The Tweens have had their electric fences taken down and once they got over their electric fence conditioning they moved across the line, where the wire was and began to chow down on the thick grass and clover. To be able to get onto fresh new grass in November is such a bonus.
They really as good looking pigs. I am proud of them. I LOVE seeing pigs eating grass, they twirl the stalks of grass around with their noses, getting a good big knot of feed then snap the whole lot off with their teeth and chew a big mouthful. Pigs like long grass, when it gets short they root it up.
Tima and Tane went for a walk in the gardens. Tane did not venture out into the field but moved about the flower beds OK and did some weeding. He generally gets to where he is going then sits down to eat.
The vet comes to see him this afternoon. This will be expensive which is a worry but he needs to see Tane walking this time.
This morning I take my electric fence gear across to the other side and create a new field for Manu (the Hereford boar) and Molly (the Hereford sow) . Molly is still locked in the big cows pen of the West barn where Manu cannot break in, to be sure that her heat is finished then she and Manu will be together until March. If the plan works she will be bred by him in about three weeks and farrow in late-March. However I want their winter field ready before they go together. They will still shelter in the barn.
Poppy (the older Hereford sow and in fact Molly’s mother) will go in with Manu 6 weeks after Molly – if my plan works. But you and I know all about all the plans of mice and men and women and pigs.
Daylight saving has begun here but it does not affect the animals and I as I start feeding at dawn and milk at dusk. Finishing up in the dark. Dawn is 6.32 am and last light is 5.09 pm. Today will be cloudy but still in the 60’s (mid teens in Celsius). Warm.
As i was fencing yesterday I was making a list in my head of the things I have learned this year and top of the list was the electric fences. I am much faster at taking down and putting up fences this year. Much more confident.
The next fence will be for Poppy’s piglets most of whom will be wintering over here as planned. The stakes all need to be in the ground before it starts to freeze solid so these fences all need to be finished within the next week. There is talk of another Polar Vortex this winter. Not good talk in my opinion. But maybe our winter will be shorter? Every season is different – we just have to live it.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
26 responses to “New Grass in November!”
It’s good to appreciate what we’ve learned and become better at doing, otherwise it’s too easy for everyday life to slip by without that sort recognition ♡ For me, I’ve become better at overcoming my tendency to feel daunted about trying new-to-me things like bread baking, preserving etc and and just have a go. This is because I think I have found myself in a wonderful online community who provide me with inspiration ♡