11

Pigs / Re: Considering first pigs

« Last post by Rosemary on November 17, 2025, 07:41:05 am »

We kept a number of breeds over the years - weaners to finishin, never breeding - Tamworth, OSB, Hampshire and Kunekune and OSB /Lare Black crosses.
The OSB were our favourites, but the KKs were great little pigs too. Lovely pork and don't eat much bagged feed. Take longer to finish though.

12

Pigs / Re: Considering first pigs

« Last post by SallyintNorth on November 16, 2025, 08:35:03 pm »

As with most species, we probably all recommend our favourites.

What are your circumstances, plans and objectives?  If it's meat for yourself, then carcase quality will be less of an issue so you'd probably go for a super-tasty breed that's fun to keep, eg., GOS, OSB, Berkshire.  If you want to sell to butchers, back fat will need to be under 20mm, so you'd probably do better with something like uncastrated male Lops.

What you can readily source locally may well dictate your choices. 

13

Land Management / Re: Strange field drains

« Last post by Lambic on November 16, 2025, 02:23:36 pm »

Can you / they see the downstream drain discharge into the ditch. ?

Could they are backing ?

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Pigs / Re: Considering first pigs

« Last post by Lambic on November 16, 2025, 01:46:50 pm »

Thank you Sally.  I shall have a good read.

In terms of meat quality, which is the most significant quality for me, which breeds are recommended for beginners growing on ?

Cheers

15

Pigs / Re: Considering first pigs

« Last post by SallyintNorth on November 16, 2025, 01:42:12 pm »

I'm not in Scotland so I won't offer more than suggesting you have a look at the guides and articles here on TAS.  "Starting with Pigs" talks about the regs in Scotland, and in England & Wales.

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Pigs / Considering first pigs

« Last post by Lambic on November 16, 2025, 11:58:00 am »

Hello

Hoping for some advice as I am total beginner to keeping pigs.

When I finally stop working, I hope to have an initial trial of keeping a few pigs.  Given up on the goat idea   If that works out, then possibly expanding a little.  All for personal consumption for the foreseeable future.

I am a registered smallholding of about 30 acres, so I should find a suitable spot.

Obviously there are so many questions, but I guess the first one is what kind of regulations would I have to comply with here in Scotland ?

I intend a do a great deal of research on species, pens etc, but the dealing with the authorities is a different matter....

Many thanks

17

Poultry & Waterfowl / Re: free range

« Last post by Bywaters on November 11, 2025, 03:55:53 pm »

I just did a google search and it came up

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Sheep / Re: just need to hear from Fb AS "family"

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on November 11, 2025, 02:23:30 pm »

So sorry Messyhoose, hard on you, but at least he wasn't alone out in the field.
Hope you find something to hug, or try and immerse yourself in a hobby.
If he hasn't gone, could you shear him and do something with the fleece, keep you busy and as a memory?

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Poultry & Waterfowl / Re: free range

« Last post by eryl on November 11, 2025, 01:32:53 pm »

Thank you for this Bywaters - yes it does help. Have you a tag where i can find this written 'officially'?

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Poultry & Waterfowl / Re: free range

« Last post by Bywaters on November 11, 2025, 12:16:25 pm »

a quick google reveals this "AI Overview     Laws for free-range eggs in the UK originate from retained EU legislation, and include requirements for daytime outdoor access with vegetation, a minimum area per hen (\(4m^{2}\) per hen or \(1Ha\) per 2,500 hens), and specific indoor conditions for hens, such as perch and nest space. The current rules also allow for a 16-week derogation period during which eggs can still be labelled free-range if hens are temporarily housed due to disease outbreaks like avian flu. External range requirements Daytime access: Hens must have continuous daytime access to outdoor runs.Vegetation: The outdoor area must be mainly covered in vegetation.Space: A minimum of 1 hectare per 2,500 hens (about \(4m^{2}\) per hen) is required.Distance: The range area must not be more than 150m from the nearest pop-hole unless shelters are provided, which allows the range to extend to 350m.Access: Fencing or other restrictions must not prevent hens from accessing the range. "

hope that helps.