It was one of those typical British summer afternoons (except it's not yet summer) - balmy breeze, billowing clouds, swallows swooping in and out of the barns - ideal, in fact, for bringing a new family into the world.
She chose her time well. Mangal - and the rest of the herd for that matter - were snoozing lazily; the yard routine was chugging away reassuringly in the background - ducks here,
chickens there, dogs alternately sleeping and following me around; everything just as it should be. Nothing indicated there was anything different.
Within 24 hours one or two were peering inquisitively out of the ark (clearly the little red one had asked permission first!); within 48 most of them were happily following mum to and fro!
She chose her time well. Mangal - and the rest of the herd for that matter - were snoozing lazily; the yard routine was chugging away reassuringly in the background - ducks here,
chickens there, dogs alternately sleeping and following me around; everything just as it should be. Nothing indicated there was anything different.Till tea time.
When Ginger didn't appear.
Then I remembered.
"Could she be having her piglets?"
I crept closer to her ark; the unmistakeable sounds grew clearer ..... sure enough, that's what she was up to!
After dinner I went to check things out - discovered mum happily suckling a bunch of stripey piglets - her 8th litter ---- and 8 of them. All big and strong and bouncing around within a matter of hours.
Just when we were thinking she was getting on a bit and would start winding down on litter sizes she goes and has her largest ever!
Within 24 hours one or two were peering inquisitively out of the ark (clearly the little red one had asked permission first!); within 48 most of them were happily following mum to and fro!Can't help thinking it'll not be long before they're trotting off to meet the rest of the extended family!
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