THE PIGGERY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1316, 20 May 1897, Page 5

THE PIGGERY.

" LITTLE PIG TIME." When the time comes known as " little pig time," be ready for it. Have each sow in a pen by herself. Throw some bright straw on the ground. Give the sow a little for bedding. Your records, which you all keep, will tell you when to be on the outlook. Carelessness at this time has caused more deaths than anything else. Some turn the sow loose up the lane and let her look out for herself. This is not a bad idea, only in dry years you will have splendid luck, and a big bunch of pigs squealing for corn. | and in wet years you will have lots of cheap corn, but few hogs. At farrowing time water is about the best feed for your sow. Feed on very little grain for two or three days. Oats make good feed now. When sow gets on full feed, feed three times a day, always watering or slopping before giving solid food. When pigs are two or three weeks old put a litt.le soaked corn where his kind hearted old mother can't gobble it, and he will soon learn to eat it. From this on feed him three times a day. Tf yoa soak your feed, clean your barrels in summer time every time they are empty; Avoid sour feed as you would a politician. . With the approach of weaning time comes the first real grief to our friend the pig. As to how a sow compares with a cow in the amount of milk she gives (some say 30 quarts a day),, the amount is much greater than is commonly supposed. |

Would you dry a cow up while giving a full mess of milk by shutting her j from her calf, and not milking her % That is the way a good many wean their pigs. How the sow escapes with her life, to say nothing of her ruin of her milking qualities, is a wonder. There are a number of gradual methods. When weaning" time approaches put sow on dry feed ; then take off a couple of the best pigs ; in a few days a couple more, always taking off the best. This gives the poorer pigs a chance, which they will improve, and your litter will be evened up, and your sow saved suffering, which means money to you. If possible, let your pigs run during the summer.—Tasmcinian Mail.