[devonlady]

Tim M, believe me the thought of taking animals to the abattoir is far worse than the actual deed! You could get a neighbouring smallholder/farmer to do the deed for you. They will know exactly what to do and take all the pressure off you.
I couldn't eat meat unless I had reared it myself or knew where it had come from.
I have nothing against keeping pigs (or any farm animal) as a pet ,they can become very dear to you but you know that most folk buy weaners for meat.
Were you nearer I wouldn't mind one of your Meershams to keep my old sow company!

[Tim M]

Yes, I think you're right Devon Lady. I have had a couple of offer of help though part of me want to see this through to the end and take responsibility for the piglets as pigs do kind of have an addictive quality! I really want to learn from this first experience and let that inform what we do in the future. Who really knows? We might be the next Bowyers empire  Thanks for the post.