It seems like yesterday that we welcomed two tiny Tamworth piglets, but Margot and Mary have grown quickly over the last three months. They have settled into life at Mudchute very well. You can still find them in Pets Corner, but they are rapidly taking on the tall, leggy look of adult Tamworths. Be sure to say hello to these lovely sows when you next visit!
This week we welcomed two new arrivals to Pets’ Corner, our Tamworth piglets Margot and Mary. The sisters are 10 weeks old and growing quickly. They will be living in Pets Corner as they get used to life here at Mudchute, which is full of new sights and sounds. Like all youngsters, they need plenty of sleep and you’ll often find them snuggled up in their cozy hay bale den.
The Tamworth breed is thought to be descended from the European wild boar, which gives the breed their characteristic red colouring. The Tamworth is regarded as being a rather primitive type of pig with long legs, prick ears with a pure red or ginger coat. Many of these traits can already be seen in our new piglets!
Venturing out from the hay bale den.
A camera piques their curiosity.
Hungry hungry piglets!
Tamworths are known for their long legs, but tippie toes are still required at this age!
Enjoying a cuddle from farmer Christy.
Sleepy sisters.
Princess the pot belly slurping up her supper!
Our pigs have been enjoying a nutritious bowl of Whey for dinner thanks to local dairy Kappacasein, who make gorgeous cheeses in Bermondsey. Whey is a byproduct from cheesemaking and is milk with the solids (the curds) removed, rather like the liquid at the top of your yogurt. A protein and vitamin rich food source, the whey is a fantastic animal feed, but would otherwise be discarded. Kappacasein use organic British milk, from Commonwork Organic Farm in Kent.
Our pigs each receive 10L for dinner with a few “croutons” and by their rapidly emptied bowls and the sound of their noisy slurping, they find it tasty as well as nutritious!
Our partnership was born from the FoodSave initiative which helped local businesses and food producers reduce their food waste. If you produce a byproduct that you think might be used for animal feed, please get in touch with us by email to farm@mudchute.org.
A delivery of whey direct from the cheesmakers.
Whey with soaked croutons.
Clover the Gloucester Old Spot waiting for her dinner.
Tasty whey for our saddlebacks and pot belly.