Ten new little oinks down on the farm

There’s nothing quite like the sound of tiny snuffles in the straw to brighten even the soggiest of mornings — and goodness knows we’ve had a few of those lately. After what can only be described as biblical rain (we briefly considered building an ark for ourselves), we’re delighted to announce the safe arrival of ten strong and healthy piglets to first-time mum, Mildred.

Mildred, one of our newer Oxford Sandy and Black sows, chose a dramatic week to embark on motherhood. Wind rattling the tin, rain hammering down, puddles everywhere — not exactly picture-perfect farrowing weather. But if she noticed, she didn’t let on. With impressive determination (and only minimal grumbling), she delivered ten beautiful spotty piglets, each one wriggly, loud, and ready for breakfast.

Meet Mother Mildred

As a first-time mum, Mildred is taking her new responsibilities very seriously. In fact, “seriously” might be an understatement. She is currently operating under the firm belief that everyone — farmers included — is highly suspicious and potentially up to no good.

Approach her ark and you’ll be met with a protective stance and a warning grunt that says, quite clearly:“These are MY babies.”

We rather admire her for it. Fierce is good. Fierce means attentive. Fierce means she cares.

(We’re just making sure to bring our wellies and a healthy respect when we pop in.)

The Piglet Penthouse

Thankfully, despite the weather doing its best impression of the Great Flood, Mildred and her ten little oinkers are snug in their ark. We’ve installed specially built protection rails — a sort of piglet safety buffer — which creates a protected zone where the babies can tuck themselves away.

Add:

• Deep, golden straw

• A cosy heat lamp

• A draught-free corner

  
  

…and you have what is essentially the piglet equivalent of a luxury spa retreat.

The safety rails and warm sleeping area help reduce the risk of mum accidentally rolling onto them — something that can sadly happen, especially with larger litters and first-time sows still figuring out the art of careful lying-down.

The Honest Bit

We always celebrate new life here at Beech Hill Farm, but we also know farming comes with its realities. Even with all precautions in place, it’s possible we may lose one or two piglets over the first week or two to a clumsy mum roll. It’s part of the natural learning curve for a first-time sow — and while never easy, it’s something we prepare for.

For now though, all ten are lively, feeding well, and piling up together in a spotted, squeaky heap under their lamp. Watching them scramble for the milk bar is equal parts chaos and comedy.

A Promising Start

Despite the sideways rain and knee-deep mud, this feels like a wonderful start for Mildred. She’s proving to be attentive, vocal, and very invested in her new family — even if she’s not entirely thrilled about sharing them with us just yet.

We’ll give her space, keep the straw fresh, the lamp warm, and the feed coming. With a bit of luck (and perhaps slightly fewer torrential downpours), these ten little piglets will soon be tearing around the paddock like the spotted rockets they were clearly born to be.

Welcome to the world, little ones. 🌾🐾