[Nomorerain]

Hello,

Hope you can help. We're new to pig keeping and are on our second batch. We picked up two piglets two weeks ago and they're settling in well. We have now been offered another two from a different place that will be ready in three weeks. They will be five weeks younger than the current ones.

Can I put them all in together or will they need separate paddocks and arcs? The existing arc is big enough for four but just wondered if Ill cause problems if they all go in together?

Opinions please

[Fowgill Farm]

Five weeks is quite a big age difference as you will see when you get them. The biggest problem you will encounter is bullying particularly at feed times and it will be difficult to ensure the younger ones are getting their fair share, you may also find the older ones won't let them in the arc and its not a good time of year for pigs so young to be sleeping outside, If it were me I would keep them separate if you possibly can, let them grow on a bit, they're not going to go to the butchers with the others also are they the same sex? if there are females you'll have to separate them at 16wks anyway to stop accidents
At the end of the day its what best suits your set up.
HTh
Mandy