I had to put the two badly hurt piglets to sleep. I had hoped they would recover but they were getting less and less able to move about, their legs were useless and their crying had become piteous. It was only going to get worse for them. So I had to call it. Putting them to Sleep is how my Dad used to say it too. Euthanise is not a word I use often. 
This leaves the five, two of whom are looking great and refuse to let me help them feed anymore. Two are very shaky but eating well with help. Number five is not sure yet. So I am still on two hours feeds for these two weak ones.
Molly has developed a limp so I am escalating the supplementary feeding of her eleven babies. They are so demanding. I would have liked to leave them with her for at least six weeks but I may have to wean them earlier. She is such a good girl – they share her food bowl all the time and she does not mind at all. I am sure she is just trying to help me train them to eat so they will leave her the hell alone. 
Yesterday I got out and did some fencing – it was such a joy to be out in the fields with my tools just puttering about – I had my phone with the alarm set for the babies but the air was lovely after that rain. 
I have visitors coming for dinner tonight so I had better get a wriggle on. Plus I need to get the room ready for the new woofer. I hope he likes pigs! 
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
39 responses to “Then a step sideways”
I know that the decision to put those two piglets to sleep wasn’t easy, those kind never are. It’s hard to say what kind of injuries the poor little things had and you gave them their best chance. I hope the remaiin five do well. Enjoy the beautiful day.
I’m so sorry about what you have been through with the piglets and Tahiti. It is very sad, but you seem to be handling it with such practical care, as you do everything. We are all rooting for the remaining piglets.
Wild woman of the prairie… your life is not easy, and yet the struggle catapults you to drive on. Because that is what any wild woman would do.
Yes, rooting for you and the piggies! And the new woofer as well.
I really hope he is one of the good ones.. I need good help – but you never know until they arrive.. c
I’m so sorry for your loss. you made the right decision without a doubt.
Ah C. yes, sideways step is surely better than the backward ones….bless you. I love that shot of the sky from the farm yard…I bet it felt so good to be out there inhaling those sweet, healing breezes after all you’ve been through these past few days.
Well done. A hard decision, but made humanely. You sound a little more optimistic about the rest, so we will cautiously allow ourselves to hope. Poor Molly the teenage mama, she just wants her life back but she’s doing a good job all the same. Bear up, Miss C, you’re steering a hard course, but we’re cheering you along. Fingers crossed for a piglet loving, kitchen trained, hard working WWOOFer.
Sorry about the poor little piglets. At least you have a distraction with your visitors tonight. Have fun and I hope the new woofer is a lot of help.
Very good cecilia
Yes a difficult but necessary–and KINDNESS to the suffering piglets. I sure hope you have a nice glass or two or three of wine tonight. Kick back with your guests. And your woofer is serious help.
Tomorrow we are having the basement concrete jackhammered to make way for indoor tile/sump pump installation. Just dreading this. No a/c and no hot water for a couple days. Plus dust galore I guess. I’m too old for this!
You know how to do the right thing…your strength continues to amaze me. Those hard calls show how much our animals… pets or otherwise, are left to the care or loving and educated, experienced hands. Your hands and your heart qualify. Enjoy all the good that you bring. I look so forward to your posts.
aww, thanks for the update and sad for the two, but the most merciful i think. you obviously have the experience to be able to know who will make it and who won’t and you’ve done everything humanly possible for all of them. hugs and wishes for the rest –
If love and good wishes are useful, you have them in abundance from all of us. xx
I wish you all the best, dear Celi! And a very well outcome to all that you are facing right know! You are so great!
Never knew raising piglets could be so touchy. Poor things