Wiebke's Tribe: Sows and the City Boars

Qualcast&Flymo said:
The roses in Manon's bouquet are beautiful, just as she was. 🥀🌹

This morning I telephoned my vets (Broad Lane/Balsall Common Vets) and asked them to send the records for M&M over to your vets, as requested. Hopefully they have done that.

I hope you won't be needing to take Macsen anytime soon obviously though, except for more Metacam for his poor arthritic back legs. (I checked the other day and some hair has grown back, but not all.) Just for info, on my scales on Monday he weighed approx 978g, his usual weight in the last couple of months had been 1010+g. I hope he has settled back in now and is interacting with all his neighbours and eating well 😘💞
Click to expand...

He is a bit picky with his veg (especially red peppers - he eats green ones) but there are no leftover pellets, he is drinking and has started to even sleep in the hay tray, and not just eat hay. And he is busy eating hay through the bars and interacting with his neighbours. We are now getting past all the territorial stuff. :)
 
Dryw 'Wren, Lleian 'Smew', Llinos 'Linnet' and Macsen 'The Greatest'
DSCN6826_1280_edited-1.webp

I am very happy to announce that after a short face to face meeting with the ladies Dryw (coming up to 6 years), Llinos and Lleian, which (as I rather expected) didn't head anywhere constructive once it did come down to a face off between Dryw and Macsen, the ladies Beti and Esme were much more willing to give their paws in marriage to the new old gent they were introduced to.

Macsen, Esme and Beti
DSCN6846_1300_edited-1.webp

Esme is 'I want to be your friend' piggy washing right next to Macsen after some mutual 'power driving' rounds with the chin/ead on the other piggy's back.
DSCN6837_1291_edited-1.webp

Beti (5 years) has no complaints as she is the new top lady again and Esme (about to turn 5 years) was overall much more restrained in her usual shenanigans as she has taken quite a liking to Macsen (6 years). They have now moved together into my free pen as my latest Golden Oldies group.

Macsen is the third 'husboar' for Beti and Esme and they are his third set of wives...
DSCN6860_1314_edited-1.webp DSCN6861_1315_edited-1.webp

Brangwyn and the wife closest to him in age, Melangell, have been left as a pair who will have to go on a bit of a diet together now that they are no longer able to eat more than their fair share. :D

It was worth trying Macsen with Dryw's group as that would have saved me a free pen for Merlin and Sulwen. My hub generously got rid of the table cage at the back of my ground floor pens without thought what was going to happen when my piggies returned... So I will have to get a bit more creative.

Anyway, Macsen is sending his love and wheeks to @Qualcast&Flymo to thank her for looking after him and his beloved Manon so well over the last half year. He is a quietly happy boy again. He's not yet put on any of his lost weight but he has been stable without any need for feeding support while on his own as I have given him the time to grieve and to find his bearings again. I hope that having new company and more competition again is going to stimulate his appetite.
DSCN6851_1305_edited-1.webp
 
Wiebke said:
Dryw 'Wren, Lleian 'Smew', Llinos 'Linnet' and Macsen 'The Greatest'
View attachment 270032

I am very happy to announce that after a short face to face meeting with the ladies Dryw (coming up to 6 years), Llinos and Lleian, which (as I rather expected) didn't head anywhere constructive once it did come down to a face off between Dryw and Macsen, the ladies Beti and Esme were much more willing to give their paws in marriage to the new old gent they were introduced to.

Macsen, Esme and Beti
View attachment 270034

Esme is 'I want to be your friend' piggy washing right next to Macsen after some mutual power driving rounds.
View attachment 270033

Beti (5 years) has no complaints as she is the new top lady and Esme (about to turn 5 years) was overall much more restrained in her usual shenanigans as she has taken quite a liking to Macsen (6 years). They have now moved together into my free pen as my latest Golden Oldies group.

Macsen is the third 'husboar' for Beti and Esme and they are his third set of wives...
View attachment 270036 View attachment 270037

Brangwyn and the wife closest to him in age, Melangell, have been left as a pair who will have to go on a bit of a diet together now that they are no longer able to eat more than their fair share. :D

It was worth trying Macsen with Dryw's group as that would have saved me a free pen for Merlin and Sulwen. My hub generously got rid of the table cage at the back of my ground floor pens without thought what was going to happen when my piggies returned... So I will have to get a bit more creative.

