pigs in motion

moving the pigs to a new paddock is consistently a good time.  at pch, each new paddock is completely unused terrain.  it’s been just about a year since these hogs have been living in the woods on fowler farm, and each time we move them to a fresh paddock we are building new fence lines for them to occupy.  we spend a few solid days when it’s all said and done to map out a new paddock, establish a clean line, lay the new fence, electrify the whole system, and rotate the herd in.  what awaits, is a totally clean slate for the herd to discover.  check out the difference in these paddocks:

as the video shows, they are always mildly apprehensive at first.  for some of the younger pigs, they have never moved to a new paddock in their lives, and it can confuse them for a few days until they adjust.  each time we move the herd (every month or two), some of the newbies will shock themselves on the gate crossing back into their old paddock, only to spend a few lonely nights without the herd. 

the older, experienced pigs, will almost immediately wander deep and explore their new territory.  choice spots to crawl into, fresh roots to chew up, and soft beds to lounge in.  all within the very first day they will develop intricate paths which will remain the same throughout their inhabitance.  bathrooms will be established and maintained.  lounges will be built, and well attended to. 

and the little pigs will still eat last.