[robert waddell]

lillian does this job assisted by our daughter

[HappyHippy]

Corrrrr!!! Even I have my legs crossed reading this thread I know my dad used to cut piglets when I was a child but I was always sent away during the proccess and haven't kept pigs for myself until a couple of years ago. Then I had three Berkshire gilts destined for the freezer so it didn't apply but I now have two Kune Kune which I intend to breed from and can see that if I am to castrate it must be done early. I'll probably get the vet to do them and watch very carefully how he does it. I imagine that cleanliness is paramount

Sylvia, Kune Kunes are quite prone to hernias when getting castrated (it's all to do with the inguinal canal - not sure if I've spelt that right  ) It's always better to get the vet to do them. I take mine over when they're around 6 weeks old and they're done in the surgery & home again at night.
HTH
Karen x

[Rosemary]

Doesn't it hurt with no painkiller or anaesthetic?

[HappyHippy]

My KK's are given anesthetic at the vets, there's no way you could humanely castrate at 6 weeks otherwise.
I'm sure it's in the guide to welfare along the lines of - up til 5 days old they can be done on farm by a competant person, after which time it's got to be done by a vet BUT don't quote me on that, it's just from memory  I'll dig the book out later and double check. All very well me saying that cos very soon I'll be in the position of having to castrate here -v- paying the vet extoritionate amounts of cash. I think I'll be looking for some form of pain relief/anesthetic just to reassure myself more than anything ! Just think of lambs with their wee bands Rosemary, that takes a few days to work doesn't it ? At least it's quick and all over and done with in pigs - but still not very nice for them all the same 

[Hilarysmum]

. I think I'll be looking for some form of pain relief/anesthetic  

whiskey, brandy copious bottles of white wine, might help anaesthetise  you.  Personally I couldnt do it even if fuelled with the contents of Odbins.  I am a total wimp.

[Hilarysmum]

Just remembered,  I think over here, that after Jan 1 2012 it will be illegal to castrate piglets of any age without use of an anaesthetic.  Is it the same there?