The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: louise on April 05, 2009, 08:28:09 pm

Title: any help on pigs?
Post by: louise on April 05, 2009, 08:28:09 pm

 :pig: hi, before i start id like to say that im a complete novice. can any-one help me, im looking in to getting a couple of pigs and i need some advice. i'm looking for a hardy breed which i can rear and slaughter/sell. there is no shortage of ground and i live in the north east of scotland. i need to know, what breed, how many would be financially viable, what i need to keep them i.e electric fencing, shelters. how much it would cost to buy and feed them. and how long to keep them. and if there are any other hidden costs or problems. also any other addvice would be much appreciated or any local suppliers e.g.c. thnks  :)

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: Rosemary on April 05, 2009, 08:43:56 pm

Any of the British rare breeds would be fine - check the Rare Breeds Survival Truast for ifnormeation. There is a rare beerd sale at Thainstone, Inverurie on 2nd May. There might be pigs there - check Aberdeen and Northern Marts website goanm.co.uk. The catalogue will list vendors, if there are any. Everyone who has pigs has their favorite breed and will promote it.

The more land the better but you have to weight that against the cost of fencing it. There are a number of threads about fencing already.

If you have a look at the Articles section on TAS, we've put our costs on for last year, which will give you some idea of what to expect. Three weaners is reckoned to give a small profit.

Lots of expert pig keepers on here.

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: sausagesandcash on April 05, 2009, 10:55:57 pm

Go to the pigs section for all the advice you need. If you don't find it in a thread just ask, and we'll be happy to help.

Morgan  :farmer:

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: louise on April 06, 2009, 02:27:02 pm

thanks 4 all ur help  :)

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: Hilarysmum on April 06, 2009, 03:07:03 pm

Its worth having a chat with your local pig food supplier.  It may be if you are buying in bulk you can negotiate a better price. 

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: sabrina on April 06, 2009, 04:18:31 pm

Where ae you in the North East, I am buying from a lady near Mintlaw  :)

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: louise on April 06, 2009, 05:11:54 pm

im from just outside huntly so pretty close

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: Pigtails on April 06, 2009, 05:29:44 pm

We have rare breed pigs, 28 miles west of Thurso.
 :)

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: The Relic on April 06, 2009, 05:54:39 pm

yea just keep going through threads and you'll get the info and there are many here who help. im in the same boat as yourself louise found this site very helpful

Title: Re: any help on pigs?
Post by: sabrina on April 07, 2009, 01:49:53 pm

Louise look at Musings from a stonehead. its a web site and I am sure the guy is near Inch, he breeds Berkshires  :pig: