Feeding Time!

Everyone seems to know that pigs are very intelligent. They are also very prone to sticking to their schedule. They are quick to learn a routine and are able to follow it daily. The first fields we head out to feed in the mornings are Sunset and Peoria. As we make our way the pigs anxiously run and bark to meet us at the gate. I love this. The pigs in the other fields are antsy as well but they don't seem as antsy as Sunset and Peoria for some reason.

We have troughs and bowls in every field. Some pigs will eat out of both while others prefer one or the other.

I did not work today and was able to get some pictures and video of feeding time. The picture to the left is in Main. I can feed in this field but don't know too many of the pigs here yet. We carry buckets full of grain and dump about 3 cups into each trough. Bowls generally get 1 cup each unless it is a bowl in a feeding pen, then it is individualized.

The picture to the right shows the pigs in Main that eat in pens. Pigs eat in pens for different reasons. The usual reasons are that they are either too shy and won't get enough grain if they eat in the field or they are too pushy in the field. Each pen has a shade screen over it and a water and food bowl. After the field is fed someone is in charge of staying back and letting all of the pigs out. Once feeding is completely done for the morning 2 people do a walk around of all of the fields to ensure that all pigs have been let out and none are stuck.

The picture shown here to the left shows some of the pigs in Northwest. These lovelies are waiting for their medications. The pigs that receive medications will usually be waiting at the fence. Some may sit, get on their hind legs or just push at you until they get their med. The video here shows a couple receiving their meds, George is the big guy.