[knight_family]

Hi,

I'm currently looking into getting a small number of pigs either this year or start of next. But I always try and do my homework to understand whats needed etc.

So I've got a question if any way anyone can answer, which is....

Thinking of the means of transport at the end what is the best / cost effective way of doing it. what I mean from that is I've looked into pig / livestock trailers but they don't seam to be very cheap might as well buy a new one. Is there any other options.

Thanks in advance

[princesspiggy]

we use our pony trailer, not perfect as no side ramps but kills 2 birds!

[robert waddell]

second hand trailers are getting dearer especially the small ifor Williams p6e which can also be used on the back of a quad
horse trailers are not strictly legal     they don't have side gates for the ramp     and some places will turn you away even with makeshift side gates    escapes being the main reason

[princesspiggy]

our abattoir has a concrete ramp and side rails so it works for us as we can get right up close and there is hardly an incline at all. 

[knight_family]

Thanks Robert thats my isuse at the moment, looking at the p6e they are very expensive  new and used! Looks like I need to find a hire place but trouble is cannot find anywhere yet.

I'll keep looking.

[princesspiggy]

ifor williams are good for resale tho, u dont lose much.

[robert waddell]

it all depends on what you want   we have two trailers a DP 120 and a DP6 or is it a seven   anyway on a run to England when diesel was cheaper the small trailer saved £60 of fuel compared to the big one but it is only good for 3 show pigs     i bought my DP6e  as an accident damaged one with all parts  to repair half a day and good as new with a huge price saving  and the DP6e can be towed with a saloon car saving even more money


your call

[chickenfeed]

our abattoir has a concrete ramp and side rails so it works for us as we can get right up close and there is hardly an incline at all. 

TS held every one up in one of our slaughter houses while they read the riot act to a chap with no loading gates even though the slaughter house hade wrap around gates they explained to him he must have loading gates to ensure both safe loading and unloading for the animals. he left rather red faced after TS had finished showing him where it states they are now a legal requirement. with more and more spot checks going on its worth getting the right equipment when starting out

[JulieS]

You could ask the breeder who you buy your weaners, or intend to buy your weaners from, they may know of somewhere locally to hire a trailer.  Or may hire one out themselves.

[Sylvia]

I have a single axle trailer with no side gates and never any trouble at the abbatoir I dare say it depends on the abbatoir.

[oaklandspigs]

Thanks Robert thats my isuse at the moment, looking at the p6e they are very expensive  new and used! Looks like I need to find a hire place but trouble is cannot find anywhere yet.

I'll keep looking.

http://www.thomastrailerhire.co.uk/1806.html

They are an hour away from you, but £50 hiore vs. £1,000 for a new one makes hiring twice a year worth thinking about.

[Sylvia]

If you can buy a new one you can hire it out and recoup your outlay

[oaklandspigs]

I have a single axle trailer with no side gates and never any trouble at the abbatoir I dare say it depends on the abbatoir.

Sylvia,

Dpends on a) the State Vetinery Service (SVS), b) an inspection by Trading Standards and c) The abattoir.

Any one of these can turn you away

Or worse still do the first two can do you under the Welfare of Animals Transport Order 2007, and even condemn your pig(s).  Unlikely, but can happen.

[knight_family]

all this is looking like I need to find a Livestock trailer to hire and keep looking out for a trailer with cattle sides.

Is hire of livestock trailers common? If so anyone has an idea of price?

[in the hills]

W e have a mobile butcher/ farmer who when the time comes is willing to collect, take to slaughter and butcher our sheep for us. He does the same for a number of smallholders around here.

Maybe there is someone local to you who offers the same service?