of her piglets will survive is if she farrows in a crate. 'She'll squish her babies, she'll attack us, she'll abandon her babies'... Yada yada yada. How in the world did any farmers ever raise pigs before the advent of farrowing crates? Surely some domestic pigs survived, or else we wouldn't have any. Surely not every farmer was attacked by a pissed off mama pig. I tend to believe that it is poor farming practices, disrespect for the animal, and tampering with the natural processes that makes all the nasty stuff happen. Will a nice shelter, plenty of clean warm bedding, and a relaxed and happy sow equal a healthy batch of piggies? Please, flood me with info and personal experiences! I know all the "pros" of using a farrowing crate. But there are enough "cons" involved to make me want to try something else. Been looking into farrowing huts... Lots of promise there!
My mom on the other hand is of the belief that the only way any of her piglets will survive is if she farrows in a crate. 'She'll squish her babies, she'll attack us, she'll abandon her babies'... Yada yada yada. How in the world did any farmers ever raise pigs before the advent of farrowing crates? Surely some domestic pigs survived, or else we wouldn't have any. Surely not every farmer was attacked by a pissed off mama pig. I tend to believe that it is poor farming practices, disrespect for the animal, and tampering with the natural processes that makes all the nasty stuff happen. Will a nice shelter, plenty of clean warm bedding, and a relaxed and happy sow equal a healthy batch of piggies? Please, flood me with info and personal experiences! I know all the "pros" of using a farrowing crate. But there are enough "cons" involved to make me want to try something else. Been looking into farrowing huts... Lots of promise there!
