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mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:19 pm Post subject: Pigs

The wife of a local hunter has suggested that I (potentially) take an orphan wild boar, that they will inevitably have on their hands later this year...to be kept & probably bred with , what they term here as "pink pigs" ....ultimately, I suppose to eat the resulting young 'uns

I know there are a few keepers of pigs on here; & I have myself considered before now....but I'd like some first hand accounts of pigly experiences..ins & outs; ups & downs; pros & cons etc., as now it could get real as opposed to just theoretical

Thanks in advance

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:25 pm Post subject:

It's hard work, a black hole for money, you will end up muddy, wet and cold, several times a day, they will push you over, and not be grateful.
They will make your paddock look like The Somme, and you'll smell of pig shit so often you don't notice it.
Your feed bills will be astronomical, and so might your vets' bills. You'll need to sort out an abattoir, a butcher, extra freezer space, borrow a sausage machine, and have a shed full of mouldy salamis. You'll need to learn to make and enjoy brawn, offal and headcheese.

It makes no sense to keep pigs.

But, I can't wait to get more.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 45525
Location: yes

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:26 pm Post subject:
ty gwyn is the chap to ask but my opinion is the hairier the pig the more "bitey"it may be(see various mangalitza threads) that said hairy pigs do have a wonderful flavour and are ace for hams ,bacon etc

mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:31 pm Post subject:

Nick wrote:

Funnily enough, I've heard this said before, but am not deterred

mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:33 pm Post subject:

dpack wrote:

ty gwyn is the chap to ask but my opinion is the hairier the pig the more "bitey"it may be(see various mangalitza threads)

that said hairy pigs do have a wonderful flavour and are ace for hams ,bacon etc

not heard that hairy pigs were "bitey"...the people in question already have 2, & they describe only as "lively"

would be interesting to see

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:34 pm Post subject:
Descriptions often depend on if you're a buyer or a seller.

mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:39 pm Post subject:

Nick wrote:

Descriptions often depend on if you're a buyer or a seller.

noted

mochyn

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 24585
Location: mid-Wales

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 12:41 pm Post subject:
Sounds like they want you to do their work for them. Why can't they keep it? And one on it's own will ever be a happy pig.

mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 1:09 pm Post subject:

They find themselves with young boars, not only after they have killed the mother, but occasionally for "other reasons"; they already have other pigs, plus I think it's just a way of not letting anything go to waste, which a very big thing around here

They suggested I take 1 of the domestic pinks & the orphan when the occasion arises...as yet, they have no orphans but "inevitably" will have later
There was never any suggestion that I take a single pig

alison
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 1:51 pm Post subject:
I wouldn't add them by one into a herd. I would have the same age, together.

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 2:03 pm Post subject:
Take two pigs, get better fencing than you think you need, plan ahead for freezer space, and get on with it. It's great fun.

Nicky cigreen

Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 9717
Location: Devon, uk

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 2:14 pm Post subject:
agree on the freezer space - you never have enough.

Bodger

Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 2:14 pm Post subject:
I'm fairly certain that Ty Gwyn will try and put you off that idea. Wild boar are not a breed for the novice.

mousjoos

Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1986
Location: VERY Sunny SW France

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 3:00 pm Post subject:

Bodger wrote:

I'm fairly certain that Ty Gwyn will try and put you off that idea. Wild boar are not a breed for the novice.

I agree, which I why I would like to hear what others have to say before getting into something tricky to get out of

Ty Gwyn

Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4565
Location: Lampeter

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 14 3:14 pm Post subject:

mousjoos wrote:

Bodger wrote:

I'm fairly certain that Ty Gwyn will try and put you off that idea. Wild boar are not a breed for the novice.

I agree, which I why I would like to hear what others have to say before getting into something tricky to get out of

To be honest,i`ve had no more trouble with the Wild Boar than either the GOS,Berks,or Tamworth crosses i`ve had,except you do need Good solid fences,as the Wild Boar have more brain cells than domestic breeds,as i`ve seen them pull the bolts on gates to get out.

But saying that,i have only ever had pig netting and barb top and bottom,never bothered with electric,and some on here who have seen my Wild Boar will testify they are not nasty and have handled them,others will testify that they are very tasty.

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