Miss Piggy and Wutz

New residents in the large pig palace at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf

From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl

(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)

Miss Piggy and Wutz are red-colored Husum-Duroc mix pigs. Mother and son are not only strikingly large pigs, but also have another special feature: they are trained therapy pigs. The two have helped many people with psychosocial problems or dyslexia at a non-profit association in Lower Austria.

Miss Piggy and Wutz are so trusting that they were happy to pick up the children of the honorary association president from the school bus. Lots of exercise, stroking and cuddling were the order of the day. The perfect pig life for Miss Piggy and Wutz. But sometimes life takes unforeseen turns. In the winter of 2023, it became clear that the farm, including the animal husbandry, would have to be closed down. But finding species-appropriate accommodation for the large pigs is proving to be a difficult task. Gut Aiderbichl already has years of experience with pigs. So Miss Piggy and Wutz finally find a new home at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf

The red-colored Husum pig - protest pigs

At the end of the 19th century, the red and white Husum pigs were bred as livestock in North Friesland. The pig breed has been listed in the Husum Pig Herd Book since 1954 and is officially registered as the "German Saddleback Pig - Husum Red Pig Division".

Why are the red and white Husum pigs also called protest pigs? Legend has it that at the time when the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein were conquered by the Prussians and Austrians, the Danes living there were not allowed to fly their flag. Danish national pride should nevertheless be visible. So they bred the red-colored Husum pig, which was reminiscent of the Danish flag due to its bright, red coat color and the wide, whitish stripes and a longitudinal stripe. The pigs were free-range, allowing them to protest and showcase their Danish origins.

The main characteristic of the red and white Husum pig is its striking coloring. The head is red, has a 20 cm wide white saddle and the rest of the body is also red. With increasing age, the red coat color becomes darker to brownish. The pigs reach an impressive weight of 300 to 350 kg (boar) and 250 to 300 kg (sow).

Miss Piggy and her son Wutz

They are inseparable. Red-and-white Husum pigs have very good mothering qualities and Wutz proves this to us more and more often, how urgently he needs his mom.
Today, for example, was "vaccination day" in the pig palace. The vet actually took the liberty of sticking a needle into Wutz's skin - he ran to his mommy afterwards and "pointed" really badly.
When the vet isn't around, Miss Piggy and Wutz are peaceful, calm and stress-resistant personalities. Both are friendly and uncomplicated to handle and have a funny look in their eyes.

The cheeky Aiderbichler donkeys and ponies were shocked when ....

One day, the animal keepers let Miss Piggy and Wutz out into the free range. We know that pigs love the outdoors and want to move around at least as much as dogs. So do the two big ones - Miss Piggy and her son Wutz.

Unsuspecting, the donkeys and ponies came to the huge dung heap next to the pig palace as usual. Oh horror oh horror - what was that?
The donkeys and ponies slowed down, widened their eyes, pricked up their ears and ran off as Miss Piggy and Wutz came around the bend. They looked at each other and probably said "Hello you ... we're not going to hurt you!".

So, we'll have to take a leisurely, slow approach to socialization. Donkeys and ponies are clever animals and will soon realize that the two huge pigs don't want to harm them.

Yours sincerely, Gisela