Yes, I would definitely separate them. A sow needs to be in a pen with shelter, by herself. when she farrows. A sow farrowing in an open pasture is a different thing then one farrowing in a pen or lot.

 

I would arrange it so she can have privacy during farrowing and for a while afterwards. In the warm months the sows head out into the brush away from the herd. In a closed in location one needs to simulate this to some degree to give her protection while she farrows. Simply putting him in another pen or paddock achieves this. Or put stock panels and some hot wire around her shelter to keep him out.

Cheers

-Walter
Sugar Mountain Farm
Pastured Pigs, Sheep & Kids
in the mountains of Vermont
Read about our on-farm butcher shop project:
http://SugarMtnFarm.com/butchershop
http://SugarMtnFarm.com/csa

 

Thank you for your responses. This one is new to me and I just wasn't sure.

I have a weird question for you: When we bought this sow she smelled like molasses. I thought maybe it was something they fed her. She still smells like molasses and the boar also. Not that I mind but what is up with that?

 

There is a gene (defect?) that causes a pig to smell sugary. Some people say it is like maple syrup. Others compare it with some other sweet. I've never smelled it, just read of it.

 

we notice this with our blue butt and hampshire cross pigs. The Guinea hogs have no such smell. Makes my kids think of bacon and pancakes whenever they're feeding the pigs!!