[HappyHippy]

I'm fresh from notching my first litter of pedigree Large Blacks, I'd been dreading it like you'd never imagine ! Barely slept last night from the thought of it 
 
But, you know what - they barely made a sound.
Except one little drama queen gilt - but there were more squeals when we picked her up than anything else 
We've never had to do it with the Kunekunes and all our other litters have been cross breed pigs so I managed to avoid it for a long time 
But I knew this day would come and having managed it without bloodshed, tears and upset piglets I'm just a wee bit proud of myself 
 
Incidentally we have got a stunning looking little gilt in this litter - 16 teats, great confirmation and very pretty too. She is the aforementioned drama queen    so it looks like she's shaping up to be the perfect show pig (DIVA ) already.
 
Just thought I'd post incase anyone else was apprehensive about notching (I definately was) - I'm a complete wimp and if I can do it, so can you 
Have a happy Monday folks 

[Bionic]

Thanks Karen, I am going down the slapmarking route for mine when they are on their one way journey but its good to know that the notching wasn't too bad.
Sally

[Berkshire Boy]

Sally, notching is only for breeding/show quality stock so you don't need to worry for meat pigs. Slap mark is definitely the best for the abattoir.

[Rosemary]

Well done you  I know how much you were dreading it and I'm so glad it went OK. You're a star.

I dreamed about killing chickens on Saturday night 

[Blinkers]

Well done you     I hate doing it (for the Berkshires) but its a necessary requirement for the black pigs, and as you say, they barely notice it. 

[SallyintNorth]

:applause: :applause:  Well done Karen    And thanks for letting us know about the reality of it.