Gidget the Feral Hog Finds a Home in Mt. Pleasant

Above Photo: Tonya Freeman with Gidget, a feral hog she’s raising on a baby’s bottle.

January 1998 ETJ Story Revised By AI Robot

By Hudson Old, Publisher

Gidget the Feral Hog Becomes a Local Favorite

Mt. Pleasant – Gidget the feral hog is adapting well to life at Freeman Feed on U.S. 67.

According to Tonya Freeman, whose husband found the piglet abandoned in the wild, Gidget has settled comfortably into her new surroundings.

“She’s developing a following,” said Tonya, who bottle-feeds the young hog.

Raising Gidget the Feral Hog

Tonya said Gidget is learning quickly and already shows signs of recognizing the people caring for her.

“She knows her name, knows when it’s time to eat, and follows me like a pup,” Tonya said.

Although feral hogs are known for their ability to survive in the wild, orphaned piglets often face difficult odds without their mothers. As a result, bottle-feeding and regular care can make the difference between life and death.

The Future for Gidget the Feral Hog

For now, Gidget remains small enough to be carried and fed by hand. However, feral hogs can grow rapidly. Adult sows often reach several hundred pounds.

The Freeman family has already considered that possibility. Fortunately, they have experience caring for pigs. Their daughter raises and shows pigs, making the household well prepared for Gidget’s future needs.

“Gidget can have a pen all her own,” Tonya said.

As Gidget continues to grow, visitors to Freeman Feed will likely keep a close watch on the young hog that has already won the affection of many local residents.