Capri the pregnant mother pig, arrived at the gates of Happy Trails about six weeks ago. We were told that she was pregnant and due within about three to four weeks. Apparently some information was a bit off, and Capri kept us waiting, and waiting, and waiting.... Just when we thought she was going to hang on to them forever, she made herself a beautiful nest last night, covered herself up with straw, and began the process of having her family of beautiful baby pigs.
She originally had nine babies, but sadly three of them didn't make it.
Out of the six that remained, all appeared very strong and
healthy, but there is one "runt-of-the-litter" that is about half the size of the other pigs. He is already funny and comical and seems to be trying really hard to figure out what it's all about. We are all "rooting" for him!
Sitting quiety and watching the magic of the babies as they figure out how to nurse and interact with each other, and experiencing the sadness of having lost three
precious little souls, was a bittersweet experience. Since we often have no control over nature, we will focus on the babies who are now thriving, active, and getting more vocal by the second. Their faint cries and sqeaks are slowly turning into the more vocal demands of a baby pig. We are sure that soon they will have everyone at their beck and call.
As Capri now rests and learns to deal with the art and challenges of being a mother pig, we will begin actively searching for homes for when it comes time to wean the fuzzy little creatures. Pigs are social animals - you would not want to adopt just one pig, and definitely not place a baby by itself. Mama Capri will be searching for a loving, caring home also, where she will no longer be forced to endure multiple pregnancies or ever again experience living in the conditions of a livestock facility that would be dangerous to her health and well-being.
Capri is a surivivor, and deserves the best home ever! For more information and a complete list of adoption requirements, give us a call at 330-296-5914.
