Our Wonderful Pigs
Learn about our six wonderful pigs.
It all started with Mason
Mason was our first pig, who came to us after her former people couldn’t look after her any more. She had a wicked addiction for sugar, and was quite bad tempered as we weened her off her sweet diet, and onto one that’s healthier for her. As she adjusted to her new home, and we adjusted to her, she got less grumpy, and more enthusiastic about belly rubs. Almost a year later, and she’s incredibly affectionate: when I go to visit her, she’ll lumber over to me, and push her snout against my shin until I reach down and return the affection. Sometimes she wants her chin scratched and her head cradled, and sometimes she wants the full belly-rub.
She’s incredibly vocal, even for a pig, and a good conversationalist. Come and see her, and stop for a chat! Her favorite snack is a banana.
Approximate Birthdate: 8/10/13
Arrived Home: 8/10/19
Valentine, Sabrina, and Salem
These three little piggies (sorry…) were abandoned, and came to us as small, timid pigs. Sabrina and Salem were excellent at escaping the barn, and it took us six weeks to contain them. In that time, they dug up everything, and would often be seen running up the hills near the barn. At night, they soon learned that they were fed in the barn, and would happily come home, their tails moving mischievously in the air.
With these three, we learned just how fast a piglet can run: and they are fast! They can also corner very quickly, making them a challenge to round up if they’re not ready yet.
All three are still shy around strangers, but Sabrina is the most confident and will allow belly rubs if you go slow. Valentine and Salem enjoy scratches from their favorite people.
An early memory I have of Sabrina is when she first discovered watermelon, and proceeded to eat so much so fast (probably to stop her sisters from enjoying it!) that she threw up.
Approximate Birthdate: 1/1/20
Arrived Home: 2/18/20
Peyton
Peyton came to us barely weened from the bottle. She was part of a litter of pigs who was born accidentally to someone with a potbellied pig who did not want babies. They were removed from their mom too young and left at a shelter who called us for help. What struck me about her was how small she was (she could fit comfortably on my hand) and how loud she was! She is now full grown, and is still our smallest pig. She is in a bratty phase now where goes through mood swings. One day, she’ll be the nicest pig and solicit attention from everyone. The next day, she could be in a mood where she wants everyone except the person who feeds her to stay out of the yard!
Photo credit: @rachel.z.photography
Approximate Birthdate: 3/6/20
Arrived Home: 3/20/20
Yazzy
Yazzy was rescued from Future Farmers of America. The kids who were raising her recognized her as an individual who is happy and loves belly rubs. They didn't want her to be slaughtered for food and made a pact to save her. Pigs are normally sent to slaughter when they are only six months old. Yazzy is one of the few lucky ones to be able to live out her natural life free from harm. She enjoys mud baths and hanging out with all the other animals, big and small. She loves everyone and will solicit attention from whoever stops by. It’s impressive how quickly she can drop to the ground for a belly rub!
Approximate Birthdate: 9/16/20
Arrived Home: 3/19/21
Watch this great video to find out more about Yazzy and the students who saw her as an individual!
If it's cold or rainy out, you can find the Pot-Bellied Pigs snuggled up together in the barn
On a cool day, you can find the Pot-Bellied Pigs hanging out in the sun together
Yazzy occasionally accompanies volunteers on hikes up the hill
Valentine demonstrates the best way to cool off on a hot day
Mason is an independent girl. At times, she gets to go on an adventure by herself for some nice alone time.
Yazzy likes to hang out in the shade with the Pot-Bellied pigs