Pregnant and ready to Farrow?

sandraandjess · #1 02/22/14, 05:15 PM

Hi - We are new to pig breeding and have what we presumed is a pregnant gilt who is due in 5 days time. She has been running with our boar for the last 4 months and hasn't been in heat or mounted for 3 months and 3 weeks. We just presumed she was pregnant but are now having second thoughts after doing some further reading. We were wondering if anyone might be able to shed some more light and offer an opinion? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks (Sorry the photos aren't the best)

http://i58.tinypic.com/rcrds8.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2n6jvs.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/9zleh1.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/negpyx.jpg

**highlands** · #2 02/22/14, 05:24 PM

She looks likely pregnant but I would peg her out a bit further than five days. Can easily be +/- a week.

PasturedPork · #3 02/22/14, 05:33 PM

This could be fun!
HF betting time.
(We do this in my family all the time)

She will farrow in 3 days and have 8 piglets.

solsikkefarms · #4 02/22/14, 05:36 PM

I'll go... 5 days, 6 porkchops. Good luck!

sandraandjess · #5 02/22/14, 05:42 PM

Hi - Thanks for your feedback. I hope it's in 3 days and 8 piglets would be nice! Highlands - Do you mean she looks like she has more or less than 5 days to go?

gerold · #6 02/22/14, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandraandjess

Hi - Thanks for your feedback. I hope it's in 3 days and 8 piglets would be nice! Highlands - Do you mean she looks like she has more or less than 5 days to go?

Hard to say from the photo's. I would guess 7-8 days maybe more. 12 piglets.

**highlands** · #7 02/22/14, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandraandjess

Highlands - Do you mean she looks like she has more or less than 5 days to go?

Her vulva is not yet swollen, her bag is flat not coning, her sides have not dropped, her back is even, among other things. These suggest she still has time to go.

The other big question is behaviors and lactation.

Is she milking yet? Sows will early. Gilts might not or might just spot.

Is she nesting? A good sow or gilt should begin nesting within a few days of farrowing.

Is she off feed? Most go off feed the 12 hours to 24 hours before farrowing.

In ours these signs would tell me dates pretty well. However, gilts can sometimes fool one with their timing and it is often a matter of knowing your genetics. I know my lines.

She is pregnant. You'll know soon as to when the date is. It is always, sows be willing.

sandraandjess · #8 02/22/14, 07:39 PM

Here are a couple of more pictures.

Thanks so much for your help everyone - While we are experienced animal people this is our first experience with Pigs.

I just realised from your quote at the bottom Highlands that it was your website about the 'indicator' that had me thinking she wasn't pregnant! Hers is pointing almost directly outwards...

It's great that the consensus is she is pregnant!

Pregnant and ready to Farrow? - Pigs

sandraandjess · #9 02/22/14, 07:41 PM

Sorry I meant to add..

She is being a bit 'pickey' with food the last day or two, yes you can get a little drop or two of whiteish/clear fluid from her teats.

No nesting at all - But it is very hot here so she has been mostly sleeping in her wallow to keep cool.

**highlands** · #10 02/23/14, 08:25 AM

Make sure she does not farrow in the wallow. Might setup a mister near shade.

To my eye her indicator is saying yes. It's a relative thing and normally on a gilt they are pointed down so hers being where it is says she is pregnant, not yet dropped and small litter. Time will tell on count but she is definitely pregnant or faking it.

sandraandjess · #11 02/23/14, 09:38 PM

She is nesting!!!

Apparently she didn't like where we put the straw so she is rearranging it all. (Lesson learned that they do this themselves)

Thank you all for your advice and input - It is most appreciated

Hopefully not long now?

PasturedPork · #12 02/23/14, 09:55 PM

Keep us updated

bmurphy96 · #13 02/23/14, 10:27 PM

If she started nesting it will probably be in the next couple of days. Hope you're ready

keith

clothAnnie · #14 02/23/14, 10:36 PM

Excited to hear how she does!

Tirzah · #15 02/24/14, 08:21 PM

Me too!!!

sandraandjess · #16 02/25/14, 01:01 AM

Well she had them!!!!

Day 114 - 9 Piglets

5 Girls 4 Boys

She struggled to get the first two out for around 3 hours and then the two came out together both breach.

She had the first one at 9.00am and the last at 12.00pm (We thought she was done at around 10.45am with 8 but she had one more and he was the biggest)

They are all doing well and I think Wilma (Mumma) is quite perplexed as to what the little creatures are...

The first two born together
Pregnant and ready to Farrow? - Pigs

sandraandjess · #17 02/25/14, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PasturedPork

This could be fun!
HF betting time.
(We do this in my family all the time)

She will farrow in 3 days and have 8 piglets.

Pretty Close! She had them in 3 days but had 9 piglets

PasturedPork · #18 02/25/14, 08:29 AM

Congratulations!

Gilts show differently then sows. I knew she was close.

Keep an eye on them and enjoy your first litter of piglets. They are soo cute.

bmurphy96 · #19 02/25/14, 01:02 PM

Nice looking. Glad things went / turned out well. Have fun with the little ones.

Keith