Thunderpig has landed

We went out to do a few chores in the field today, and were puzzled to spot movement under the pine trees near the pig pens.

Closer inspection revealed a very small pig, about eight to 10 weeks old, running about, looking a bit confused and bemused but otherwise enjoying the long grass.

Some barley, potatoes and warm milk in a bucket brought him running, while a nice chat and some strokes quickly had him stretched out for a belly rub.

He’s very people friendly as he let me lick him up and carry him into the vacant pen, where he’s now residing while we decide what to do.

Given his friendliness, I suspect someone had him as a pet and has then decided to get rid of him by dumping him over the fence.

There are certainly no other holdings with pigs nearby, and certainly none that I can think of that would have bred a Gloucester/Saddleback/Tamworth cross. (He has the spots of a Gloucesterm, the faint markings of a Saddleback and the ears of a Tamworth).

If I had other piglets, I’d put him with them but as we don’t I’ve put him in the pen between the Saddlebacks and Ginger. It means he has company but won’t get bullied or miss out on feed.

I’ll call Aberdeenshire Council’s animal health department tomorrow and see what they recommend.

Oh, the boys have already dubbed him “Thunderpig”!