[Hilarysmum]

Large blacks are lovely.  Apparently they are going to be the new "popular pig" as HFW will be getting some for his River Cottage programme. 

[Mickyork]

I better get a move on & get sorted then before he does.  Cos the price will probably go up if that's the case ha ha ha.  I will be looking at which breed will give me the best return from all my efforts. I am doing it for food & also to make a few bob to be able to buy other things.  This site & it's members have been a real help to me & I will be sure to keep you all posted with my progress. Big thanks to all

[DARREN G]

Hi everybody

Im looking to keep a couple of pigs, my quandry is what pigs to start off with.  As i am going to use them for own consumption would this make any difference??
I live in the North Essex area and it would be great if i could find people with different breeds so that i could have a look before starting my journey!

Thanks
Darren

[JulieS]

I recommend Gloucester Old Spots  (but then I might be biased because that's what I have)

I'm nowhere near Essex, but if you are in Devon anytime then pop in and take a look.   

[Helencus]

I've got British saddlebacks but then I love black and White animals. Saddlebacks are lovely very nice nature when they get to know you. Took just a few weeks. Meat wise I understand they can be fatty if you overfeed so better crossed I hear.

[Farmer]

Gloucester Old Spots...the finest pig for any first timer...easy to handle, well mannered, friendly, fun, intelligent, good farrowers and mothers and above all fantastic taste and good prices...dead or alive!

Whichever you choose...Good Luck Mick and welcome to your new (and better) life

Farmer, 

[oaklandspigs]

Darren,

Welcome !

Any of the traditional breeds will do well for you - and all enthusiasts will tell you that their breed is best, gentlest, friendlyest, most fun/best eating etc.etc 

For ourselves, Saddlebacks are good, GOS are also a nice pig, as are berkshires.  Oxford Sandy and Blacks are very pretty, Middlewhites have character and are smaller, and Kune Kunes smaller still. I will now be attacked for ignoring other breeds, and would not want to put you off them.

Do your research, and if you can see some great !

Good Luck

[Mickyork]

Thank you for all the advice, it has all been taken in. Have met a few different pigs now & their owners     I've invested in a couple of books & have started making an ark.  I took some pictures today of the area that will become the pigs home & will post them soon. I just found out a friend of mine had pigs for around 20 years & he says he's gonna come round & 'check' I'm looking after them right. Will keep you all posted what happens next   

[Hilarysmum]

For those who like to be up before cockcrow, (they like to be fed very early) who enjoy lots of exercise and have a keen sense of humour, especially if you want a get fit regime I would recommend tamworths the racehorses of the pig world.  For those who are more vertically challenged, go for GOS the snail of the pig world

[dixie]

Darren G, I'm in Essex and have gloucester old spots, you are more than welcome to visit and have a chat! message me on here.

[marigold]

For those who like to be up before cockcrow, (they like to be fed very early) who enjoy lots of exercise and have a keen sense of humour, especially if you want a get fit regime I would recommend tamworths the racehorses of the pig world.  For those who are more vertically challenged, go for GOS the snail of the pig world

That's interesting - I have 2 tamworth x's and I often have to wake them up at 8.00. Its a bit like waking up a pair of lazy teenagers. I stand outside the ark and shake their breakfast knock on the ark and call them. Eventually they stick their heads out of the straw looking like they've been partying all night and stretch and grunt.. Actually that's not always true. when its a bit warmer they are up before me and their cue to rush up and meet me is when the geese squawk who are the ones who get fed just before them.  - much excitement.

Maybe its a cultural thing - my family culture is definitely in favour of lie ins.

Good to hear of your progress Mick - Looking forward to the next installment and photos

[Grassmonster]

Ooh Tamworths for me every time. They do get slower as they get older but yup, youngster are definately on the speedy side
If you do go for Tams, you've got a good breeder near you - Mr Farrington - look at the past few years results for the Great Yorkshire Show. My girls are two of his that I brought north with me from Yorkshire.

[langdon]

did i say we got british saddlebacks very freindly and easy to handle when need to.
hope it all goes to plan for you

[Pigglewiggle]

Hi,

 All the breeds are lovely, we first had Oxford Sandy & Blacks, then Saddlebacks and now have Gloucester Old Spots and Middle Whites. They are all such individual characters, its really hard to choose which breed to have.
 The Saddlebacks were definately the noisiest, and the GOS the most playful. But we love them all

 Debbie

[Mickyork]

I think a lot is going to depend on what's available & what funds I have when I'm ready. Still so much work to do. It's a fantastic day today & I have not been able to do anything cos had to finish a course I am doing online