Jane was part of the first litter born to Momma Memphis here under the former administration. She is one of the MANY spotted little Fuzzy Ferals, though her coat is sleek like her father, Martin. She’s a very interesting sibling in that she has chosen to live in the adjacent neighborhood that we call the Cabin Houses. Her best friends are a gaggle of big pigs, including Twinkie, Scarlett, Knox and Sally Mae. She’s a perfect example of how pigs have an incredible capacity to think and feel and CHOOSE the things they like…as individuals! Jane was spay number FIFTY as OMI worked through getting all of the Tennessee ladies the care they needed, and she was the last Fuzzy Feral to get her turn for care. Getting this herd of pigs in shape was an enormous task, and her smiling, healthy face has made it all worthwhile!
The Fuzzy Ferals
The Fuzzy Ferals started with just four pigs, but grew to a herd of eighteen in just four short months. Momma Memphis arrived from the Memphis Animal Shelter in October 2018 under the care of the former administration of this property. She was accompanied by Martin and Coretta, both fully grown, and baby King. Shortly after arriving, she gave birth to seven spotted babies, many of whom resembled Martin. Four months later, because King was neutered too late, she gave birth to seven more fuzzy little potatoes who all resembled King.
Prey animals like pigs are extremely efficient at procreation because the survival of their species depends on it. Females can become pregnant as soon as they deliver, and they can have three litters of up to fifteen babies a year. Males are fertile very quickly, which means caregivers need to exercise extreme caution when they have an unaltered male on the property.
The Fuzzy Ferals were spayed once OMI took over the Tennessee property, which further improved their chances for a long and healthy life. Female pigs are highly susceptible to reproductive abnormalities if left unspayed, which can significantly impact the quality and length of their lives. Not only are the Fuzzy Ferals living in safety with their family, but they have now received full Sanctuary Babe status with the addition of an appropriate level of species-specific healthcare.
