By Sue Cleland

It’s 7:00am and Andrea slides open the big red door to the Main Barn.

“Good morning, Everyone!”

Barn swallows chirp as the bright sun reaches their eyes.

Gladys lifts her weary head. “Baaaaa!”

Clawdia jumps up onto the countertop, “Purrrr!”.

Brindle’s eyes are still closed but he grunts back to Andrea. Tim hears Brindle and joins in.

Soon, all nineteen pigs are stretching, yawning, and grunting.

As volunteers walk by the coops, they hear Gregory, Nancy, and Richard taking turns crowing.

Gregory is extra vocal as he proudly announces the arrival of Blanche’s new egg.

Jerry honks in excitement.

Phil barks to gain the attention of the volunteer and brings her a stick to throw.

If you listen closely and watch everyone’s body language, you can take part in many interesting stories unfolding as everyone starts their day.

I NEED THIS IMMEDIATELY!

The majority of residents attract our attention to inform us they require something immediately to satisfy their wants and needs, such as a belly rub, a massage, and of course, food!

“When I’m working close to the Main Barn, you will definitely be able to tell if piggy dinnertime is one minute late”, laughed Kevin Weil, Facilities Supervisor.

“Yes! Also, Captain Dan will vocalize when it’s time for his medications because they’re sometimes served in a Fig Newton”, added Andrea White, Animal Care Manager.

Like most animals, pigs thrive on routine, and will remind us with what sounds like whines and high-pitched squeals if we’re doing something other than what’s on the schedule. Some residents who are less vocal will just give us the round saucer eyes and do whatever it takes to maintain eye contact until they get what they need.

SOCIAL HIERARCHIES TO CREATE ORDER

During various events such as an integration, feeding time, or bedtime, some people may feel a bit concerned when they see and hear cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks communicating loudly. Their vocalizations and postures can seem alarming but it’s simply how they communicate within their social groups. Each species has a natural urge to establish hierarchies within their herd or flock, and these hierarchies change over time.

The most common vocalizations we hear at HEEFS roughly translates to: “Hey! That’s my bowl!”, or “That’s my sleeping spot!”, or “This is my place within our hierarchy!”. Every day, Diablo keenly watches who comes and goes from the Main Barn and will, “Mehhhhh!” at certain volunteers who play with him. Other times, residents such as Tammy, will approach another resident who is more dominant in the hierarchy, and will project what sounds like a terrifying scream, even if that resident turns his or her head in her direction. Some residents are just more dramatic than others, and some are more quiet than others, which we love! We don’t break anyone’s spirit or force anyone to be someone other than who they are.

Having plenty of space and a variety of shelters available for our residents allows them to make their own decisions on their own terms. We may not always be aware of every change within the hierarchies or flocks, so we prefer to offer them the option of moving away from someone who is above them socially. Sadly, something that is not possible for animals in the ag industry, zoos, aquariums, circuses, etc.