The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: GribinIsaf on February 06, 2016, 12:00:04 pm

Title: Pedigree boar hire rates
Post by: GribinIsaf on February 06, 2016, 12:00:04 pm
Slightly by accident we have, since last summer, found ourselves the owners of a proven Pedigree British Saddleback boar.  He came with a cross sow which he covered early January and we are looking forward to our first farrowing experience at the end of April. Later this year we hope to get some pedigree BS gilts so his potential can be fulfilled.

We are in communication with someone who has some pedigree BD gilts and would like to use our boar to get them in pig.  They seem to think paying for his bed and board while with them is adequate.  We would say this to be true for a non-pedigree arrangement but, having taken some advice, have suggested £40 per gilt/sow for his services.

Do you think we are being reasonable?

Thanks for any thoughts.
Title: Re: Pedigree boar hire rates
Post by: harmony on February 06, 2016, 12:41:51 pm
I wouldn't say that is unreasonable.
Title: Re: Pedigree boar hire rates
Post by: Buffy the eggs layer on February 06, 2016, 02:03:22 pm
Hi Gribin,


  i'm sure prices vary but the going rate for my breed seems to be the value of a registered gilt piglet ( £150) plus B and B at £10 per week if you send your sow to the boar or you cover those costs if the boar comes to you. I guess its supply and demand. The breed that I keep is rare and if you need to use a boar of a different bloodline then you just have to suck it up and pay the price. Collection and delivery of the boar is at the sow owner's expense too.


I dont want to keep a boar as I dont have the space or the work for one so I have to pay for the fact that someone else keeps a boar that is available to hire. HTH
Title: Re: Pedigree boar hire rates
Post by: Sudanpan on February 06, 2016, 02:11:45 pm
I would certainly expect to have to pay for the boars services as well as bed and board during his stay. After all it costs a great deal to keep the boar in good condition to be available to service sows when required so the fee should reflect that.
Title: Re: Pedigree boar hire rates
Post by: GribinIsaf on February 06, 2016, 05:56:27 pm
Thank you for your thoughts.

The people we were talking to decided they did not want to pay so Bert the boar is staying at home for the time being.