The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: melodrama on August 15, 2011, 06:31:35 pm
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You may all remember that when I joined the site a few months ago and moving into our first venture with pigs that we "accidentally" got a boar and a gilt instead of two gilts. I received some assurance at the time that it shouldn't be a problem because they don't become sexually mature until about 6 months by which time they would be on their way to the abattoir. However, the male is now trying to mount the female!! He is not managing to as yet and appears to be "practicing" with no avail. Is this normal at this age or do I need to start thinking about either separating them or getting him to the slaughter more quickly than anticipated? Thanks for any help in advance and Robert - yes you did tell me so and I should've listened then but I'm a bit stubborn ;D ;D ;D
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sorry shoul've saide they are now about 4 months old x
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It's a toughie :-\
I wouldn't imagine they'd be much point in taking him now in terms of meat you'll get in return (could be wrong though) and if you're seperating them it's best to be out of sight and smell of the other, which in effect means you have 2 lone pigs (neither will be very happy and as the weather turns, they'll be cold and miserable without their buddy to snuggle up to) Again, taking him now and keeping your gilt produces the same problem :-\ Unless you can get her another gilt to keep her company ;)(would be best to be of a similar age/size)
Although it's usually 6 months onwards for sexual maturity, they do tend to get a bit of practice in early on and pigs have a terrible habbit of not reading the same books as us and just doing whatever they feel like ::) :D If she's showing any signs of coming into season (ie. she's standing for him and her vulva is red and a bit swollen looking) it's better to get them seperated asap.
HTH ?
Karen x
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Is castration an option? I've got one that i'm intending to keep my boar company over winter :)
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Thanks, there is no sign of her coming into season and he's not yet hassling her all the time. He seems to just be trying the whole procedure on for size but as I'm a first timer I could be wrong. x
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nothing like a bit of practice ;)
Just out of interest, what would the abbatoir say if they went "in pig?"
Would it be a big problem?
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Quote from Welshlass181:
"Is castration an option?"
At 4 month he'd need a general anaesthetic, which would be bloody expensive. They do practice from a very early age, you're probably OK now but 6 months is pushing it. i'd go with Happy Hippy's advice and also get them finished and off to the abattoir as early as you can. I don't know what would happen if you took a gilt in pig for slaughter - guess it must happen now and then.
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TV whats the latest I should leave them? Don't think I'd get much from them just now although they are growing at an alarming rate x
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there are a lot of gilts that go inpig to slaughter more than you think
they are just starting to grow at a decent rate another 2 months then off they go :farmer:
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oh goodness, we've just had 4 pigs, we ordered 4 boars. Hubby went to fetch them, brought them back and I realised when he'd unloaded that one was a gilt! Checked the paperwork and the farmer had put down 4 boars and was so apologetic when I rang him. Too late though, I just hope they behave till they are 6 months old. They are 12 weeks now.
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Hi, I personnally think they will be fine for a while yet I have 3 boys on each other just practising it is certainly a site to see :P however, the boys practice a lot and even make the hip movement but at 4 months there shouldn't be any willies out yet, the conversations I have had with people since keeping pigs if overheard you could arrested :-\, all mine are together until 6 months ish.
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Quote from Welshlass181:
"Is castration an option?"
At 4 month he'd need a general anaesthetic, which would be bloody expensive. They do practice from a very early age, you're probably OK now but 6 months is pushing it. i'd go with Happy Hippy's advice and also get them finished and off to the abattoir as early as you can. I don't know what would happen if you took a gilt in pig for slaughter - guess it must happen now and then.
I had 3 done not so long ago and it was £50 each. All of them are now pets :) 2 are in forever homes and the 3rd is still with my herd.
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Its perfectly normal! My growers occasionally do the same- they arent sexually mature till nearer 9 months- there really is nothing to worry about
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bioman just because you have not had any accidents is is inappropriate to give advice on your findings when others up and down the country have the evidence to prove you wrong :farmer:
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Would echo Robert's comments, i've heard of lots of "accidents" with gilts in pigs at six months old!!
So you takes your chance, its up to you.
Mandy :pig:
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Yup, I agree !
I know of a litter born to a pig of 7 months old :o It does happen :-\
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They are both going to go off at 6 months. If there is any more shenanigans they'll be seperated next to each other but I would hope thats not necessary. You live and learn as they say and I will be taking extra special care next time to make sure they are the same sex BEFORE I take them home. Thanks everyone for contributing x
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I think that some people worry too much. If your pigs become sexually active at 6 months it doesn't matter, they will be slaughtered before you even know that they are in pig. Enjoy them and if they want to practice let them. :D