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Welcome to Piggsville, pop 6
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:06 pm
by Stonehead
The new pens and race. The closest currently has two Saddleback weaners in it, but has an insulated and floored hut so will mainly be used to house a sow and her piglets.
The next pen has a standard hut (no floor, no insulation) which is where two to four weaners will go while being fattened for meat. It's empty at the moment as the boar, Ginger, and his girlfriend of the moment will be going in there for a week or two while we build them a new hut.
The final and biggest pen is Ginger's. He has a temporary hut made from our old trailer, but this is about to be replaced by a large wooden hut made from salvage and up to winter.
The pens open on to the race, which leads out to a track. The track can be closed off by gates and used as a loading bay or sorting pen.
Looking from further up the hill, you can see the sows' enclosure with its big hut for up to four full-grown sows at a time (either dry or in-pig). The other pens can be seen to the left, as can our red trailer.
The sows are strip grazed in their large pen.
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:13 pm
by the.fee.fairy
wow! what beautiful pics!
Looks like you'll have some happy piggies soon too!
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:17 pm
by Boots
Looking good Stoney. Real Good!
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:26 pm
by Welsh Girls Allotment
You live in a beautiful place !

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:18 pm
by Stonehead
Welsh Girls Allotment wrote:You live in a beautiful place !

It's even better from the top of the hill, looking to the west:
The first summer we were here (and befoe we started work on the pasture!).
Same again, but narrower field of view.
Our first winter, with almost two feet of snow on the ground.
Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:57 pm
by Hepsibah
I don't know about you Stoney but having lived on one council estate after another I find living in the countryside completely astounding. The sheer beauty of the place stuns me anew every day. I love everything about it here. The night times being really dark so the stars are more visible than I've ever known them and the everyday country smells including sheepy and piggy ones are a gift.
Looking at the view is something I am doing a lot. I keep realising where I am when I'm in the middle of doing a job. That's when I stop and look around and I feel like dancing a jig for the sheer joy of being here.
In the past I've felt a bit of a drudge. The work here can be hard but it is by no means drudgery. It's worthwhile and satisfying. I may end up with work-worn hands but I really feel alive. Aren't I lucky?

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:02 pm
by hedgewizard
I have that problem... many a time's I find myself propped up on the wall gazing over the fields instead of working. Damn nature's beauty!
Those are some damned fine pig houses Stoney. Feel justifiably proud of yourself.
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 6:16 am
by Millymollymandy
hedgewizard wrote:Those are some damned fine pig houses Stoney. Feel justifiably proud of yourself.
And your fencing! Bravo!
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:33 pm
by Welsh Girls Allotment
Completely stunning !!! I love the snow pic
www.welshgirlsallotment.blogspot.com
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 11:16 pm
by hedgewizard
Wow, didn't notice the fencing. Did you put that in with a setsquare?

Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 12:19 pm
by the.fee.fairy
wow...that's breathtaking!
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:02 pm
by PurpleDragon
Fantastic, Stoney - I'm very impressed.
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:37 pm
by baldowrie
I have to say that Stoney is place is beautiful, but it's bloody cold with a stiff breeze and smattering of snow!
I live in the clutter of buildings to the right
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 2:51 pm
by PurpleDragon
So I take it you are near to Stonehead? I am sort of near - we stay beside Turriff - also cold and very windy
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:50 pm
by baldowrie
I am about 1.5 - 2hrs away or as some others drive 2 -2.5, quicker on the way home because it's all down hill and I am not laden with water
Been there a couple of times and due to go again soon, hopefully with a good piggy weight pending
Wasn't cold last time I went...just WET!
I am near the Perth/Angus border