Integrating Pigs

When you add a new dog or cat for the family the transition can often be hard on the animals that were already in the home. This also holds true for pigs.

I've had Katie and Rudy together for a while now. Karma was a new edition about 4 months ago. It's taken about that long to be able to have them out together without fighting. It's been a struggle and took some separating during feeding and bedtime but we have finally made success! Karma can now be out all day with Katie and Rudy without getting into fights. Phew! I still worry that Katie might try to corner Karma so I keep an eye and ear out for that but they are doing well. Hallelujah!

More Birthday Madness!

This week we celebrated another birthday! Samantha turned 19! I don't think she looks a day over 15 ;)


She celebrated with peach pie, mmm.

Oh Hello Blogger

I seem to be neglecting the blog!! I've been so busy on the sanctuary and updating facebook that this poor blog gets the shaft. This needs to change!

I will start the change with sharing the fact that today is Rudy's birthday!!! He turned 1 today :D

As you may recall, Rudy came to us as a baby with inner ear and spinal deformities. He continues to deal with being off balance because of these deformities but is living life well!! He has 2 sisters, one brother and 2 pug pals. He gets along with all and especially loves getting attention from people. And I have to say, people love giving him attention :) He is such a special boy and anyone who meets him sees it right away.

Happy Birthday Rudy!!

Another Birthday!

We like to celebrate Valentine's birthday on Valentine's Day :) I think he likes it too.

He received a delicious pie and was kind enough to share it with some friends. Here he is with Pammy and Wilbur. So patient!!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Karma!!

Karma turned 1 today! She enjoyed some tasty treats and received an alligator! Happy Birthday Karma :)

19

19 degrees is what the temperature has been dropping to lately. That may not be a big deal to most people but for those of us that are not used to it, or to pigs who aren't used to it, it's a big deal!


We have had to delay our start time for feeding and have added ice breaking into the feeding routine. The ice in the pools and bowls froze over 3 inches thick today. Not so fun for our piggies that like to drink while they eat.


We also had around 20 pipes break today :( They were all secured but will need to be repaired.


We've really been on our A game trying to make sure everyone has enough blankets and hay. A lot of the pigs choose to snuggle during these cold nights. We are also thinking of all the other sanctuaries and houses where the weather is far worse.

I'm a Big Kid Now

Dexter was recently introduced to our North field. He has a lot of energy and is making good use of it. Dexter spends the days roaming and meeting new pigs. We were hoping he would like Jeanie. We think they are similar breeds and that he will get at least as big as her. Today I found him hanging out with her :) He doesn't seem to show any fear as he makes his way around the field.

I'd Sleep There

I've mentioned before how we 'winterize' the sanctuary for the pigs. It includes many blankets, hay and carpet doors on the shelters. The pigs also help winterize the sanctuary.






We often find the pigs pulling blankets around to where they want them. They also cocoon themselves up so well it's hard to imagine how they can even do that! We've also seen them make nests for themselves.


Pigbody managed to make himself an awesome little nest in the Assisted Living Barn. I've caught other pigs lounging in it during the day but Pigbody owns it at night.

Warm Me Up

After all of the freezing temperatures we finally have a break! The pigs are taking full advantage of it. I went out to snag a few pictures and found that a lot of pigs were out sunbathing. It's nice to see them keeping warm and happy.




Cinderfella was found nosing in some bushes.







Hopper was sitting pretty looking for some attention.







Mojo was walking around enjoying the sun.

Boar Update!

The three boys that went in to be neutered a few weeks ago have all seemed to recover nicely!


Dexter is continuing to grow quickly and is quite the explorer! He loves to run around and get lots of attention.











Ramone is still being a sweetheart. He loves getting attention and belly rubs. He may have a urinary infection so he is on antibiotics.











Little Toby has already gone back to his forever home. It was a pleasure to watch him during his recovery. He did need to sleep indoors as he is still tiny and we had freezing temperatures.

Ice Ice Baby

The last few nights have been really cold. The temperatures have been dropping to 22. Not only does this mean cold nights for the piggies, but it also means ice and frozen pipes in the morning!



While feeding we have to go around and break the ice in all of our water bowls, pools and automatic waterers. Oddly enough, Rudy loves it! Every morning Rudy goes around carrying ice chunks. He's still cold but wants to bring the ice into bed with him. Bad idea Rudy!

schmorgasboar!!

It seems when we get a call about one boar, more calls follow.

Dexter came to us last week. He's a ball of energy! Dexter was the little boy found by a hiker in Phoenix. He is having a great time running around and getting lots of love. He is most likely a hog and will get very large! There has been much interest in adopting him, so he will find a good home for sure.




Another call Mary received was regarding Ramone. He was living in the back yard of some college students' house in Phoenix. He was not getting the care he deserved. Some neighbors were doing all they could to ensure that he was doing well. The neighbors were initially allowed to come over to care for him, but the students soon told them they were no longer allowed as they were renting out a room. The students did not want the boar any longer. Concerned for the outcome the neighbors called Mary. Ben and Mary went to pick him up earlier this week. He was named Jamon, ham in Spanish. We quickly changed that to Ramone :) Much more suiting.
Ramone is very very friendly and handsome. He love to be pet and scratched. Both boys will be getting neutered soon.

Step into the Laboratory

Dexter's laboratory!! I think we are sticking with the name Dexter for this little man.
He was found on a trail in Phoenix very dehydrated. He led a hiker back to his carrier, which was opened for him to run free left with only a bowl of food. Luckily this hiker was kind enough to take this little one in until he could contact us. He arrived at Ironwood on Monday. He is very friendly and as you can see, being a boar is hard work!

Wilbur and Baby

Wilbur and Baby are quite a pair. They love to explore together and keep each other warm during these cool nights. They're incredibly sweet and as you can see in the video, Baby knows how to turn on the charm for treats.

Rudy

Rudy was delighted to wear his new sweater. He's already a little too big for it but on the cold days he can wear it for extra warmth :)




Please remember to keep your animals warm this winter!!

Pigs Need to be Warm Too

A lovely sweater was donated for our boy PeeWee. It fits perfect!! Here's to a warm winter.




One was also donated for our little Rudy. Pictures of that soon!

Open House

The open house was so much fun! We had around 350 people come out to see the sanctuary and meet the pigs. It was great to see people enjoy it so much. The pigs came out for attention, pumpkin and pictures.






We had many blankets donated. The pigs will surely be warm! We also had a lot of peanut butter donated. We won't have to buy any for months!! Thanks everyone!




For those wondering, we use the peanut butter to give the pigs their medications :)


Through the open house we were also able to get a sponsor for one of our new pigs, PeeWee! Lucky girl :)

We are busy busy prepping for the open house Saturday. Much of this includes making sure all of the fields are raked. With near 24 fields, this is no quick task!




Here is our Main field all cleaned up.

November Newsletter!

Our November newsletter has been sent out and is online. If you'd like to see it go here:
http://ironwoodpigsanctuary.com/


I wrote an article on pigs making pig friends. Couldn't be better timing as little Rudy and his new sister Katie were seen cuddling this morning.


Katie was a recent foreclosure case and did not live with other pigs. It's nice to see her making a friend.

Photobooks!

Ironwood now has their own photobooks! I made these last week and am already getting orders, especially for Christmas presents. They will be available at our open house on November 13th, or you can contact me directly. Proceeds benefit the sanctuary :D

They are 7x9 with a soft cover and 22 pages of pig goodness!