The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: ShaunP on August 03, 2010, 10:03:15 pm

Title: What mix of ages??
Post by: ShaunP on August 03, 2010, 10:03:15 pm

I have recently got some more weaners and I am wondering what other people do regarding mixing age groups. The weaners at the moment are eating off the ground as I scatter there food in the grass. I would like to let them run in the bigger area with the the older pigs that are now 5 months old and getting ready to visit the butcher!!

What do you think???

Title: Re: What mix of ages??
Post by: JulieS on August 04, 2010, 08:59:35 am

Personally I prefer not to mix age groups.  Will be interesting to hear what others think.

Title: Re: What mix of ages??
Post by: powispigs on August 04, 2010, 05:08:26 pm

I also prefer to keep ages separate mainly to ensure the little ones are getting their share of the food  :pig:

Title: Re: What mix of ages??
Post by: oaklandspigs on August 04, 2010, 06:23:24 pm

We freely mix pigs of all ages in our fattening group.

We find no problem  in bullying - larger pig sees little as no threat and little looks up at big pig and thinks no chance!

or in feeding - as long as you spread your feed rather than trough feed, the little ones nip in quite easily and feed between the big ones legs.  They even seem to like the challange of nipping in, and don't miss out on food.

Title: Re: What mix of ages??
Post by: Hilarysmum on August 05, 2010, 09:44:15 am

Having seen other friends who do this quite successfully, I would agree with Oaklands, although suggest feeding a little extra to make sure the smallest do get a fair share.