And Then There Were Two

So, as I mentioned in the last post the Craigslist ad was posted and we got a response! Through a series of emails, a time was set up to meet on Thursday (June 4th) for Shauna to come and pick up the boys. I left work promptly at noon to make it home and changed before she was to show up. Shortly after I arrived home I received a text from her, she and her husband were on their way and would be arriving by 1230. Perfect!

All of the piggies were lounging and sleeping in their favorite spot by the table near the cherry tree when Shauna and Josh arrived. We spent some time chatting and getting to know them a bit. They already have one AGH which they plan to have slaughtered sometime this fall. They are hoping to grow out a couple of the boys for meat and I believe she said she wanted to breed them as well. They currently have all boys so I am guessing that they will be waiting for a gilt/sow in the future. Either way, the boys are in a really good place now and they will serve out a new purpose on their farm in Longview. 

Then came time to round up the kids and get them caught! The first couple were easy, especially since they were napping. Quite a rude awakening! Soon, there were three in the crate/cage, but after a quick look at who was left, I had discovered that Bridgette was grabbed and almost went away with the boys. So she was removed and #3 was picked up and was placed with his brothers. The last one had time to figure out that this was not a good thing and he started to run around. To his house to the yard into the field...he really tried to not get caught. He was a slippery little stinker! In a few minutes they were all rounded up squealing all the way into the cage. Poor babies looking a little downcast. 

After some more visiting and enough time for the boys to settle down Shauna & Josh left to take the boys to their new home. 

Then there were two:

 Victor & Bridgette were a little unsettled for a while. They spent most of the afternoon hanging out near Rex since we let Rex out to check things out. Fiona was happy to leave Rex with the kids and went off to do her own thing. Once meal time rolled around, they were back to normal, but better. No more chaos during meal time, just the two of them to share one big ol' bowl of tasty food - well, tasty for them at least.

We knew what the plan would be from the beginning, we certainly couldn't keep all six of the baby hogs. That would be way too much. There is already enough poo with Rex & Fiona! Add the poo of the growing pigs and oh my goodness...poo EVERYWHERE! Of course it's good for the grass and whatever is around, but too much!

I would be lying if I said that I was okay with them being gone. I missed them, more than I thought I would. Spending almost 10 weeks with the piggies gave us a lot of time to bond with them and to handle them as much as possible. Which worked out great. The next morning I sent Shauna a text to check in and see how things went overnight. She was pleased to have them with her and they did great! This news made my day! This really put my mind at ease knowing that they did well and these photos helped as well:

New digs for the pigs!

New pasture, same piggy behavior

Before they left Josh had mentioned that they created a new house for these little hogs which looks great. Certainly nicer than the Pallet shelter that Tom put together for Rex & Fiona. As you can see in the second photo, one of the boys was already in the belly rub position. 

It's a blessing to have found someone who just love the boys as much as we did. I am hopeful that they will be well taken care of and will be able to thrive. In my mind, this was a perfect match that worked out for us and for the Juve's. When Fiona has her next litter I will have at least one person who will want to buy. No rush Fiona, we are all enjoying the first litter of piggies. 

Farm Life Best Life...when pigs are born, raised and go to a new home.