The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: nikks14 on October 15, 2015, 05:22:41 pm

Title: Educating a newbie
Post by: nikks14 on October 15, 2015, 05:22:41 pm: Hi, Could anyone please recommend a good book (not too basic) :) :) for a newbie, we are due to move to North Lincolnshire shortly, and are now considering some weaners to assist with the land clearance and for us to bring on for next year. Thank you :pig:
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: oaklandspigs on October 15, 2015, 07:20:09 pm: Yes -ours !

Self published, it covers everything you need to know, including

• Creating the environment – fencing, water, food, wallows, shade, arks
• Buying weaners – pedigree or crossbred; buying for meat or breeding
• Feed – what you can feed, how much and when, artificial feed vs natural
• Regulations – a comprehensive guide to complying with the rules !
• When will your pigs be ready– estimating weight, time of year and impact on pig.
• Slaughter – planning ahead, transporting, who does what between abattoir & butcher
• Finding an abattoir, what to ask and what to do when you go there
• Finding a good butcher – and what they and you need to talk about
• What you get from a pig – examples and photos of what cuts you get and how much
• Breeding – creating your breeding herd, how many, which breeds
• What about a boar : Boar Hire or buying boars or AI; pedigree stock
• The birth process – what happens and what do you need to do
• Weaning piglets – when to wean, and how
• Selling weaners – advertising, what to do when people visit.
• Pig Health – looking after your pigs, and knowing when and when not to call the vet
• Pedigree pigs – registering and marking

Many call it their 'pig bible'

Lots and lots of photo's of how to set up, a very practical manual of pig keeping

http://www.oaklandspigs.co.uk/perfect-pigs-book/ (http://www.oaklandspigs.co.uk/perfect-pigs-book/)
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: nikks14 on October 19, 2015, 03:06:11 pm: thank you, I will order ASAP :) :pig:
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: nikks14 on October 19, 2015, 03:07:53 pm: how long does is take to come, we are moving in a couple of weeks so I dont want it to get lost in the post, between houses :( thank you
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on November 07, 2015, 11:00:44 pm: Have a search online for the Haynes Pig Manual. If you have any queries after reading it I'm always happy to help. I also run courses at Kate Humble's farm in Monmouthshire. Best of luck. Liz

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pig-Manual-Complete-Step---step/dp/0857330268/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446937081&sr=1-1&keywords=haynes+pig+manual (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pig-Manual-Complete-Step---step/dp/0857330268/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446937081&sr=1-1&keywords=haynes+pig+manual)
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: DavidandCollette on November 08, 2015, 09:28:08 am: Hi nikks whereabouts are you moving to? We are in Owston ferry (twinned with Royston Vasey :roflanim:)
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: Marches Farmer on November 09, 2015, 02:51:37 pm: I recommend Pig Keeping by Richard Lutwyche, published by the National Trust. 96 pages. No frills.
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: Womble on November 09, 2015, 04:29:17 pm: Another recommendation here for Oaklands Pigs Perfect Pigs Book. It really does contain a wealth of information :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: oaklandspigs on November 09, 2015, 10:24:37 pm: Thanks Womble - and we aim to send next day
Title: Re: Educating a newbie
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on November 10, 2015, 10:38:04 pm: Have a look on Amazon at the reviews of various pig books. There are lots on offer - some more up-to-date than others. Gives you both good and bad, from the reader's point of of view.