[goosepimple]

Loopylou, we used to keep Tamworths but I loved their wee nippy eyes looking at me and I just can't do the killing thing any more, (we do eat our drakes though), so would be interested in half a piggy at some point...?

[loopylou]

Any time gossepimple,

We are just getting started with the rare breeds.  I have gotten attached to one called Boris but he is off next week to the butcher.    and unfortunately I have to take him as the other half cant get a day off and since I was off already he said just take them!! 

I was thinking about killing three of my drakes as they seem to be harassing the ladies now (well it's coming to that time of year). 

I have never actually done a duck yet.  I am not sure the best way to kill it other than shoot them when they are in the sky!!  Me and my other half shoot as well, he has been for years, I have however just started.  He says that he is going to to the ducks but still hasn't.   

[goosepimple]

We have a very tall man with large hands who runs a shooting business to do ours, we have Muscovy drakes so they are super big with claws, so it needs a big fella to throttle them.  Personally I would rather they were shot, I don't like having to round them up and pick them out and they sense it's the end when they're put in the cage to be taken away, hate that bit     and of course the males are always beautiful and after rearing them from day 1, its harsh.

[happygolucky]

 
It was my duck that layed her eggs in very well hidden places, she was lovely but they had to be re homed as they were so noisy, I think it was the male after all the hens all the time!!! My husband could be seen running up the garden in his pink dressing gown to feed them and shut them up, they used to wake up as soon as they heard or saw a light!!! Loved them though

[Susannah]

Hi, I too am in East Lothian, "The Boggs" to be exact. We do Organic veg pretty large scale and the rare breed animals are a relatively new adventure. It is a very steep learning curve and I think I am still pretty near the bottom! Do get in touch, it would be fab to chat to a like mind hopefully not too far away.
Fu

[loopylou]

Hi Fu,

I think we have met already a few years back.  I know where you are about in the Boggs and we are in the Boggs as well!!  It is a small world.  My other half knows you as well. 

Yeh the pigs are a steep learning curve and we are still getting to grips with it ourselves.  We have met some really nice people along the way and are always there is we have any questions. 

We just got our 5th pig yesterday and she is a stunner.  Hoping to get her out and about this year and have some baby's off her too.  Just need to try sort out a better paddock for the two that we are keeping for the purpose of breeding.  Just now they have a smaller paddock to play around in during the day but they are housed in at nights.

Would be nice to pop along and have a chat and see how your finding things with the pigs.

Right best get going horses to see to and pigs to sort out.  Never ending is it?!

[Susannah]

OMG that is really embarrassing! Do come round and talk shop any time you are passing.
Fu

[loopylou]

Will defo take you up on that off Fu, will need to find time over next few week.