[pikilily]

Hi, Can anyone give me some advice please about the potential for keeping pigs. I would prefer to get the smallest possible and have been looking on the Kune Kune website. They do say there that these pigs can be eaten. What do you think. Is there another small breed more suitable. I want to go for the smaller breeds, partly because i feel the space we have to offer would suit something smaller.... and I understand that Kune Kune s are good for first time pig owners.

I have a few  sheep, chickens, horses, dogs and cats etc. am pragmatic about my animals.... I would like the pigs for pork. I breed the sheep for the freezer too.

I would welcome your comments. Are there any breeders in scotland? i am just west of Glamis....maybe i could visit someone who could impart some practical advice!!
cheers Emma T

[pigsatlesrues]

Mangalitza's are a fantastic breed both by temperament, character, and quality of meat.  For a medium sized pig you can't go wrong with this breed.

Contact 'Smiffy' Tracey Jayne on this forum - http://www.northmoor-rarebreeds.com/

Tracey is in the North of England and a mind of information on the breed.

Kate

[Hilarysmum]

Personally I would not breed Kunes for eating.  Too much fat to meat ratio.  But that is my own experience others might feel differently. 

[HappyHippy]

If you're raising them for meat space is not as much of an issue as it is if you want to keep them permanently for breeding etc. Any weaner going for pork at around 6 - 7 months would still be quite small. Kune kunes would take a bit longer to grow to a size where it would be worth taking them to slaughter. They're inclined to get very fat if fed on a standard 16% protien growers meal. Ours get wheat feed pellets and a healthy supply of fruit and veg. All that said though I have heard the meat is very nice, but haven't tried it myself.
I'm just outside Lanark and will hopefully have a litter by the end of the summer. You're more than welcome to come and meet them and see what you think, personally I'd not consider eating them, main reasons being the time/money to meat ratio but there's also the fact that they are WAY more friendly and into human company than other breeds I've had.
If you want to come and see them just pm me - I'm always happy to show off my piggies (and there's always a cup of tea waiting  )
Karen

[pikilily]

thank you everyone for your comments. I have also spoken to a friend who used to keep and breed Tamworths- he has reminded me of the points you have raised. I.E. time/cost/maturing/quality of meat/meat-fat ratio etc. He has advised GOS as we have a fabulous old orchard which is highly productive, too productive for us and our horses...so we may go for the 'orchard pig' as weaners for slaughter at 6mnths. also as a trial run taking weaners who will be up to slaughter weight by winter means that it is a short term project which can be repeated, or not, according to our success and how the ground fares. Also the pigs would be off the ground when it is at its most fragile. He also advised that GOS are less likely to dig/trash the ground compared to Tamworths or similar long snouted pigs. Do you concur??? then the next Q is who had GOS piglets for sale?
Emma T

[egglady]

like you, e've just finished our first go at pigs and we will definately do it again.  we wanted something small so we could handle them and also wanted pork.  we opted for berkshires and would do the same again.  the fat ratio wasnt bad according to the butcher and you take them to the abbatoir about 6 months so they are still a handlable size.  they are also black so you wouldnt have to worry about them getting sunburnt in this hot summer that's been predicted.......

the guy we got them from is just north or arbroath so location wise is handy for you.  he has just had a litter so i know that he will have some ready in about 7 weeks.

does that help?

[pikilily]

Oooh yes thank you.  Having spent my childhood in Spencer's Wood -just outside Reading i am an ol' Berkshire sow myself...LOL.... id get on well with them
Emma T

[daniellestocks]

Also the pigs would be off the ground when it is at its most fragile. He also advised that GOS are less likely to dig/trash the ground compared to Tamworths or similar long snouted pigs. Do you concur??? then the next Q is who had GOS piglets for sale?
Emma T

We have a GOS sow and saddlebacks and thay are as good as any at trashing the place!!!  i think any breed will root and trash the ground thb 
Danielle x

[HappyHippy]

Yip, even my kunes (which, according to the 'experts' don't dig) have dug up a good bit of their field - it's just a pigs way  But I think Tamworths are the JCB's of the pig world from what most folk say.
Good luck with them, and post us piccis when they arrive please

[oaklandspigs]

Pigman - who occasionally posts on this site does courses in Scotland, which would help you choose and decide on both space and breed. - email her at [email protected]

We do courses in the South East - which you could always combine with a trip to London or the South Coast for a break!! 

[Daisys Mum]

Like you I do not want year round pigs, my last 2 went at the beginning of February and the ground was trashed but we harrowed it when it dried up and scattered all the winters hay seeds on it a bit of grass seed and some fertilizer and now it looks great just ready for my 4 OSBs who arrive next Saturday.