Pigs are relaively easy to keep, but like all animals you need to get the set-up right, and know how to keep them happy and healty, and what the numerous regulations are.
One of the best ways to get immersed in the subject is to go on a pig course, where you can see set-ups in action and ask lots of questions. We run courses from March to September [other course providers are available]
Alternately a good practical book will give you advice - ours covers
Creating the environment – fencing, water, food, wallows, shade, arks
• Buying weaners – pedigree or crossbred; buying for meat or breeding
• Feed – what you can feed, how much and when, artificial feed vs natural
• Regulations – a comprehensive guide to complying with the rules !
• When will your pigs be ready– estimating weight, time of year and impact on pig.
• Slaughter – planning ahead, transporting, who does what between abattoir & butcher
• Finding an abattoir, what to ask and what to do when you go there
• Finding a good butcher – and what they and you need to talk about
• What you get from a pig – examples and photos of what cuts you get and how much
• Breeding – creating your breeding herd, how many, which breeds
• What about a boar : Boar Hire or buying boars or AI; pedigree stock
• The birth process – what happens and what do you need to do
• Weaning piglets – when to wean, and how
• Selling weaners – advertising, what to do when people visit.
• Pig Health – looking after your pigs, and knowing when and when not to call the vet
• Pedigree pigs – registering and marking
available from our website
www.oaklandspigs.co.uk/perfect-pigs-book Liz Shanklands Haynes Pig Guide is also very good.
However you achieve it, do your reserach, then get and enjoy some marvelous animals to keep and eat !