Ino the kunekune

It's such an exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking!) time on our farm, Tiny Jungle Farms. My sweet kunekune pig, Ino, has been showing some signs lately, and I can't help but hope she might be pregnant! As many of you know, kunekune gestation is a big deal, and spotting those early signs can be a real challenge. I've been spending a lot of time observing Ino, our lovely brown, hairy kunekune pig. One of the first things I always look for is changes in her behavior. Is she more nesting? Less active? More affectionate, or perhaps a bit grumpier? So far, Ino has seemed a little more relaxed, spending a lot of time resting comfortably on her bed of hay. She's always loved a good nap, but this feels different. Beyond behavior, physical changes are key. I've been carefully checking her body shape. While she always has a full belly, I'm trying to discern if there's a more noticeable rounding or firmness. The OCR mentioned her 'full belly' and 'pink belly with visible teats,' and these are precisely what I’m monitoring. When I gently touch her side, as the OCR described, I'm feeling for any subtle differences. Her teats are definitely something I'm keeping an eye on – sometimes they can become more prominent or even slightly darker as pregnancy progresses. For those curious about kunekune gestation, it typically lasts about 112 to 116 days, often simplified to '3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days.' Knowing this timeframe helps tremendously once you've confirmed a breeding date, but the tricky part is confirming conception! Before pregnancy, one of the crucial stages is recognizing when a sow is in heat. The signs of a sow in heat can vary, but generally, you might notice increased vocalization, restlessness, a swollen vulva that might be redder than usual, and she might "stand" when pressure is applied to her back (the standing reflex). Ino definitely showed some of these signs a while back, which is why I'm now hopeful about a potential pregnancy. Other early signs of a pregnant kunekune pig can include a decrease in appetite (though often it increases later), or conversely, a sudden increase in appetite. Sometimes they become more withdrawn or seek out solitary spots. Their skin and hair might even appear a bit shinier due to hormonal changes. It's a subtle dance of observation! I'm really holding out hope for Ino. Bringing new life into the world here at Tiny Jungle Farms would be incredible. I'll keep you all updated on her progress. If any of you have experience with pregnant kunekune pigs or tips for spotting those early signs, please share them in the comments!