The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Bionic on October 12, 2013, 05:08:16 pm

Title: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Bionic on October 12, 2013, 05:08:16 pm

I will want 2 weaners about that time. Not sure which breed yet but so far have had OSB's and GOS. A change might be nice but on the other hand the butcher was very complimentary about the GOS.
If you aren't too far from me and think you might have something ready around that time let me know. Obviously there is no rush  :)

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on October 13, 2013, 12:05:19 am

I always recommend that people buying in pigs to fatten try different breeds each time. Not that I'm biased (!) but I think that Helen Dennis (Ferretkeeper) may have one of my Tamworths in pig at the moment. Haven't spoken to her about it for a while, but worth checking.
The thing about pigs is, it's all about finding what suits you best, and what you like about a breed - flavour and temperament-wise. Experiment as much as you can.
If you want me to delve into my contacts and find others with different breeds within easy reach, let me know.

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Bionic on October 13, 2013, 08:29:06 am

Thanks Liz

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Raine on October 13, 2013, 10:02:39 am

 :wave:


We had Berkshires this time, I was looking at someone selling Oxford Sandy and Blacks next year.  Does anyone have any experience with these?

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Bionic on October 13, 2013, 10:53:54 am

Raine I had osb's last year. They were nice pigs and very flavoursome but the GOS this year were leaner.


What did you think of your Berkshire's?

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Raine on October 13, 2013, 07:10:21 pm

 :wave:
Great fun!  They go tomorrow and I pick up the produce on Thursday.  Will update you then  ;D


Going to be an interesting day tomorrow as a first timer.  Just tagged them whilst they ate and sorted out the movement licence.

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Daisys Mum on October 14, 2013, 06:38:01 am

I have had osb's, Saddlebacks,Pietrains and now 2 Middle Whites who are due to go next week, well actually they were due to go a couple of weeks ago but I have kept putting it off, they are lovely boys, thank goodness they are not gilts as I would be very tempted to keep them.
They have all tasted fantastic, all been kept and fed in the same way with varying results, butcher said that this years Saddlebacks were better than last years, what I did notice about them was that they were a lot more active and spent lots of time running about and playing.
Will let you know how the Middle Whites get on.

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: danconfessed on October 14, 2013, 09:26:05 am

I've kept GOS for years which we love, then tried Berkshire's....which we didn't!  Now on my third lot of MW and love them.  Great pigs, brilliant temperament, and the meat is the best pork we have eaten.

I didnt think anything could beat the GOS meat but im afraid to say MW pork does!

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: Berkshire Boy on October 14, 2013, 09:56:46 am

danconfessed, what didn't you like about the Berkshires?

Title: Re: Planning for next April/May
Post by: danconfessed on October 14, 2013, 01:40:06 pm

Not sure if i'm honest.  After having the GOS for years, I found them much livelier and real escape artists!

Also, this part being our own fault, we found the went to fat really quickly and the meat just didnt taste as great as our Old Spots.