[Dundonald hens]

has anyone used the abatoir in Ardrosna in Ayrshire ?? robertsons its called I was going to take my piggys there they have qouted me £25 each to have them slaughtered and delivered to the butchers

[Hilarysmum]

Price sounds really good.  Is it too far for you to wander along and watch how they handle the animals before taking them?

[Andrew]

We used Robertsons for over 20 years before we moved back to Stirlingshire. They were always excellent to deal with.

[oaklandspigs]

DH,

I keep a list ofsmallholder recommended abattoirs, but up to now don't have an entry for this one.

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php/topic,10666.0.html

Let us know how you find them and I'll add your recommendation (or otherwise) to the list. 

Andrew - if you're happy for me to I will add your comments as well - as you'll see they are all anonymous, but all help others gain an opinion.

[Lynnes]

I have used Robertsons twice now, and not having been to an abattoir before this I didn't know quite what to expect. The first time it was quiet as I was asked to drop them off early, my two toddled on in with no problems, I was shaking but the men were very helpfull.  I left feeling numb. I picked them up at butchers. Second time I went it was busy and the killing had started so it was noisy.  my two wouldn't come out the trailer, the men even tried with food to encourage them, eventually the men got behind them and tried to rock them from behind onto their feet as they just sat like big dogs. The bigger of the two just got up in his own time and came over to me for a head rub and walked straight in, then the other one did the same. I felt so guilty.   The men were very professional and there manner didn't alarm the boars at all. Just over a year old and funny with strangers. I would eventually like to be strong enough to watch the deed being done then I know I was with them all the way but then that will take time.   

[Cluckinggoodpoultry]

Sorry to hijack the thread but how much is the butchering of the carcass, have heard various amounts spread around which seemed really expensive, so trying to work out whether it is viable for me to rear my own pig for the freezer, usually I just sell them as weaners.

[Hilarysmum]

Perhaps a silly question, but if you are rearing piglets, where do you buy your pork from?