May I present Lord Okkoto:
Gloucestershire Old Spots boar
So, excluding those who follow on Facebook (who already know the answer) a jar of Autumn-berry jelly goes to the first person who can get the reference. Since it is far too easy just to Google it, you also have to tell me what Lord Okkoto’s physical malady was….
We took a whirlwind tour to NY over the weekend to pick up Okkoto, driving 18 hours out of 31.5. Unfortunately, when you are trying to raise a very rare, heritage breed pig like the Gloucestershire Old Spots, getting a breeding pair that are unrelated is somewhat difficult. We got our sow right here in NH, but finding an acceptable boar has been a trial. When we found a breeder in NY that had all four color groups, we were ecstatic, since the next likely place was the Midwest. Ouch. Rich at T-Meadow Farm was a pleasure and follows a similar husbandry philosophy as we do. He was able to review Dolly’s pedigree and get us the best boar match. Score!
When we arrived, we could tell that Rich was disappointed that he couldn’t show us around. Apparently they’ve been flooded and the mud was a serious impediment to foot traffic. On top of that a major wind event had knocked down limbs and power lines, as well as ripped up a large section of a neighbor’s barn roof. However, we were able to see a sow with a newly farrowed litter – oh. My. Gosh. cute! I just wanted to smuggle them into my pocket and take them all home!
While were there, Rich explained that Okkoto was a very important piglet. Apparently he’s the last in a bloodline, both his mother and Aunt had passed on. His and Dolly’s babies will go a long way to continuing the line. It makes me want to start making babies immediately. Of course, that’s not really possible until the little man does some growing up.
Needless to say, we all survived the long road trip back to NH. I think piggy was a little car sick. He was ready to crash as much as we were when we pulled into the yard at 4:30AM. However, he did rise a wee bit earlier than us, broke into the next stall and terrorized the turkey poults. By mid-morning though, he’s made himself a little nest and was snoring. What a cutie!
If I can't see you, you can't see me!
Hopfully I’ll be able to get some shots of his other side, where he’s very spotty!
