The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Wortle on April 18, 2010, 05:50:39 pm

Title: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Wortle on April 18, 2010, 05:50:39 pm

I know this is a bit like how long is a piece of string but can someone give me some guidance.

I am off to see to see some 11 week old Tammys and want to know what size a well grown pig would be.I am expecting cocker spaniel size. Am I way off? Any thoughts about other things I should look for? Obviously like any other animal, bright eyes and disposition, no scouring etc. Any other pointers.

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: ukag0972 on April 18, 2010, 06:01:12 pm

They should be bright, inquisative yet timid(depending on their human contact) and have have their ears pricked up watching you. Always look at where they've kept them, the conditions etc. Try and have a look at their mum too. She too should be bright, maybe slightly thin due to feeding piglets, but should still look healthy.  If the seller is happy to show you round their ground/farm and its in good condition then usually the animals are kept in the same standard.
If in doubt, jyst say you'll think about it!!!

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Wortle on April 18, 2010, 06:54:35 pm

Thanks, and size wise at 11 weeks, any guide?

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Rosemary on April 19, 2010, 08:59:54 am

I wouldn't worry about it if they are healthy. We've had batches with big and small but by slaughter time, the wee ones have pretty much caught up.

We usually get outs at 8 weeks and yes, they are probably cocker spaniel sized but heavier, noisier and harder to carry with no "handles".

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: JulieS on April 19, 2010, 09:17:31 am

Excellent description Rosemary  :) :) :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: SuzyJ on April 19, 2010, 10:14:38 am

Our piglets (not tamworths though) are 11 weeks and bigger than our cocker spaniel, I'd say they're more like the size of our fat springer spaniel lol, the 2 boars are noticeably bigger than the girls too but all look well covered, healthy and happy.

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Wortle on April 19, 2010, 02:01:33 pm

Thanks.

I was wanting to know for transport purposes too really! Dont want to give them too much space and dont want to confine them too much either.

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Sudanpan on April 19, 2010, 06:44:59 pm

Hi
We picked up 4 GOS weaners (12 weeks old) a couple of weeks ago and put them in our dog crate - they had stacks of room. The crate is 1m wide, 70cm deep and about 1m high. I 'think' Tamworths are a bit smaller than GOS.
Tish

Title: Re: What size should Tamworth weaners be?
Post by: Wortle on April 19, 2010, 07:05:36 pm

Lovely.I have a 1.25 x .70 x .90 crate so that should be great if I decide to go ahead. Thanks