Hogs Gone Wild

Have you ever browsed tv channels and something caught your eye?  That's what happened to me last year.  The show was on the Discovery Channel and the title was "Hogs Gone Wild."  Right before my eyes, I saw pigs swarming property, attacking humans and destroying everything in their path.  The show entirely changed what I thought about pigs.

I've been interested in adding pigs to the farm for years.  I did my research (or so I thought) and I decided on Red Wattle Hogs.  Red Wattles used to populate many of our farms years ago but they fell by the wayside as factory farming came into existence and the emphasis changed from family farm to large scale food production.  There's been a resurgence of Red Wattles lately and after learning more about them, they sounded just right for my farm but that was until I saw Hogs Gone Wild.

Pigs are wonderful but they have one thing on their mind - eating.  And in their frenzy to eat they can become quite excited.  Red Wattles weigh in at 1,000 pounds.  Hmm, a 1,000 pound eating machine?  Not for me.  Especially after hearing true stories of people killed by pigs at feeding time.

I decided to remain pigless.  I saw photos of adorable teacup pigs who shared homes with their people but I really was looking for farm animals and the idea of sharing space with a pig just wasn't that appealing to me.

I started seeing posts on Facebook (where else?) about Kune Kune pigs.  Supposedly they were very friendly and didn't look intimidating at all.  I did lots of research and discovered they mature at around 150 pounds or less and they were bred to graze on pasture.  I knew I didn't want a boar or a gilt (female pig) and probably wouldn't have found them anyway as KuneKune pigs are snapped up like hot cakes.  But I did finally find two neutered KuneKune pigs (called barrows) who I named Wilboar and Festus.  They were tiny at first and it was winter here so I housed them in the barn where they quickly discovered my hay.

And just as it was when the geese arrived, I was intimidated by these piglets at first.  Visions of marauding pigs floated through my head as I approached these tiny creatures cautiously.  I learned more about pigs those first few days.  First, they SQUEAL.  When they are excited, they squeal.  When they are scared, they squeal.  Even such tiny pigs can make ear splitting sounds.  And they smell.  Yes, they do.  They have a distinctive odor unlike any I've smelled.  And even with two tiny piglets, you need to be vigilant in clean up or suffer the consequences.

I introduced them slowly to the horses.

And everyone got along just fine.  Finally, it was warm enough to move them outside. And that's when the real fun began.  I learned pigs love wading pools.

And they develop bonds with each other.

It wasn't long before I was so smitten with these Kunes, I wanted more so I added another barrow, Lorenzo.

And then my fourth and final barrow named Calvin Houdini.

Calvin Houdini is not as innocent as he appears.  He knows how to climb and open gate latches and it's been hard staying one step ahead of him.

I spend time with my pigs every day.  Sometimes we play dress up.

But most of the time, we just hang out.  I'll sit with them and they will plop down right on my feet.  I'll tickle their bellies and they'll grunt with pleasure and fall fast asleep.

I've learned how friendly pigs can be, how smart they are and how easy they are to train but now and then when I carry their bucket filled with food into their pasture and they swarm around me squealing with delight, I can't help thing of Hogs Gone Wild!

Moving Forward

Greetings again!  Here, summer is already merging into fall as the temperatures drop into the 40s at night.  It's been an amazing summer in so many ways.  Two new foals have been born, both little fillies, and now four incredible KuneKune pigs have joined my life but in other ways it has been a winter, spring and summer of hardship and learning.

Growing up did you ever hear the phrase "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?"  My Mother would say this constantly if I wanted something or started whining.  This phrase is ingrained into my psyche but as I slid into a bleak depression this winter, I totally forgot about action.  I've been faced with many life changing obstacles and for someone who can't stand change, I've been overwhelmed and in despair.  "What to do?" has been the main theme humming in my brain as I've gone about my chores and worked with my animals and lost myself for hours watching my Facebook feed.  But the answers have eluded me and I would jump from one thought to the other in a never ending, self defeating circle.  Every day, multiple times a day, I prayed but I think I was expecting God to answer my prayers by changing my life without me ever having to do anything.

Life is hard and difficult choices have to be made.  There's no easy way out except to walk through that pain and push on to the other side.  And I've realized without hope and enthusiasm and a joy of life, I'll never keep digging that pit of despair deeper and I won't be able to climb out.

I'm putting my thoughts into action.  One tiny step at a time.  God has given me all the answers and support I need and now I need to help myself with Him at my side.

I'm going to start writing again.  I know at first it will feel awkward but that's okay.  I have to start again somewhere.

I will cherish what I have at this moment and not worry about what I may lose tomorrow or what struggles are in my future.  Here and now, I will act.

I want to add that depression is a serious medical condition and if you feel you need help, please seek it out.  I have had the guidance of a therapist (no, I'm not ashamed to admit it) and wonderful friends who have been there to listen.

And to leave you on a positive note, I'll share a picture of one of the horses in my pasture.  As always, thanks for visiting me.