Tahiti gave birth to her piglets last night and has turned out to be the worst kind of mother. She had killed three by the time I even got to the barn. It was terrible. I managed to calm her so the babies could drink and we sat like that for a while but the moment I left the pen she reared up and killed two more. In all she killed five.
Molly was roaring from the other side and all her babies were screaming too.
In the end I gave up trying and shuffled the others into their creep and lifted them out to safety.
Now I have seven newborn piglets sleeping in the CloakRoom. In the absence of anything else I am feeding them tiny amounts of cows colostrum with an eye dropper. This morning I will find some sow replacer. They will be fed every two hours for the first few days and then every three to four hours after that. If all goes well and usually it does not.
You need to remember that hand rearing piglets is very hard, they do not do well as a rule. Some of them probably will not make it. Especially as they are starting on cows milk which is hard to digest but at least it is raw milk. And some may have internal injuries from their mothers attack, I don’t know. But they certainly would not have lived long with their mother hunting them down and killing them. It was awful.
Enough of that. We are focusing on raising this little brood now.
Let’s have a look at a good mother pig – while I get busy with the feeding. (I hope I can find some sow replacer close by so at least I know they are getting the right food).
Molly has recovered well and is being a good Mum though I hope there were no injuries in there from last nights disaster. I have not looked yet as it is still dark and they need peace now.
Naturally Tahiti will not be bred again and will leave the farm.
I can hear those piglets banging around in their emergency cardboard box. I hope they sleep soon – poor wee things. Next feed in 30 minutes! I need to get organised and set alarms on my phone.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
116 responses to “A disaster for Tahiti”
Goat milk is much better for piglets. They can learn to drink from a pan in a very short period of time. It sounds like the got some colostrum so they should be okay. Cull that mama. She’ll be fine as chops and sausage.
I have bought the sow replacer now and so far they are doing fine. – fingers crossed.. c
Sorry Ms C. Wish I could help. I know it’s part of farm life but I would not have this happen for the world.
my heart goes out to you; I will hold you in my heart’s inner lining and pray for wellbeing and strength will settle over Tahiti and you will get rest and assistance.
Oh no! What a tragedy to walk into and have to deal with. Sending lots of positive vibes for you and the piglets. xoxo
If I had a way to get to you I’d be happy to help, I’m decidedly nocturnal so being up all night doesn’t bother me at all and feeding the piglets would be a good way to spend the time. Much as it would be nice to try and get Tahiti to calm enough to really mother her babies, I suspect you’ve done the best thing by not taking the chance with them. It would be nice if there was a way Molly would accept them, even if only for a few days. Keeping you and everyone on the farmy in my prayers.
That’s utter shite luck, isn’t it.
Oh no! That’s awful.
Oh how awful, for you and the little ones. I hope they do well even though the outlook might not be good.
So sorry to hear about Tahiti .. Not what you or those poor wee babies need. I hope you find a sow replacement Celi …
Ditto on the goat’s milk, it seems to work the best for all sorts of orphans. I have quite a surplus right now, wish I was near enough to get it to you.
Thank you for always sharing the pain and challenges along with the good. It helps me get through my farming challenges knowing I am not alone in the experience.
Like everyone, I’m so sorry this has happened. What a nightmare to walk into–so unexpected and shocking. I see by your response at 1:00 that you have bought the replacer and things are holding steady. Could Jake help out at all? I feel terrible I’m so close but useless. (Needed here — husband can’t drive anymore with neuropathy in his feet. Two close calls.Going to have to learn hand controls at the VA.)
Sending hugs for you and small gentle cuddles for the wee babies.
So sorry to hear this. As though you need more to do! Luckily Molly is a good mother to her piglets. It must have been for them like being in the apartment next to a domestic abuser of the worst sort. Good luck.
This is an awful thing to happen and I feel for you Miss C. Glad Tahiti is leaving the farmy. I know you will give it your best shot in rearing the new babies, I only wish I could help out.
Oh C. I am so sorry…