The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: TracyC on January 11, 2017, 02:01:21 pm
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Hi All
I just wanted to say Hi :wave:
We're getting 2 pigs to fatten up in March ready for slaughter later in the year. This is our first year doing this. We run a smallholding which we bought last year, so all very new to us.
I'm looking forward to getting them and giving them good lives.
I'll report back when we have them :)
:excited:
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Sounds brilliant and very exciting! What breed are you getting? All the best with them and do let us have some lovely piccies when you get them? :excited:
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That gives you plenty of time to sort out housing, fencing, water supply, feed and do lots and lots of reading .....
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I am researching things daily - I love it! They are saddle back crosses I am told but we're going to visit soon as they will be weaned 1st March. This year we're buying 2 and slaughtering 2, just to get used to having them around and seeing how it goes then next year we would like to buy 3, 1 to slaughter and 1 for breeding from and 1 to be companion. Of course the research may change this method if it isn't suitable.
Thank you for your kind comments - it's so exciting :)
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I am researching things daily - I love it! They are saddle back crosses I am told but we're going to visit soon as they will be weaned 1st March. This year we're buying 2 and slaughtering 2, just to get used to having them around and seeing how it goes then next year we would like to buy 3, 1 to slaughter and 1 for breeding from and 1 to be companion. Of course the research may change this method if it isn't suitable.
Thank you for your kind comments - it's so exciting :)
Pigs are addictive and having two for the freezer is the way to start. As Marches Farmer has said lots of stuff to do and get right. It is a big step between fattening and breeding. Lots of support on here.
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I'm hoping to get 2 pigs in March as well. Same as you, just to bring up and freeze later. Its so exciting :excited:
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Ouch freeze later?! :innocent: :roflanim: :roflanim:
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I'm another one in this boat - it doesnt look likely that we'll have bought a small holding by that point (looking etc) but i'm working on renting a bit of land (possibly from my land lord as i live on a dairy farm) so i could raise a few pigs. I'm thinking OSB though i'm not entirely decided between them and Berkshire
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Do you find there are a lot of breeds local to you? Our neighbour has a pig farm and we're being sensible and getting them from him this year. His are mass produced of course but it would be silly not to get them from him to then be able to call on his experience if needed.
We're planning on keeping them in the barn for a week or 2 when they arrive and move them outside when the weather allows, depending on what March brings weather wise.
It'll be great to follow everyone's journey.
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Our neighbour has a pig farm and we're being sensible and getting them from him this year.
Can you do a deal with him to buy their food as well? That could save you a whole heap of money :thumbsup:
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I think he just buys it in, or do you mean as he will get it cheap in bulk?
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The most expensive way to buy feed is in bags and by small quantities so your neighbour will probably be buying in bulk so if he can sell to you then it will reduce your costs.
I don't know how close your neighbour is to you but he has reduced the risk of disease to his pigs by selling to you rather than you bringing pigs into his locality.
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Our neighbour has a pig farm and we're being sensible and getting them from him this year.
Can you do a deal with him to buy their food as well? That could save you a whole heap of money :thumbsup:
tad awkward if it's blown into a silo ;D
but not impossible