The Two Little Pigs

For as long as we have been on the farm, Phil has wanted to keep pigs.  He has read every available book at our local library about pig keeping.  Phil watches episodes about pigs from Gourmet Farmer and River Cottage with delight.  There are a number of books on the bedside table that he frequently refers to about pigs.  

He is well read about pig keeping one could say.

I, on the other hand, am not a fan of pigs.  I have grown up without eating pork.  I had always struggled with the notion of raising pigs for meat.  I'm not sure why, when we raise cows and sheep for the same purpose.  So, when Phil saw the ad in the local paper for two Wessex Saddleback pigs for sale, I found myself saying - 'go ahead, lets trial keeping pigs'. Not what I expected myself to say! I think it was his unrelenting determination and interest that finally won me over.  They joy on his face when they arrived was well and truly worth it.  

One pig belongs to us, and the other belongs to our friends who also happen to be butchers.  So yes, we will grow them for meat and other small goods (for Phil and Ava) and in the meantime give the two little pigs the best life we can.  

So far they are lovingly tended each morning and evening with buckets of oats and leftover fruit and veg scraps (the chickens are feeling a little put out having to share the scraps bucket!)

I like them from a distance, and find myself outside, just watching their antics with humour.  They are really loveable creatures.  I mustn't get too attached.......