Funny Pigs and Miserable Weather

It was raining during chores this morning. The pigs were still sound asleep as we brought them their food.


Yesterday I had the chance to spend a few hours installing electric fence throughout the pigs outdoor area. They had spent the last week with 2 strands of electric wire across the opening of their shelter. The idea being that they try to go outside, get zapped and turn around. This allows all the pigs to become familiar with electric fencing and trains them not to challenge the fence in the future. The training worked and this morning as we fed them outside, they were all hesistant to walk through the doorway; eventhough the 2 strands of wire had been removed.


Now we will be able to contain them in the woods and on pasture through the use of 2 electric strands. The electric fence charger is run by a solar panel and relies entirely on the suns solar energy. The unit itself is very compact and can hold a charge for more then a week without getting any sun. With proper grounding rods and installation the fence will run for 15 miles and be able to contain all of our farm animals.





The picture above shows one of the pigs contemplating whether to come through the doorway and make its way to the trough.


Eventhough it has been raining and snowing all day, we decided to integrate the horses. So far Katie has been seperated on one half of the pasture, away from the others. Today we removed the dividing wires and allowed the horses to interact.


It is a matter of acceptance. The other horses want to let Katie know that she is new and will have to join them under their terms. So far April, who is at the top of the pecking order, has not stood down and her little side kick Moses (the Donkey) is making sure that Katie doesnt get too comfortable too quickly. It might be days before they all settle down.


Below is a picture of Katie after standing up to Moses. Again, the picture quality is poor; I am still trying to fix this. I believe it is due to the fact that with dial up, I am just not able to upload any high pixel pictures without it taking over 20 min per photo.