[nealeholl]

I picked up my first 3 weaners a couple of weeks ago, and am thoroughly enjoying them. They came home in the back of my estate, and I'm confident that within another week or two the smell will almost have gone ;-)

I have been wondering what will be the best way (probably one by one) to get them to slaughter? I don't even have a tow hitch let alone a trailer. Organised, huh?

Also, should I be able to find someone with a trailer I CANNOT imagine how I'm going to persuade the little darlings to get into it. They've only just dared set foot into their lovely wooden ark!

[Rosemary]

For welfare reasons, I think it would be better if they all went together for slaughter. Taking each one individually will be much more stressful for the pig - and the last one will have to live alone which is never a good idea.

You might be able to borrow a trailer from a local farmer or smallholder. If you can get it well in advance, you can start getting them used to it. Having said that, we borrow a trailer so the first time we load them, is the first time they have seen a trailer.

We build a race from the field gate to the trailer ramp, using hurdles, hen arks and the patio table on its side. THis keeps them focussed. We put plenty straw in the trailer and on the ramp; we don't feed them on the morning and we train them to follow a bucket from the time we get them. Finally, give yourself plenty time. If you try and rush them and YOU get stressed, they will know and react badly.

Also, don't have your trailer touching the electric fence so that the first pig to touch the trailer gets a shock!

[BillyBerridge]

haha the joys of weaners in cars! that smell seriously lingers!

When it comes to taking them to slaughter you will definatley need a trailer! When you get a trailer there are two good ways of loading them, if they are timid or reluctant.

The first of which is not too feed them the night before and coax them in with the lure off food.

The second, is too park the trailer in the field a few days before and feed them inside it leaving them to go in and out as they please, the pigs will soon get the idea that the trailer is a good thing, so much so that you may end up taking all three!

BB

[doganjo]

I know absolutely zilch about pigs, but I DO know that all animals get lonely, and lonely means stress, and stress means bad meat.  So take them altogether to the abattoir

[BillyBerridge]

I disagree with that some what. As long as there is plenty of staw in the trailer the pig will most likely fall asleep bliss fully unaware. Aslong as the other end is swift and calm they will be fine.

[DavidnChris]

I had this same problem about transport when I was due to get my two pigs. A trailer is vital and I searched high and low for a second hand one, ebay provided some at the other end of the country and one that had been caught in the London Blitz and needed some repairs.
In the end I had no choice but to buy a new one, the mistake I would warn most seriously against is filling in the cheque stub. My OH saw how much it was before I had made the necessary preparations.
Having got over that I managed to bump the car with the newly fitted towbar on, so couldn't tow the damn trailer when the time came, the breeder was happy to deliver them for me in his trailer.
Hey Ho at least I've got it ready for when they go, and it has come in very useful for collecting wood and corrugated sheets for a new shelter - for the trailer to go in.

David.

[Mr Pig]

Please don't try transporting pigs in a car. It is illegal and if you turn up at the abattoir, the vet on duty may take steps to have you prosecuted.

[Hilarysmum]

I would echo the pig on its own sentiment.  Perhaps do 1 first then the other two together. That way you will have had some experience before attempting 2.  The meat keeps fine in the freezer, and anyway once you and your friends, relatives, neigbours experience your pork from the first pig, you will need to do 2 to have any chance of having enough left for yourselves, and to make your own superb bacon.

[RichM]

We just connected the trailer to their pen for 3 nights before with an old pallet race, filled it with straw and fed them there. They ended up sleeping in it. It made every thing extremely simple at this end, they were ever relucant to come out at the other!

I picked up my first 3 weaners a couple of weeks ago, and am thoroughly enjoying them. They came home in the back of my estate, and I'm confident that within another week or two the smell will almost have gone ;-)

I have been wondering what will be the best way (probably one by one) to get them to slaughter? I don't even have a tow hitch let alone a trailer. Organised, huh?

Also, should I be able to find someone with a trailer I CANNOT imagine how I'm going to persuade the little darlings to get into it. They've only just dared set foot into their lovely wooden ark!

[The Relic]

i would love to see you try to get a bacon weight pig into a car Mr Pig.

[shetlandpaul]

No a seriouly upset adult pig would soon fill up even the biggest car with its aroma. not sure if 100+ pounds of grumpy pig jumping into your lap whilest driving is allowed. The pigglets sure do make a mess ours needed washing after we got them home. Air fresherner does not work. having all your windows open and breathing through your mouth just about does.
The reason most folks keep 2 is that there is never one left alone. they really do miss each other so please take all three.

[sandy]

Sorry, keep Reading this post as " Trainspotting Pigs" conjures up all sorts of visions...............

[The Relic]

have you been smoking

[sandy]

NO!!!!! Just a wee dram but I love Trainspotting and the music!

[kevkev57]

Essential bit of kit for a smallholder.....   4X4 pick up , preferably Toyota.  I have no idea what I would do without it.  Ideal for carrying livestock and 100s of other uses.

Kevin
Belgian Ardennes