The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: benkt on February 06, 2011, 12:45:38 pm
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We're looking at getting started with a couple of batches of weaners this year whilst we get established and find some suitable breeding sows/gilts. Last year we did GOS weaners and so the plan was to do some of those and also try to find another breed (probably saddlebacks if I can find any near Cambs). I'd like to try some different breeds before settling on which kind of breeding stock to get.
Can anyone advise if we will need separate arks and fields if we get two lots of weaners of slightly different ages (say a month or two apart) or will they all rub along together fine?
Thanks.
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Gilts probably will be okay - depending on size and temprament, just keep an eye for bullys. My Berkshires and Large Blacks share quite happily(3 month age difference), as long as they've got plenty of room and fair share of the food ;)
Mixing boars on the other hand is a definate no-no, they'll fight to the death. If you decide to go for seperate pens and have boars in each, block their view of each other and their ability to get nose to nose for the same reason.
HTH
Karen x
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As Karen says, but remember piglets grow quickly, so what may fit now may well be too small in a few weeks time. Worth considering buying/building a second ark in readiness.