As Black Cat watched from high on his tower of hay, the plonkers, the group we called The Charlottes, had a gallop through the fields, upset all the other pigs with their exuberance then proceeded through the barn exactly according to the script. Like a boat going through a lock, they moved through the barn. Gathering and patiently rummaging in each pen while I opened the next gate. Then closed it behind them. I tried to slow them down so they all arrived at the trailer the same time. By the time they got into the last run they were calm and in a tight group. They trotted quietly and confidently down the last hay corridor and up into the trailer where they began their usual squabble over who gets to flip the water bowl first.
Calm as day. I wore my padded winter overalls so when they tried to chew on me they just got a mouthful of fabric. By wearing those overalls I felt more confident. My only concern about this run was them nipping at me if they got anxious. These Durocs are a noisy pushy breed.
But they were fine. The odd experimental chew as they puttered past but all good.
I literally jogged in behind them, shutting gates as they wandered through and when they were all in the trailer, pushing at each other, I shut the door. They were the easiest hogs to load possibly ever – mainly because they went together.
Thank you, I said to each one, as they began to dig into the deep straw for the few enticing treats I had sprinkled through the trailer to keep them busy.
I take hours to set up each run. It runs like a play crossed with a chess game because something usually goes wrong. So I was relieved when things went according to my careful plan. This was a big mob of big hogs.
Now we begin winter hours. A much gentler period of the farm calendar. Now that the summer visitors are gone I will let The PopPops out for a run and a forage each day. They always return to the barn so I feel confident.
Tima and Wai are free now.
The chickens are laying more each day.
The cows are still being fed hay and pumpkins in the fields. They won’t come into the barn for at least another month. I don’t want to be scooping the poop until I really have to.
Today R and I will begin the maintenance on the barn and the front of the hen house.
And I have to continue scooping the pond. The relocation of the fish is next on my list!
Have a lovely day!
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
24 responses to “Under the Eagle Eyes of a Black Cat”
You could do with chain mail with that kind of pig!
I was reading about possums yesterday. I didn’t realise that they are marsupials and are considered to be good game meat 😳
Clockwork, perfect,, phew. So pleased all your careful planning and hard work paid. off though l’m sure you were exhausted by the end of it all. Goodbye Charlottes. Here’s to a new chapter on the farmy. All the remaining animals sound as if they are in a good place.
They were not as easy to raise as our gentle Herefords!
That saying “best laid plans…” and when they work it is wonderful! Black cat is definitely giving off overlord vibes in that photo
Black Cat feels like an angel to me. He just appears every now and then – as though he beamed down!
Oh I like that thought. Sort of the guardian who keeps things in line and running smoothly as needed.
So glad all went well, as it usually doesn’t go as planned herding animals! Is the stock trailer the “Black Mariah” (I think you called it) that housed every sort of farm animal when needed? Time to slowly relax into winter preparation. That’s what we are doing here too.
The Black Mariah was the trailer these pigs slept in – when they were not sleeping under the trees. This trailer is another one with a more sensible back door. Still rusty and old though.
I’m so glad it all went smoothly. Of course, I’m not surprised, given that you are an amazing planner and herder.
it is all in the planning.
Reading about your careful plans to get ready for the white chickens and the Charlottes has been interesting. That’s your farm experience saving you from chaos. I appreciate that you thank each animal. Gratitude is so important. Sue S
Gratitude is important – I do think this. And always quietly say it as they load. I am always in two minds when they leave. But today is wonderful. The workload so much more manageable
I like the way you give thanks to your animals, Celi. I’m vegetarian and have never eaten meat in my life, and so it is very hard for me to think about where these animals end up. But from reading, I know it’s hard for you too. I’m glad you raise your animals with kindness and they have good lives while they are with you. I grew up next to a farm where animals were not reared with compassion. The cows were wintered indoors, knee deep in mud and their own excrement. Hard to see.
oh Grace – those poor cows. I only eat meat I have raised myself. Which means I am a vegetarian when I travel – unless it is local and field raised. (Which is rare). I – so agree. We just cannot support these huge industrial factory farms. Dreadful.
Good morning Ceci………..Glad all the herding went well. I guess I did not realize you raised all these pigs to sell the meat to families around you…..don’t know what I was thinking. Of course, being city gal and all what would I know. haha
Glad you get a little respite with winter coming on. You work so very hard, my friend…you deserve a little rest.
Jo
I’m glad the herding went well. Good work, you.
Wow! What a well planned and run operation
Wow, that sounds like it went exceptionally well! Had to smile at the thought of who got to flip the water bowl first. I can see that happening. You have lots of leaves on the ground already, a lovely pic. Have a lovely day! Patti
We have big winds – all the leaves are coming down fast!
How could it not go well, supervised by Parson Black Cat with his clerical collar?
Oh yes! Perfect!!
I love your mention of your padded winter overalls. I used to live in overalls when I was in my teens and haven’t had a pair in a very long time! You made me all wistful.
They are so kind to the figure!!
Always busy … great shot of your black kitty