A Productive Day

Leading Max, Opie, Bea and Biddy back up to the house

This is what hogs will do to the ground...I think I'll do a garden!
For the first time in what seems like such a long time, it was a very productive day with the pigs. We finally were able to move the older piglet group from behind the shop to a nice area with green grass(believe it or not), lots of trees and great places to explore. But before we moved them, we had to ring and tag all 15 and give them a shot of Dectomax. We made a chute system so it is easier to handle the little guys and gals. Tony's job is to get them in the chute and hold them once they are in. Scott will then use a hog snare(a device that slips around the nose and tightens to hold them still) and my job is to give the shot, put in the ear tag and apply the nose ring. The system ran smoothly and the pigs were so happy to be moved to a new home. Scott and I always went back and forth on whether or not we should ring. Sure, they love to get head deep into the ground but they really can wreak havoc on pastures. Rotating pastures is so important but this winter led us to decide to ring the hogs. If we know we will have a pork group that will stay in the woods then we won't ring them. The hogs can still get in the ground to get the good stuff, but they won't ruin pastures. Some people think it is cruel to ring hogs. But I have to say, I am a witness to very happy and healthy creatures with nose rings. They act no differently than my hogs without rings.