Skye’s the Limit for new Farm piglets!
Piglets are certainly not an uncommon occurrence at Home Farm, but these adorable eight are particularly special because they are all pure bred Saddlebacks. These rare breeds are mainly black with a distinctive white band across their backs which runs down the front legs. British Saddlebacks are known to be very hardy, great grazers and make particularly lovely mums.
Amongst these cute octuplets is an unusual piglet called Inky. Although Inky has lovely black colouring he has missed out on inheriting a saddle and just has 2 white legs instead! Inky is taking it all in his little stride though and making his mark in other ways by developing an already cheeky little character.
Skye herself is now five years old and will fast be approaching retirement in a few years. She’s been a fantastic sow and a great mum to eight litters so far. Skye’s got a great personality and even had a little trotter turn in the show ring at the Cheshire Show when she was in her prime!
Lisa Kennedy, Farm Assistant commented “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that there will be a pretty little gilt (a young female pig) amongst the litter which will in turn remain on Home Farm in the future as a breeding sow, helping to conserve these rare pigs for future generations to enjoy”.
It has been a busy week for the pigs down at the Farm. The Farm also welcomed another two new arrivals on Monday February 1st to help increase the breeding stock. Millie the Middle White (just 6 months old) and Lucy the Large Black (a mere baby at 2 months old!) both came from the same local farm. Lisa commented “they are both cute but have very different characters. Millie is a confident young lady and very nosy and Lucy is really shy and is still hiding behind her huge ears, which are characteristic of the Large Black breed”.
The new piglets, Lucy and Millie and the other Farm animals can be seen at the Farm on weekends in low season (and from Saturday 27th March, from Tuesday to Sunday). The next event at the Farm is the Teddy Bear Easter Festival from Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th April and Lambing Week from Saturday April 17th to Sunday 23rd April (closed Monday 19th).
Visit our website for further information or call 01625 374400.
Home Farm
The Farm is open weekends from 11am-4pm (closed 3pm). Normal Farm Entry Price Applies: Prices: Adults £4.50, Child £2.50 (2-15 years of age), Family £11.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children). National Trust members pay 50% entry to the Farm. Park entry charge £4.50 per car.
Totally Tatton Ticket: ONE ticket to the Mansion, Gardens and Farm. This ticket can be used on another day if one or more of the attractions are not visited (park entry applies). Adult £7, Child £3.50, Family £17
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