The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: cameldairy on August 26, 2009, 01:32:16 am

Title: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on August 26, 2009, 01:32:16 am

I have just completed my new pig pen, it's 80 ft. by 64 ft.. How long will it take one 8 week old pig to eat and root up the thick grass that's inside? Does anyone have a guess? :pig:

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Farmer on August 26, 2009, 07:48:10 am

Hi cameldairy,

It largely depends on what breed of pig...some breeds are avid rooters, whilst others tend to graze before rooting...if you want to stop rooting you can put rings in the nose (not an option I favour, but it does work)...you say "a pig"...do you only have one? If so, please get another pretty quickly, they are herd animals and need the company of others...a lonely pig won't thrive and could develop health problems.

Keep us posted

Regards
farmer
 :farmer:

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on August 26, 2009, 12:09:54 pm

Second Farmer, and p l  e  a  s  e  dont put a ring through its/their nose(s) its barbaric.

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: little blue on August 26, 2009, 02:31:20 pm

Not long!!
Our kunes are supposedly grazers and of course have rooted every blade of grass within a few minutes. Or at least that what it seemed like! 

ps any chance of a pic of your zebras, I think they're great!

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on August 26, 2009, 09:01:00 pm

Well I haven't found the pigs I want yet. What I am trying to find are a Duroc X Yorkshire, pretty common around here I think. Yep, I would NEVER put in a ring. I will be getting two after thinking about it, the last time I raised only one pig by itself, it had to beg our little dog to play with it. Just so happens they looked alike :pig: :dog: (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/BabyandAvalar.jpg) don't you agree ;D?

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on August 26, 2009, 09:54:22 pm

Little blue, I just posted some zebra photos for you down in the horse section. :horse:

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on August 27, 2009, 10:19:21 am

That is so cute.  We have a very small large black who plays with the labrador. 

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on September 02, 2009, 08:35:40 pm

My 2 new pigs will be here tomorrow evening! :pig:! :pig:! I'll post some photos of them when they get here. :love:

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: little blue on September 03, 2009, 08:03:57 pm

How exciting, I love new things!!
Waiting eagerly for pics (love the zebras!)

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: daviddb on September 04, 2009, 08:27:22 am

How long?

Most of the afternoon!

regards

david

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on September 04, 2009, 03:08:16 pm

Here they are...they were so intent on rooting, I couldn't get a good shot of their faces.Also here's a shot of their 6 X 6 piggie palace. The weather vane came in but it had the wrong mount with it, so we can't put it up yet. (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/piggiesupclose.jpg)  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/piggies2.jpg)  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/piggies1.jpg)  (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/piggiepalace.jpg)

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on September 05, 2009, 07:27:10 am

Wonderful pigs what breed?

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on September 06, 2009, 11:15:34 pm

Thanks,   Duroc and Landrace

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on September 07, 2009, 06:49:39 am

Have never "met" either of those breeds they look good.

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on September 29, 2009, 07:46:55 pm

The pig palace has it's weather vane on it now   (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/angelpigcloseup.jpg)   (http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff30/CranberriesMom/angelpig.jpg)

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on September 30, 2009, 07:04:14 am

Love the weather vane.  Grass looks as if it has gone???

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: cameldairy on September 30, 2009, 09:45:40 pm

Thanks and yes, they have really done a number on the grass. We are going to let them have the one acre pasture that is directly behind theirs as soon as we get the electric wire up on it. :farmer:

Title: Re: pigs on pasture
Post by: Hilarysmum on October 02, 2009, 07:53:19 am

Oh the joys of fencing.