The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Tinleypig on March 03, 2015, 03:24:18 pm

Title: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: Tinleypig on March 03, 2015, 03:24:18 pm
I am hoping to start with my 1st pigs this year. Doesn't sound like there are a great deal in my area, will I find it hard to source weavers?
We have stables, presumably they're OK to house pigs?
We have up to 7 acres. OH wants to lose as little grass as poss. I want them to have as much room as they like, how much should we fence off? Am thinking 4 weaners.
I'm booked on to a course at the end of April but want the pigs to be ready by winter so want to get as much prep. done in advance.
TIA.
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: CharingPorkPantry on March 04, 2015, 09:04:06 am
Hello,

Where abouts in Kent are you?

Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: Bionic on March 04, 2015, 09:13:05 am
What do you intend to do with the pigs? Are they for slaughter? If so just bear in mind that 4 pigs will be a lot of meat. You need to make sure that you have an outlet for it.
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: oaklandspigs on March 04, 2015, 10:33:26 am
Our course??  :)

Spring weaners are always in short supply.

You'll get them at 2 months old and have them for around 3-4 months, so if you got some in say late June, you would have them in the freezer by end October.

If it's our course, we'll go through all this to really give you confidence, and are quite happy to send you our 140+ page manual before the course so you can read up.

Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: Tinleypig on March 04, 2015, 12:41:33 pm
Yes Oaklands, your course :) Can't wait to get going.
We're in Tonbridge.
Have spoken to local butcher who is interested in a couple. We have the room for 4 and don't expect it's much more work than 2???
Had thought about fattening 2 for pork and 2 at a later date for bacon...
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: oaklandspigs on March 04, 2015, 01:39:19 pm
Sounds like a plan - see you in April !
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: Paulie on March 05, 2015, 09:57:17 pm
Hi I'm in kent, and recommend charing pork pantrys pigs and  oaklands book is amazing !!
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: RobJJ on March 06, 2015, 12:31:50 pm
I'm on that course as well  :wave:

We have 7 acres, going to fence off 1 acre for pigs to start with. I hope to start later on in the year but it all depends on how far we get with the land clearance (I know pigs are good at that but we have other priorities at the moment), and funds.

Really looking forward to the course :excited:
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: oaklandspigs on March 07, 2015, 07:56:05 am
RobJJ - you'll have a great day with us, lots to see and learn !
Title: Re: Weaners April/ May Kent + other questions
Post by: CharingPorkPantry on March 16, 2015, 10:08:16 am
Hello,

Firstly, thank you Paulie!

We are based in Charing, near Ashford Kent and breed pedigree Large Blacks. No litters available April/May unfortunately but if you're still in the market later in the year do get in touch as we generally have babies throughout the year. You are also more than welcome to pop in any time and have a look at the breed. Can recommend some other local breeders (OSB/Berkshires/Tams) who may have something available also.

Message me for details  :wave: