Everyone is already a week old. We have all had a very active week, as you know everyone got shots and their teeth clipped but they also had to adjust to numerous other life changes. I know I have had everyone very worried but I'm recovering nicely now and my piglets are coming along like champs.
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Piglet
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2/26/15 at Birth
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3/7/15
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Scooby Doo
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3lb 2.8oz
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4lb 12oz
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Sophie
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3lb 2.8oz
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4lb 15oz
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Filly
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3lb 1oz
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4lb 14oz
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Roco
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3lb 1.7oz
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3lb 9oz
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Boomer
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3lb 1.4oz
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4lb 8oz
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Bubbles
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2lb 1.4oz
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4lb 8oz
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Olivia
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4lb 1.2oz
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5lb 10oz
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Miki
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2lb 10oz
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4lb 15oz
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When I became ill I stopped producing milk for my piglets. Mikayla and her team jumped into gear to ensure everyone was being fed and as you can see they are all thriving! They started bottle feeding every 3-4 hours and then started moving to pan / trough feeding by the end of the week. Everyone but Roco really took to the trough feeding, he has become Mikayla's baby she bottle feeds him special every time.
Mik and Miki
Feeding time in the shop. Yesterday we started them on milk pellets food along with their milk. So far everyone really likes having the pellets to munch on.
Some important information to remember if you should ever have to bottle feed your piglets.
Ideally the piglet should be fed a proprietary sows milk replacer. An alternative is to use a goats (kid) milk replacer.
It is very important to remember to warm the milk to body temperature for the first few days and feed using a human baby bottle and teat.
After a few days, the piglet should quickly learn to drink for a small bowl, which may be easier. To teach the piglet, at feeding time, place the milk in the bowl and dip the pigs nose into it. After doing this a few times the piglet will get the idea and learn to drink from the feeder.
The piglet will probably need to be fed approximately every 3 - 4 hours for the first several days, then 3 - 4 times a day until weaning.
At birth the piglet will probably drink 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk each feed. This will gradually increase each day as the piglet grows. Introduce the piglet to solid food from 7 - 10 days. A specialist piglet starter creep is ideal.
The piglet can be weaned off the milk at around 5½ - 6 kg (12-14 lbs) in weight, usually this is around 28 days of age. If you get in a jam and need more information on raising your piglets check out www.thepigsite.com
I know I have had everyone very worried and I'm really sorry about that. I tried my hardest to stay in the crate for the little's but when they reached a week old, Mikayla and Mr. Allen decided they needed to get me out of the crate so they could focus on my health.
I first experienced the number one cause of sickness in sows after farrowing, infection. This is caused by not delivering the entire placenta or a remaining piglet. My vet and caregivers started treating me very aggressively with antibiotics. They monitored my temperature daily and kept me hydrated. Unfortunately, I haven't felt much like eating!
I didn't just stop there, I then experienced the number two cause of illness in sows after farrowing, constipation. This can cause a lot of discomfort, Mr. Allen & Mikayla very quickly jumped into action to make me comfortable. They started me on electrolytes, I really enjoy the lime Gatorade. When I didn't show improvement they gave me 500ml of mineral oil, this wasn't my favorite thing on the planet but it made my belly feel better. They started feeding my puree pumpkin and applesauce.
Now I'm just really tired and weak. My team will continue to give me electrolytes and get me up to eat. I want to say thank you for all your well wishes and support.
<3 Pinky Jane
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