I went up to the pigs a bit late today to discover that Myrtle, who we thought was three weeks behind Elsie in her pregnancy had given birth. I was there when Elsie had her eleven babies, but arrived just as Myrtle was delivering her afterbirth (sorry if you are eating whilst reading this!) so had probably had her babies a couple of hours earlier. Sadly, things had not gone quite so well as they had with Elsie and she did seem to be struggling a bit in these final stages.
I found six live, but mostly rather weak and not yet feeding babies, and four which had passed away. One of them was extremely tiny, but the others looked like they had simply failed to get themselves clear of the membrane or had been rolled on. I am completely kicking myself for not having been to see them earlier because I may have been able to save some of them. But I guess that that is the way it goes.
Anyway, I got the survivors into the right place and they all started feeding. Myrtle does not seem to have quite the same mothering instincts as Elsie because while I was there I saw her stand on the foot of one of the babies and then lie on another. Fortunately I managed to give her a shove and she moved.
In this picture Jack and Lilly are in their stable taking refuge from the flies which are plaguing them at the moment.
What a gorgeous shot. I must say I don't envy you the worry with new piglets. Don't kick yourself, you can only do so much, the rest is left to nature as intended. I imagine they have such a number of piglets for a reason, some just wont survive! Now go,an have a glass of wine x
first this is a fav just ove Jan! second so sorry about the loss of the babies mother nature can be cruel sometimes but we cannot tame or control her and she has her reasons for what happens even if we cant work out what they are.
I'm a bit late Faving but I can't resist this beautiful pic - poor old piggies - as @lucypics says there is probably an expected attrition rate (as I expect Elsie might remind you if her's don't start behaving!)
Such a wonderful shot, tried the wide angle, don't think I'll be getting one anytime soon, but the macro is definitely on the list now that I've seen your shots, thanks again.
I LOVE this! It's a wonderful portrait of companionship.
I don't have all the technical knowledge about tones and exposure etc, but I love the lighting and all the shades of brown. This scene just draws me in and makes me feel like I'm there.
Fav-ulous.
Ooops, I was so engrossed in the photo, that I forgot about dear Myrtle. I do hope her mothering skills improve. Those babies need to learn how to get out of her way really quick.
I don't have all the technical knowledge about tones and exposure etc, but I love the lighting and all the shades of brown. This scene just draws me in and makes me feel like I'm there.
Fav-ulous.
Nonetheless, the shot is very sweet.
FAV