As a community initiative, myself and other members of the Burnham-on-Sea Food and Drink Festival Committee, are looking to rear a pig in an orchard - that's the simplistic idea, but, as prospective piggy owners, we would welcome any advice and guidance you have to offer on how this could be achieved.
I've worked my way through the guides on this site and have a few questions; firstly, I've noted that a pig shouldn't be kept individually for welfare purposes. Is it advisable to keep two of the same sex to avoid obvious distraction? And two of the same litter to prevent fighting?
The legislative procedure is something that I shall research further prior to committing to pigs; is there a minimum number of pigs that the CPH and pig herd number from DeFRA applies to?
I've also considered what breed might be most appropriate for us, and suggest a Gloucestershire Old Spot for their suitability to an outdoor production system, temperament and high quality pork production. For a first pig, would this breed be appropriate?
Further to this, might it be a good idea to look at a weaner in the spring now so as not to have to face the winter in new territories (us, not the piggies!!).
We would be very interested to hear from anyone who has an orchard pig with any pointers, but equally to shed light on any risks and costs that I may have overlooked or even not considered!!
Many thanks in advance - without the guides on this site I would have not have managed to get this far!!
Topic: A Community Pig: The Whole Hog (Read 3027 times)
