[sokel]

I am quite new to pigsreared 2 lots of weaners and have 5 more at the 14 Week stage
I have now been offered a 2yr old saddle back sow that's had 1 litter with no prroblems reared the whole litter
She is on a charity farm so used to being handled by a lot of different people of all ages even happy with people in pen with her new piglets
She is approx 6 weeks pregnant again after a rest from her last litter
I have a 20Ft x12Ft pen available that she would be able to see the gos weaners for company
Do the breeders on here think its a good idea or am I moving too fast to the breeding stage
Want to get this right as its a big step for me

[HappyHippy]

We can't answer that for you - you're the only one who knows if you're ready 
 
Are you able to inject proficiently ?
Do you know the proceedure for farrowing ? (Pre and post farrowing care of sow & piglets)
Could you spot any signs of distress and act quickly enough for it to make a difference ?
Have you thought about what you'll do with the piglets ?
Have you got room to start breeding ? (You'd be best with an acre minimum, by the time you make pens and rotate paddocks)
Have you got the motivation to get up every morning (even in the depths of winter) and get feed and water to your pigs ?
 
If your answer is yes to each of those questions you're off to a not bad start, but there is lots to learn. Please don't think I'm trying to put you off, but it is quite an undertaking and requires constant, year round commitment. Get yourself a good book, go on a course aimed at breeding pigs or talk to and help as many local pig keepers as you can. See how you feel after that 
HTH
Karen

[Berkshire Boy]

you can't keep a sow in a pen 20ft x 12ft.

[Sylvia]

Perhaps sokel means to keep the sow in there to farrow and until the little pigs are grown a bit?

[HappyHippy]

you can't keep a sow in a pen 20ft x 12ft.

Legally, you could    if you wanted to (not that I think anyone would want to do that when they've seen a pig outside, where they should be)
When ours come in to farrow they stay in for a week or two (depending on the weather) in a pen a bit smaller than that in the shed. But it's not fair on the pig to live there permanently, wouldn't be the best environment longterm for their health or welfare and would definately need to be concreted or the ground would be completely trashed and she'd be up to her neck in mud in no time.
 
I also assumed the pen size referred to farrowing quarters Sylvia 

[sokel]

I mean her Pen would be  20ft x 12 ft , our weaners have a 12 ft x 12 ft , They are actualy loose boxes previously used for llamas
Each loose box has had a hatch fitted in the backs so they have access to  fields (22 acres to be exact )
as for the getting up I am up at 6.30am every morning 365 days a year  to milk goats and all animals are fed watered etc before I even have my first cup of coffee on a morning 
apart from the pigs we have horses,Donkeys, 7 milking goats and loads of poultry
I am used to sitting up all night when a goat is kidding and I can give most animals injections.
the breeding is over exadurated as I would be having a litter to keep my own weaners rather than do around 150 miles round trip  to bring 5 back that I have bought lol
must dash now as its chucking it down and still have to feed up

[princesspiggy]

before I even have my first cup of coffee on a morning 

crikey,  i need coffee first thing! lol


breeding can be simple or difficult, look at Smarshall with 16 to handraise....difficult , especially if anyone is  combining smallholding with a job. wev been lucky so far. (touch wood)

[sokel]

  once i sit down for coffee I stay sat down
Honestly I have a routine that seems to work , I get up at 6.30 am let the dogs out go out and feed the pigs, bottle the lambs feed and let the donkeys out, feed and muck the horses out , feed and milk the goats feed and let the chickens out then round the dogs up and go in for coffee and breakfast

[Polished Arrow]

once i sit down for coffee I stay sat down
Honestly I have a routine that seems to work , I get up at 6.30 am let the dogs out go out and feed the pigs, bottle the lambs feed and let the donkeys out, feed and muck the horses out , feed and milk the goats feed and let the chickens out then round the dogs up and go in for coffee and breakfast

I am like you, Sokel.  I like to get up and get everyone else settled, and then I make a big fry-up breakfast or some other such delight which I feel I have earned, and then I crash for an hour or two!

[sokel]

  thats the only way to live in my opinion 
I am off out to have a play with the donkey foal then  to drive one of the horses in a bit

[princesspiggy]

thats the only way to live in my opinion 
I am off out to have a play with the donkey foal then  to drive one of the horses in a bit

fotos of the donkey foal please !! how cute!

[sokel]

Will post some tomorrow as my broadband is down so using my mobile to come on here
She was an extra. We only got the donks last july as a 1yr old and a 2yr old 10months later the 2yr old gave birth to a gorgeous jenny foal

[Tudful Tamworths]

From what you've said, I'd say you were ready to go for it. You've raised weaners, clearly have a good idea about animal husbandry, you're not afraid of hard work or unsociable hours, and you've got the land and housing.
 
It's so refeshing to hear someone questioning whether or not they should venture into breeding - it is a big commitment, and far too many people jump in with two feet before they are ready. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
 
All the best,
Liz
PS. I can recommend a good pig book! 

[sokel]

Thanks I do feel I am ready but  I have decided not to get her, We went back for a second look and there was several sickly piglets around the place and alarm bells started to ring.
I do think in the future I would like a sow and have my own litter but TBH I still love my first breed that I had "TAMWORTH" so who knows
I am going to get your book aswell

Posted picture on the donkey foal in the equine section 

[princesspiggy]

TBH I still love my first breed that I had "TAMWORTH" so who knows

thats me too, any other breed just doesnt compete.


where abouts are you?