As of Friday, the pig population in and around Pike County has increased by 21 Or, perhaps, the pig population of the local area is now 21. Either way, there are more pigs around these parts than there have been in several years, thanks to the 4-H Pig Pen Project.

The pigs,  all 1,260 pounds of them, were delivered to Cattleman Park Friday after to a group of excited 4-H’ers from Pike and Crenshaw counties.

Emily Rolling, Pike County 4-H foundation agent, said the pigs were delivered in good condition and given into the care of a group of very capable 4-H’ers.

“The Pig Pen Project is a local adaptation of the State 4-H Pig Squeal Project,” Rolling said. “We wanted to offer the 4-H’ers in our area the opportunity to participate in a pig project on the local level.”

A total of 16 4-H’ers are participating in the Pig Pen Project, 13 of them from Pike County.

Rolling said the pigs arrived at a weight of about 60 pounds each. The 4-H-ers will grow out the pigs and compete with them at the Pike County Fair in October.

“By participating in the Pig Pen Project, the 4-H’ers have agreed to raise their pigs for show and for sale, if they choose,” Rolling said. “They will have the responsibility of caring for their pigs – watering and feeding them– and keeping updated records on their care, growth and training.”

Showmanship is a part of the Pig Pen Project and each 4-H’er will show his or her pig in the arena as part of project.

Showmanship demonstrates the ability of the 4-H’er to move the pig around the arena without the use of a halter. To do so, the 4-H’er will spend a lot of training time with their animal.

Rolling said when the Pig Pen Project is completed in October, the 4-H’ers will have the option of keeping their pigs, dining on them or selling them.

“We have a list of buyers who will buy the project pigs,” she said. “We are not requiring the 4-H’ers to sell their pigs. We don’t want to hurt the feelings of the those who want to keep their pigs as pets.”

Emma and Ella Baker were overjoyed at the arrival of their pigs. Emma said she could hardly wait to get her pig home and begin a longtime friendship.

“I love pigs and I’m so happy to have one of my own,” she said.

Abby Garrett’s pig was bigger than she thought and not as cuddly but there was a nice, clean pen awaiting Waddles when he got home.

But, a nice clean pen was not what Waddles had in mind. He bumped over his pan of water, made him a hog waller and he wallered.

Abby said, at first, Waddle wouldn’t eat his feed. He would only graze. But now, he’s eating and wallering and, by all indications, Waddles is in hog heaven.

Rolling said she expects all 4-H’ers to be successful with their Pig Pen Projects.

“It’s going to be a good learning experience for all of them,” she said.

The pigs arrived on Friday so there’s a good possibility the learning has already begun.