Anyway, Macsen is sending his love and wheeks to @Qualcast&Flymo to thank her for looking after him and his beloved Manon so well over the last half year. He is a quietly happy boy again. He's not yet put on any of his lost weight but he has been stable without any need for feeding support while on his own as I have given him the time to grieve and to find his bearings again. I hope that having new company and more competition again is going to stimulate his appetite.
View attachment 270035
Click to expand...
Merlin and Sulwen are both fine and they’re okay to stay here for longer, so please don’t worry about where they can go, when they return home! Obviously if you get to a point where you can fit them in, then just give me a shout! 😊

I’ll send you some pics and videos of them next week, as I’ve got some time off work, so much more time to spend with my furry friends here, than all the furry friends I visit every day xx
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Merlin and Sulwen are both fine and they’re okay to stay here for longer, so please don’t worry about where they can go, when they return home! Obviously if you get to a point where you can fit them in, then just give me a shout! 😊

I’ll send you some pics and videos of them next week, as I’ve got some time off work, so much more time to spend with my furry friends here, than all the furry friends I visit every day xx
Click to expand...
Thank you. I would love to have them back, to be honest! They can live in my (indoors) run by the garden side if needed; we had that set up during the pandemic when I ended up with some unplanned arrivals (including Macsen after his bonding with Beryn failed during the first Lockdown). When I landed in hospital with a broken hip, hub dismantled the three cages he couldn't cope with and threw the table at the back away without any thought of where any returning piggies were going to go... :(
Hub can't complain, after all! I can put it all up myself in 15 minutes and take it down again as quickly; as I have done just this morning for Macsen's bonding session. :D

My recovery has unfortunately taken me much longer than expected (I wish somebody had talked to me about how long the fully hip recovery actually takes) and the whole process has come with so many unforeseeable obstacles, complications and some really low punches right into the gut. Over the last couple of months I have worked past most of my considerable steroid reduction side effects (including the 'wobbles' and then the diabetes).

But I have also worked on my arm strength this past month and have just started to work on crouching now that my hip has started to tolerate it, if yet only shortly. Like everything, it is down to gently pushing the limit a little further, as often as I can get away with it without overloading my hip replacement. I can now push myself up from a crouch without needing to hang onto something, thanks to my arm muscle training and my wobbles pretty much gone, so I am finally not all that far from being able to take full control of my piggy care anymore. :)

Anyway, I definitely do have the determination, persistence and patience to get there, considering just how weak I was coming out of hospital with my mended broken hip and scrambled left body side, which turned out to be just the long initial haul up for the ensuing rollercoaster ride! Thankfully my cancer treatment is working so I will get there to be around for quite a while yet. The positive side of getting one of the worst cancer diagnoses is that there is now one of the latest generation of treatments for it, which is revolutionising the life span it can provide. :)

I can't thank you enough for your patience!
 
I’m so sorry for your loss Wiebke. What a beautiful girl Manon was. Much love x
 
Wiebke said:
Dryw 'Wren, Lleian 'Smew', Llinos 'Linnet' and Macsen 'The Greatest'
View attachment 270032

I am very happy to announce that after a short face to face meeting with the ladies Dryw (coming up to 6 years), Llinos and Lleian, which (as I rather expected) didn't head anywhere constructive once it did come down to a face off between Dryw and Macsen, the ladies Beti and Esme were much more willing to give their paws in marriage to the new old gent they were introduced to.

Macsen, Esme and Beti
View attachment 270034

Esme is 'I want to be your friend' piggy washing right next to Macsen after some mutual 'power driving' rounds with the chin/ead on the other piggy's back.
View attachment 270033

Beti (5 years) has no complaints as she is the new top lady again and Esme (about to turn 5 years) was overall much more restrained in her usual shenanigans as she has taken quite a liking to Macsen (6 years). They have now moved together into my free pen as my latest Golden Oldies group.

Macsen is the third 'husboar' for Beti and Esme and they are his third set of wives...
View attachment 270036 View attachment 270037

Brangwyn and the wife closest to him in age, Melangell, have been left as a pair who will have to go on a bit of a diet together now that they are no longer able to eat more than their fair share. :D

It was worth trying Macsen with Dryw's group as that would have saved me a free pen for Merlin and Sulwen. My hub generously got rid of the table cage at the back of my ground floor pens without thought what was going to happen when my piggies returned... So I will have to get a bit more creative.

Anyway, Macsen is sending his love and wheeks to @Qualcast&Flymo to thank her for looking after him and his beloved Manon so well over the last half year. He is a quietly happy boy again. He's not yet put on any of his lost weight but he has been stable without any need for feeding support while on his own as I have given him the time to grieve and to find his bearings again. I hope that having new company and more competition again is going to stimulate his appetite.
View attachment 270035
Click to expand...
I'm very glad that Macsen is a happyder husboar once more 💞💞. He is a very sweet boy and a pleasure to look after. I hope his arthritis is under control and he can enjoy the extra space.
It's a pity that he and Dryw couldn't get on and save you the extra cage space. I got the distinct impression that Dryw's two little companions were quite keen on Macsen! 💔
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
I'm very glad that Macsen is a happyder husboar once more 💞💞. He is a very sweet boy and a pleasure to look after. I hope his arthritis is under control and he can enjoy the extra space.
It's a pity that he and Dryw couldn't get on and save you the extra cage space. I got the distinct impression that Dryw's two little companions were quite keen on Macsen! 💔
Click to expand...

Lleian was definitely keen on him. Llinos is Dryw's dedicated sidekick. He can still flirt with Lleian through the bars... :)

But I have spotted Macsen doing a typical boarly 'all is well in my world' jaunty walk (he doesn't have the spring for a popcorn anymore but has come as close to it as he can) after looking in on each snoozing old lady of his...

It was so heart-warming to seeing him happy again! ❤️
 
Sadly, yet another unexpected loss: I found Melangell in her forever sleep on Tuesday morning. :(

1752851929431.webp

She was not quite right last week (but no distinct symptoms) but the earliest regular appointment I could get was just a few hours after she'd already passed away. Sadly, she suddenly took a turn for the worst over the weekend. I was unfortunately unable to bag an emergency slot on Monday morning although by then it would have most likely resulted in the decision to pts anyway. Mella had turned 4 years old just a few weeks earlier.

1752843911613.webp

She arrived in October 2021 together with Manon and her daughter Maelona and a couple of other widowed TEAS returnees for a major bonding spree after I had lost 4 of my own piggies in just a month (three of them in a week to different issues). Unfortunately, none of my 4 widowed piggies would accept any of the others.

1752843944592.webp
Mella first bonded together with Maelona and Manon with Macsen but when Brathlys refused to be interested in handsome, similarly coloured and aged Cai, Mella managed to charm her enough to be accepted.

Mella and 'The Dream Bum'
1752843968253.webp

... and with the owner of the Dream Bum, Llelo (and his other side)
1752844093111.webp

They later joined the widowed owner of Mella's Dream Bum (and love of her life), cage nieghbour, Llelo to form a stable trio until first Brathlys and then Llelo died from old age related issues.

1752844123906.webp
Mella shortly formed a trio with Esme and Heilin but joined Brangwyn's group of widows on my second bonding attempt, with aging Beti no longer able to claim leadership against Melangell in the prime of her life.

Beti, Brangwyn, Melangell and Esme during their successful bonding attempt1752844186208.webp

She stayed on with Bran as his intended long term wife when older Beti and Esme moved across to widowed returnee Macsen. Sadly, yet another of my plans not coming off.

1752844277669.webp

But I am sure that Mella is happily reunited at the Rainbow Bridge with her beloved Llelo and Lissie (Brathlys).

@furryfriends (TEAS)
 
So sorry that you have lost Melangell.
She was a beautiful girl and had a wonderful life with you.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve Have.
Holding you in my heart
 
I am so sorry your beautiful girl Melangell crossed The Rainbow Bridge 🌈 as you say she will be reunited with those she has said goodbye to. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve 🌈
 
My heart sank when I saw your post. Your year has certainly been challenging one. She was a gorgeous piggy who had the best life with you and flew on the wings of love to meet her old friends at the bridge. She will live on in treasured memories. Sending hugs at this sad time x
Rest well in the meadows over the bridge Melangell 🌈
 
Oh no I’m sorry to read beautiful Melangell has died
She was living her best with you and all the piggies
She couldn’t have wished for any more
Popcorn freely at RB dear Melangell reunited with your friends
 
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet girl, Wiebke. She was a beautiful girl ❤️
 
I am very happy to announce that Mr. Brangwyn 'White Raven' has given his paw in marriage to Ms Lleian 'Smew' (the smallest native UK duck species).

DSCN6913_1387 copy.webp

Lleian is - despite her small size - just a couple of months younger than Melangell and only 14 months older than Bran. During my various tester intros, she's been the one who has always 'friendship piggy washed' herself for Bran, not quite surprisingly as he looks a bit like family.

DSCN6919_1393 copy.webp

Her cousin Llinos 'Linnet' is staying on with Dryw 'Wren', who is about to turn 6 years old and very close to her. I am hoping that Llinos is going to find it easier to integrate into a new group in due time when she has got Lleian to help her make that step.



