[Clansman]

I've got access to an old byre and some land beside my house and have been thinking about pigs.

Probably half a dozen or so at the very most, i'm not looking to keep loads of them.

Raising for meat is the plan but i could possibly be interested in breeding my own in the future.

I've been around pigs quite a bit but never really worked with them or done anything rather than look at them, i'm more a poultry person and worked in commercial poultry for many years.

So, can anyone give me a very brief guide of what might be involved? space, housing, cost, feeding, legal issues etc?

I have a stock trailer, i assume i can take them to the local abattoir?

[danconfessed]

Best of luck!  My only advice would be to buy the strongest and best fencing you can afford. 
Also......Pigs are addictive!  It starts at a few weaners and before you know it you will have lots more.

[Bionic]

Definitely agree with the strong fencing. Pigs can beg rest escape artists. Unless you already have an outlet for the meat I would only start with 2 or 3 until you find your feet.

[Small Plot Big Ideas]

We've only recently finished with our first 2 Tamworth weaners and I can definitely confirm that keeping pigs is addictive - if I had my way we'd be getting a couple of breeding sows next year but my better half is more cautious so it's weaners again I think.


They went to a small, fairly local abattoir in County Durham who were really good with them and very complimentary of our pig keeping skills after seeing the quality of the meat - I suspect they might just be nice to all the first timers though!


The amount of meat we got back was a little overwhelming for us initially so definitely consider that aspect if you have more than 2 or 3. We're managing to get going fairly successfully with chops, roasts and such like plus bacon curing and hams for Christmas. There are always friends and family who could take some as well though.

[oaklandspigs]

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Yes buy our book, it'll give you everything you need to know including housing, feeding, fencing, veterinary, all the regulations you need to know, transporting, abattoirs, what meat you get, and take you on to breeding  and loads more
 
http://www.oaklandspigs.co.uk/perfect-pigs-book/
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Other books are available !
 

[Clansman]

just found the guide on the site! 

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/livestock/pigs/

[Beewyched]

There is also a Scottish Pig Keepers Association www.scottishpigs.co.uk If you go onto Directory / Breeders Directory you will find folk up near you that breed many of the different breeds & will be more than happy to provide you with information (and tell you that their breed is the best  ).  Some of then run Pig Keeping courses too.

Once you have chosen your breed, any responsible breeder will be happy to give you on-going advice & support.

I'm all for the wee Kunekune myself  but then I'm way to far away from you to supply starter pigs.   Karen (Happyhippy) & Alison (theStephens) usually have Birth Notified stock for sale - though you may need to pre-order if you want Registered breeding KK.  Karen also runs Pig Keeping courses fairly regularly.

The BPA website is full of useful info & you will find some information about regulations on www.scoteid.com specific for your area.

Oakland's book is a good investment - really easy to read & to continue to dip in & out of as a reference guide ( commission please  )

 

[Fowgill Farm]

Would suggest you start with two or three weaners and see how you like it and if you can shift that amount of pork and wait until spring .
Check out the GOS website for info http://www.gospbc.co.uk/category/pig-management
HTh
mandy

[Beewyched]

Would suggest you start with two or three weaners and see how you like it and if you can shift that amount of pork and wait until spring .
Check out the GOS website for info http://www.gospbc.co.uk/category/pig-management
HTh
mandy

They don't get Spring up there Mandy - it's either snow or rain, sometimes with sun if you're lucky 

[Clansman]

Snow in the winter,

cold rain  = Spring and Autumn

Warm rain = Summer 

Cheers all, a few things to look at over the weekend