The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Pheasant pharmer on September 13, 2011, 05:54:45 pm

Title: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon
Post by: Pheasant pharmer on September 13, 2011, 05:54:45 pm

Our first two pigs went off yesterday morning. A bit sad, and the place seems a bit empty without them, but looking forward to the bacon and hams in due course!

So we now realise why my father advised not to continue the electric fence inside the gate!  Getting them past this now invisible barrier and into the trailer took a lot of patient coaxing after they gave us the run around several times!  Eventually their desire for bread and pig nuts won them over and they actually loaded quite easily.

I can recommend Kirk's abattoir at Nunnington. It was all very relaxed and the pigs weren't seeming stressed at all.
Only go there though if you are good at reversing a trailer as it's really tight to get into. Luckily my husbands pretty good at this and so it wasn't a problem.

Yesterday we went to see a neighbouring farmer's newly acquired GOS weaners. Bit of a mistake!!  Scott (husband) immediately wanted more pigs!  Finally convinced him to wait until spring, as originally planned. Phew!    ;D

Title: Re: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon
Post by: Rosemary on September 13, 2011, 07:41:46 pm

Glad everything went well! Enjoy the fruits of your labours in due course  :)

Title: Re: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon
Post by: Barrett on September 13, 2011, 07:47:55 pm

Have had a few saddlebacks now and there are fantastic ham and baconers have 6 in my cow shed finishing off at the momment should be ready a little shy of christmas lovely jubbly.

Title: Re: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon - butchering now done!
Post by: Pheasant pharmer on September 15, 2011, 03:13:04 pm

 :wave:  Hello and many thanks to Smiffy for coming to ours to butcher our pigs today. What great experience, and a great couple of guys.  :thumbsup:

Sausage sandwiches for tea!   :yum:

Title: Re: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon - butchering now done!
Post by: Rosemary on September 17, 2011, 04:55:48 pm

Quote from: Pheasant pharmer on September 15, 2011, 03:13:04 pm

thanks to Smiffy ... a great couple of guys.  :thumbsup:

So is Smiffy schitzophrenic or had you been at the booze?  ;D

Title: Re: Saddlebacks have gone for bacon
Post by: Pheasant pharmer on September 17, 2011, 06:49:01 pm

Quote from: Rosemary on September 17, 2011, 04:55:48 pm

Quote from: Pheasant pharmer on September 15, 2011, 03:13:04 pm

thanks to Smiffy ... a great couple of guys.  :thumbsup:

So is Smiffy schitzophrenic or had you been at the booze?  ;D

Good spot!  It was in fact Smiffy and Smiffy's brother.  ;D