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 think I prefer to say ‘put and end to their suffering’, it lends the honor the act deserves. Always always a difficult decision, so sorry you had to make it.
A hard call but a good call. A compasionate balance, with time enough to rally if able and a compassionate ending. Your change of energy outside today and enjoyable company tonight should carry you a bit further 🌹
‘Going to sleep’ is one of my comments also: it has a lovely gentle tone to it . . . sincerely trust the worst is behind you for this time and that the new wwoofer will get the plot and fit right in . . .
Dear, dear Celi, This was a difficult post to read and I’m thinking it was even more difficult to carry out. But you did the best thing for the poor little piglets and I am proud of you for taking that step.
What will become of Tahiti? Will she become food for the freezer or would her rapacious actions taint her meat, making her flesh inedible? And what will happen with the little piglets? Will they be eaten? You made a wise though very difficult decision, and I as well as the rest of the fellowship, support you in your actions 1000%.
I send you oceans and oceans of love and understanding, along with a considerable dollop of good faith and knowledge of a job well done, Your Gayle.
Bless them and bless you – and now it is time to get on with the getting on lest we wallow in the mire and misery. (I don’t remember where I picked that up – but it is a good line that I need to put on a sheet of paper for myself too) Is that Nanny Boo looking in on the piggies?
Where is the new woofer from this time? I hope he likes pigs too – or maybe fence building or barn repairing…. Didn’t the wind shift the barn a tad where the doors are more off than before?
17 days until I leave on a small adventure….. I’m not ready for a trip – but alas I trip I will go for my hubby. Trains Trains and more Trains….. I have married a man who’s 1st love are his model trains and all steam trains…..
What a tough week you’ve had. Sorry that had to happen, farms sure have trying events. Glad to see the cute pics of the piglets in the garden.
Very sorry to hear about the piglets Celi ..