The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: mowhaugh on November 30, 2013, 07:44:49 pm
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to two! Doreen now has a pal, an 8 month old large black cross saddleback gilt. She is a bit nervous of people, but seems to be getting on with Big D so far, and I'm sure she'll come round.
The other good news is that we have found a LB boar only half an hour away, who Doreen can visit, if I can only tell when she is in season - hopefully new piggly will help with this too.
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:thumbsup: Are you planning on breeding with Doreen straight away? I would definitely be interested in some weaners in 2014.
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:thumbsup: Are you planning on breeding with Doreen straight away? I would definitely be interested in some weaners in 2014.
Yes, as soon as we can work out when she comes into season - the boar owners want us to record one season, then take her there for the next time, which is sensible, but I am finding it very hard to spot anything. Hopefully her having a pal will help, and if it all works out, of course you can get some weaners.
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As she is black, her vulva won't change colour when she is in season, so instead look for changes in size instead, and in particular, any clear mucus which can be seen on the prime day for servicing. If you check every single day, ideally in good daylight, you will soon learn to recognise when her vulva is more swollen than normal, and then watch it returning to its usual shape. Another helpful aid is Boar Mate spray - when they are not ready pigs are positively antagonistic to it, but when they are coming in to heat they will react quite differently: stand very still and to back pressure, and be unusually friendly if they can smell any Boar Mate on you. With a Tamworth, which I know you don't have, they wriggle their ears like great radar receivers. We had Saddlebacks as well as Tamworths, and used to do this on a daily basis with them and it worked well. Good luck :fc: :fc: :fc:
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Thank you, that is very helpful. The main problem I am having is the good daylight part, I am sure I must have missed her on a day when I was away at work so only seeing her in the dark.
Where can you get the Boar Mate spray from?
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I got Boar Mate from Animal Health Supplies Ltd. in Framlingham, Suffolk. They don't have online ordering, but their phone number is 01728 621070.
Just use one squirt towards her nose, don't overdo it!
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That's good that you have found someone local :thumbsup:.
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That's great news. You could try the new one with a bit of apple or banana. worked with ours. One of mine also gets very vocal and wanders around looking for a mate when she is in season.
Good luck hope all goes well.
Think we need some pics
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I would be interested in Saddleback weaners too when you breed with her as my regular source is going to cross theirs next time with a commercial breed, currently paying £50 each ;D .