The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Pikeman on March 31, 2013, 07:02:13 am
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Hi some basics please. How long from weaners to abatoire please? Also can I put wearers in with our 2 kune kune pigs? How much do weaners cost?
Know a bit about sheep but this is new. Thanks for any advice.
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Morning, depending on the breed, weaners can be ready from 5 months onward, a bit longer if you want bacon. Also it depends on where you are in the country, and the time of year, but in my experience they cost about £35 - £50 each
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Thank you, we are in Worcestershire. What weaner should we get? Boar etc?
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There are as many different answers to this as folk who keep pigs ;)
You'd usually be aiming for around 80Kg liveweight for going to slaughter, how quick your pigs reach this depends on breed, feeding, weather etc.
Normally, a traditional breed will get there around 6 months (assuming 1lb of feed per month of age), if it's really cold or they're being fed less it might take a bit longer, commercial breeds will be quicker growing.
Putting them in with Kunekunes........ I don't mix mine. Mainly because the big pigs root the grass which the Kunekunes need for grazing and their feeding needs are different - but I'm sure some folk do mix them. Just be aware of entire boars running with gilts - Kunekunes especially become sexually mature quite early!
Weaners cost anything from £2 at some markets :'( to over £100 depending on what breed and where you buy them. My recommendation is to find a good local breeder and buy there :thumbsup: You'll probably pay £50-£60 for a good weaner, but it's worth paying a little bit more for good stock IMHO. Have a trawl back through the pig section for lots of discussion on this ;)
HTH
Karen