It’s been over a year since we did our last animal update on our pig Pebbles. As you can imagine, she has grown up quite a bit; and so, it was time to continue our normal cycle and get her a mate. We bought a medium-sized male from Mr. Bunker, and of course, had to call him Bamm-Bamm.
Here are Pebbles (left) and Bamm-Bamm (right) back in May:
And again, Bamm-Bamm (left) and Pebbles (right):
We thought, based on “action” we saw from the two that she was about ready to give birth late-April or so, but it ended up two estrus cycles past that.
And by God’s graces and mercies, she successfully gave birth! — a litter of nine, with two dead, and one little guy that just could never get walking properly, and he died as well.
After last year’s difficulties with Pebble’s mother’s delivery, we were really praying this one would go more smoothly; and the Lord was gracious in granting that to be so; and we are very thankful!
Here they are not too long after being born:
And here is a video of the journey of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, from meeting last December to piglets in June (it’s a little long, but to me, kind of fun to see the progression). Bamm-Bamm has since been “processed” as our food provisions:
We are very grateful to God for granting these new piggies to be born, for the safe delivery for Pebbles, and for the meat from Bamm-Bamm we have been able to store away.
— David
Thank you for a great video. It is very satisfying when you get such a good result. Indeed the Lord is a wonderful provider.
Will you keep any for yourselves or give them to your neighbours or will you barter for other goods or services?
I do hope you are receiving more rain, I know your temperatures have been very high. We are having a very mild winter over here. The lizards have started to come out from their winter hiding places and are sunning themselves on the cement path. This usually is a sign that spring is here.
Blessings Gail
Hi gail,
Usually, we bring the piglets to weaning age, "process" the mother, keep one piglet (female, if available), and sell/barter the rest. With Pebbles, I'm not sure which direction we're going to go with her yet. She has a very good disposition, is not a huge pig (they are usually too large by this time to think of keeping for another whole birth cycle) and by God's graces had a great first litter; and so, I might change things around this time — maybe keep a couple of the males and butcher them in the Winter, and try to breed her another round. I'm just not sure yet.
Thanks for the hopes of rain — it's starting to get really close to a difficult point — not quite yet, but not too much longer either. We pray by God's mercies and Christ's merits He grant rain soon. I know other households are running low too.
I know the anticipation of Spring and the new hopes for a successful growing season is always an exciting time to me. May God grant you His provisions, according to His will.
Thanks for saying hi!
— David