comanche 2,989 Posted September 20, 2017 Report Share Posted September 20, 2017 These two started as nervous squealing idiots and I just could'nt warm to them but they've turned into the most amenable pigs we've had to date. It won't save them in six weeks time though . 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keepdiggin 9,559 Posted September 20, 2017 Report Share Posted September 20, 2017 anyone ever raised pigs and couldn't kill them after Quote Link to post Share on other sites
comanche 2,989 Posted September 20, 2017 Report Share Posted September 20, 2017 (edited) anyone ever raised pigs and couldn't kill them after I know a farmer,otherwise hard-headed ,who kept a huge sow that he said had just become"part of the place". All his othe r pigs met the usual end but this one lived the life of Riley long after it was any use for breeding. I think I'm not alone in thinking that piglets are really cute and endearing but there comes a time when they start getting cheeky . Then they get mischievous and a bit troublesome . Then they get big and clever and a bit risky for kids to be around. Then comes the point when they fight you for the food bucket and start really trashing things and they ain't so endearing anymore. Which makes it easier to say goodbye The middle-whites and this year's OS&Bs are quite good but the Berkshires took naughtyness to another level. Edited September 20, 2017 by comanche 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
forest of dean redneck 11,590 Posted September 21, 2017 Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 When we took our pig on there was talk of a contract on how the pig couldn't stay st the farm for ever an had to be either sent off or removed by ourselves,never did sign or receive it, Lots of people asked how we can go and visit it an stroke it knowing it's going to die . But that's what I bought it for ,some people walk into the butchers choose a joint of pork,we chose a piglet an will get multiple joints of organic pork in one go. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted September 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 Had a scary moment yesterday. They are getting a bit big. I threw some apples in to divert them, then went in with the feed bucket. As I was pouring wheat pellets into the trough, I was charged from behind and knocked on to the floor. I was then trampled by hungry pigs. They weren't after me, just the trough but I couldn't move till another pig barged through and freed me. I have booked 3 of them in to the abattoir for Monday. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted October 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 First pigs went in last Monday. I had been dreading this as the trailer was only available on the morning they went. As it happened, it was really easy. I gave them short feeds for both meals the day before. On the morning, I led them with a bag of apples and they chased the apples to the back of the trailer. I then shut the gates behind them. Of course, I had forgotten to tag them. So with accomplices throwing apples into the trailer, I was able to enter via the side door. Tagging always looks much harder than it is. Load the pliers. Grab an ear. Press down with the pliers. Sometimes you get a bit of a yelp but they don't make a song and dance of it. At the other end, getting them up (they lie down) and out was a bit of an effort but again, they followed the apples into their stall. Hope the others are as easy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted October 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2017 Another 3 went this morning. The feed bill is more manageable now. The remaining 3 are on about half a bag a day. Much better than the 1 1/2 with 9 pigs, plus all the extras of apples and veg patch gluts. Again, the trailer arrived on the morning, apples inside and curious, hungry pigs went in. What will I do if I run out of apples? The weather is pretty bad now, wind and rain every day. The field, despite the extension. is churned up mud. How do those who over-winter outdoors cope? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted October 4, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2017 The meat from the first pigs arrived tonight. This was £50 per pig for joints then an additional £30 for the sausages - worked at £1 per pound processed. Plus the £20 slaughterhouse fee, though that includes delivery to my butcher. We are in it for the fun of keeping pigs. The main cost is still the feed. I am hoping to collect 1 tonne bags of blown feed next year and shovel it out into my containers when I get home. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bell 3,598 Posted October 10, 2017 Report Share Posted October 10, 2017 The meat from the first pigs arrived tonight. This was £50 per pig for joints then an additional £30 for the sausages - worked at £1 per pound processed. Plus the £20 slaughterhouse fee, though that includes delivery to my butcher. We are in it for the fun of keeping pigs. The main cost is still the feed. I am hoping to collect 1 tonne bags of blown feed next year and shovel it out into my containers when I get home. Which abbatoir do you use Pesky and would you recommend it ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted October 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2017 Well... I have only used the one but I think they have the best reputation in my locality http://medcalfbutchers.co.uk/ Visiting an abattoir is an experience.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
forest of dean redneck 11,590 Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 I went an looked at mine,forgot to take a pic as was In a hurry. Told him to send it off when they do theirs in November so be around middle of the month . Can't wait see what I get back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bell 3,598 Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 Had the tape measure on my 3 tonight, coming out at 65kilo so can go next week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeskyWabbits 464 Posted October 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 I only have one proper invoice with the pig details on from the abattoir. Cold Weight KG Hot Weight KG Pig 4 66.15 67.50 Pig 5 72.32 73. Pig 6 84.97 86.70 So a bit of a spread. I think Pig 6 ate all the pies. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
forest of dean redneck 11,590 Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 When I went yesterday the piglet that was the biggest in the litter is like a barrel but shorter than mine ,who was second biggest in the litter ,and mine is slighter taller ,thinner and looks longer in the back. Hoping it feels out little bit more must remember to get a pic before it goes off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
forest of dean redneck 11,590 Posted November 11, 2017 Report Share Posted November 11, 2017 Pig goes off next Friday so around 23rd of November should get nice lot of pork joints back.? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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