Preparations are in order for the arrival of two new Gloucester Old Spot piglets later today. Theres quite a bit of excitement as we are all looking forward to having pigs on the premises again. The fear and dread factor is not hiding at the back of our minds this time as we now know what to expect (famous last words!). After our first three weaners we are changing our set up slightly, having a little bit of experience under our belts.
The biggest change will be the type of fencing we use. We found that once the pigs had grown a protective layer of wiry hair on their bodies, the battery operated electric fencing just wasn't strong enough. So this time we have invested in a mains operated fence which gives an altogether more persuasive jolt. There will be no more testing the fence by hand with this little beauty! As long as we have enough strands close enough together and high enough to prevent pigs jumping over 'we should be alright'! Incidentally pigs can very quickly learn the timing of a fence pulse and dash through between jolts. They can also leap far higher than you might expect too. Don't be fooled by their heavy clumsy appearance, its all a trick to lull you into a false sense of security. They have the wisdom of an elephant and the dexterity of a monkey!
For the first couple of weeks we plan to keep the piglets in our front garden. Yes you heard correctly! Our lawn is enormous, too big, and I've been thinking of ways to reduce the area that requires lawnmowing a. to reduce the impact on the environment with our ridiculously incessant petrol powered mower and b. mowing half an acre is too much like hard work! So the pigs are the first step in managing this piece of lawn ... they will clear it and turn it over as its now thoroughly overgrown. In two weeks time we will rake some wildflower and meadow seed into the soil. Next year that section of the lawn will hopefully be a symphony of colour and insect life ... and very importantly will only require cutting once or twice a year. Once cut it can be dried and used as hay for the goats.
Click on the meadow for advice on how to create a wildflower meadow. For Irish flower seeds try www.wildflowers.ie
Love the idea of turning the lawn into a meadow.
Posted by: carolyn | September 10, 2007 at 10:06 AM