[Polished Arrow]

Meh!  The British Saddleback boar we were due to borrow - firstly in Oct, which then became November and then shifted to December, has now become later in January!  Tomorrow our ladies are due back in season and will be chomping at the bit for their man.


I have spent much of this weekend trying to find an alternative but have found that more or less one out of every two to three breeders listed on the members' site have now stopped breeding Saddlebacks - owing to rising costs and poor margins 


So, we are going to have to wait again, but it is making us revisit the boar ownership question though, really, we'd have to have more sows to make his keep worthwhile.


Just wondered whether there are any Saddleback breeders here who'd be interested in sharing a boar?

[kja]

have you thought of AI ? you could catch them this time round

[Polished Arrow]

Raj the Boar Rolling Over for Tummy Tickles Ahead of the Day's Work!

kja, yes, I have thought of it but to be honest I really, really like having the boar here.  His arrival rings in a re-starting of the rhythm of the pigs' lives, and his manly presence is welcomed by them so much, I'd hate to deprive the sows of the fun and interest of having him (or another) boar visit.  We have children visiting the farm, and I love the fact that here we do things traditionally and slowly (okay, this time very slowly  ) and that they learn from that. 




Lady Penelope Administering Early Morning Kisses to her Handsome Prince.



I think the question we have to consider now is whether or not to keep our own boar and to rent him out when we don't need him.  In calling round, so many have sold/killed off their boars - and sows - this year owing to rising costs, there may be quite a call for one next year.  Though he'd have to earn his keep.


I am keeping my eyes peeled for someone sentimental wanting to offload a Saddleback Boar for free...