Bran is still a bit stand-offish with Lleian but the bonding was very much on the mild side. Bran even had a mad race after I returned them to their freshly made up pen, which is not adjacent to Llinos and Dryw in order to allow the newly-weds to build and strengthen their bond without any outside distractions.

DSCN6915_1389 copy.webp DSCN6914_1388 copy.webp

With Mella sadly passing away so unexpectedly in the wake of Manon and Maelona, my pool of similarly aged, slightly older sows as mates for my three Cornish baby boys has been dwindling fast. I felt that my little firecracker would be the best match for Bran, and thankfully it has worked out!

Bran dominance rumbling at Lleian saying hello to his dad Barcud 'Red Kite', who is wondering why she is suddenly on the other side of his territory.
DSCN6937_1384 copy.webp

And not quite pleased with Lleian officially meeting his auntie/half-sister Millyn 'Sweet Violet' as his new wife.
DSCN6927_1374 copy.webp

Beti has happily returned to her similarly aged friends Esme and Macsen whose company she prefers.
 
Wiebke said:
Sadly, yet another unexpected loss: I found Melangell in her forever sleep on Tuesday morning. :(

View attachment 272722

She was not quite right last week (but no distinct symptoms) but the earliest regular appointment I could get was just a few hours after she'd already passed away. Sadly, she suddenly took a turn for the worst over the weekend. I was unfortunately unable to bag an emergency slot on Monday morning although by then it would have most likely resulted in the decision to pts anyway. Mella had turned 4 years old just a few weeks earlier.

View attachment 272704

She arrived in October 2021 together with Manon and her daughter Maelona and a couple of other widowed TEAS returnees for a major bonding spree after I had lost 4 of my own piggies in just a month (three of them in a week to different issues). Unfortunately, none of my 4 widowed piggies would accept any of the others.

View attachment 272705
Mella first bonded together with Maelona and Manon with Macsen but when Brathlys refused to be interested in handsome, similarly coloured and aged Cai, Mella managed to charm her enough to be accepted.

Mella and 'The Dream Bum'
View attachment 272706

... and with the owner of the Dream Bum, Llelo (and his other side)
View attachment 272707

They later joined the widowed owner of Mella's Dream Bum (and love of her life), cage nieghbour, Llelo to form a stable trio until first Brathlys and then Llelo died from old age related issues.

View attachment 272708
Mella shortly formed a trio with Esme and Heilin but joined Brangwyn's group of widows on my second bonding attempt, with aging Beti no longer able to claim leadership against Melangell in the prime of her life.

Beti, Brangwyn, Melangell and Esme during their successful bonding attemptView attachment 272709

She stayed on with Bran as his intended long term wife when older Beti and Esme moved across to widowed returnee Macsen. Sadly, yet another of my plans not coming off.

View attachment 272710

But I am sure that Mella is happily reunited at the Rainbow Bridge with her beloved Llelo and Lissie (Brathlys).

@furryfriends (TEAS)
Click to expand...
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful girl. She looked like she had the best life and was clearly very loved.

Popcorn high sweet girl 🌈 💫.

Please be gentle with yourself whilst you grieve ♥️
 
What good news for the successful bonding after such a sad loss. They look very happy together 😍

I love that cream and white colouring. Lleian doesn’t look too dissimilar from my Tofu!

You must be pleased that they all have company again. Your tribe’s antics always make me smile, thank you for sharing
 
JaseChase said:
What good news for the successful bonding after such a sad loss. They look very happy together 😍

I love that cream and white colouring. Lleian doesn’t look too dissimilar from my Tofu!

You must be pleased that they all have company again. Your tribe’s antics always make me smile, thank you for sharing
Click to expand...

I am very happy. Brangwyn is quite dominant (he rumble-strutted at his litter brother Baeddan at just one day old!), so finding a sow who will accept him is not quite easy. His ego is about double the size of his body...
Lleian was bottom sow of the trio with Dryw and her cousin Llinos.

I love the colouring very much, too. Llinos and Lleian were their rescue's choice as companions for Dryw (who is very fear-aggressive so for once I was specifically looking for a couple of baby girls to bolster the impending passing of old Pioden 'Magpie').

Bran has inherited his mother Modron's colouring and markings, if not her breed. He is the only buff baby of hers; the others are all ginger and white, as are her daughter Millyn's two.
Lleian and Llinos have seen him growing up through the bars since his split from the family sows at less than 3 weeks' of age. ;)

But it is lovely seeing Bran finding his sparkle again. It's always such relief after a loss. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top