Piglets are new additions at Heritage Farm

Cute, squealing and squirmy describe the newest additions to the hog house at Schaumburg Park District's Volkening Heritage Farm.

Four piglets were born to the farm's Berkshire sow on a cold February evening. The black-haired pigs are a heritage breed, making them uncommon.

Not only uncommon, the winter births are unusual. Most farm animals are born in spring when the weather is warmer. The winter birth was beneficial for the piglets as they will easily become acclimated to Schaumburg's cold spurts.

Despite the odd timing, Farm Operations Coordinator Evan Zimmerman was ready for the new arrival.

“We noticed the sow was irritable and built a nest. She was on her way to being a mother again,” Zimmerman said.

He and the farm crew prepared a heat lamp and pad to keep the mother pig and her newborns warm during the birth.

“We're very excited about the new arrivals, and lucky the piglets were hearty,” added Zimmerman.

Berkshire pigs, originating from its England namesake region, were originally the pigs of royalty. When the pigs arrived in America, they became domesticated and used on farms.

Heritage Farm, now home to six Berkshires, reopens to the public March 1.