Agreed with the farmer that I will take on daily tending to the animals at the smallholding. I feel bad I haven't been doing this over the winter and tell myself that I was busy running the kitchen; but I think the bad weather may just have been a factor.
Driving over there is itself a pleasure and I am trying to keep the landrover at a leisurely pace, to enjoy the whole experience. The piglets are displaying huge character (a shy one, a curious one, a bold fellow who nearly ate from my hand...). After the Mangalitza experiment this litter is much more practical, and look like they will turn into superb baconers. With the temperature rising I filled a large water trough and the whole litter instantly crowded round showing great curiousity. I'm slightly worried one might jump in and dr0wn - so spent some time looking for some old wood or such to fashion a 'pig bath escape mechanism'; but with no success.
The four remaining hoggets are also rather likeable and I'm looking forward to fattening them up a bit (for their delectation, and mine). That might sound a grim sentiment but there is real satisfaction in seeing them hoover up food, hopefully becoming happier and healthier in the process.
I'll have to try and post some pictures on them soon.
