Could be tonight

We were packing up for market this afternoon to the sounds of thumping and banging, scratching and grinding coming from the direction of Ginger's pen. We've been keeping a close eye on her for the past week or so and I actually thought last Sunday would be the 'Big Day'.  But it wasn't! However, I think it's probably safe to say it could be tonight. When sows are close to farrowing they get hot and bothered and tend to wallow a lot. She's certainly been doing that for the past week or two. Then when they are really close - within 12 hours or so - they start the business of making the nest that the little ones will be born in. Ginger treats it very seriously; she needs the straw to be in just the right place and goes to and fro collecting sticks and branches which are used to lend firmness and support. When all that's done she has a big drink and then settles down to let nature take its course. I'll be very surprised if I don't hear squeaks and gruntles in the morning.........