Rearing pigs is a fairly simple and fulfilling job but there are certain factors and considerations you have to bear in mind.
Firstly, you will need the appropriate space and security.
Pigs are renowned for their ability to escape and if there is any chance of them breaking down fences or burrowing below an electric fence then they will.
Make sure that you have the appropriate area cordoned off for them and that it will be strong enough to withstand the pigs at their full size and anything the weather might throw at their pen.
Secondly, you need to ensure that you can commit to keeping and looking after pigs.
Pigs like attention and are very sociable so you have to be keen on spending time with them too.
Once you know that you have the space and have managed to secure the area then you are ready to pick your breed.
Many people in the UK quite rightly choose a rare breed such as a Gloucester old spot or Tamworth.
Do your research before to make sure you know what you are getting and what type of meat they are good for.
It is very important to read up on all the paperwork you have to do.
Whilst it may seem quite daunting for those who are not experienced with this, once you understand it there really isn't too much to it.
It is just very important that you keep on top of the paperwork and comply with the rules and regulations that keeping pigs require.
It is important to always bear in mind the final destiny of your pigs not only to avoid sentiment when they are taken to be slaughtered but to also be able to train them to get back into the trailer easily when their time is up.
That's not to say that whilst you have them you can't engage with them.
Pigs love nothing more than having their backs scratched and being hosed down in the warmer months.
Pigs are normally ready to be slaughtered from 6 months old.
Many people believe that waiting a couple more months will provide better meat; in fact the opposite is true, the longer you leave it the fattier they tend to be.
Remember that although you may find it emotional the first time you deliver your pigs to the abattoir, they will have had a nice life with you and this is why you got them in the first place.
Firstly, you will need the appropriate space and security.
Pigs are renowned for their ability to escape and if there is any chance of them breaking down fences or burrowing below an electric fence then they will.
Make sure that you have the appropriate area cordoned off for them and that it will be strong enough to withstand the pigs at their full size and anything the weather might throw at their pen.
Secondly, you need to ensure that you can commit to keeping and looking after pigs.
Pigs like attention and are very sociable so you have to be keen on spending time with them too.
Once you know that you have the space and have managed to secure the area then you are ready to pick your breed.
Many people in the UK quite rightly choose a rare breed such as a Gloucester old spot or Tamworth.
Do your research before to make sure you know what you are getting and what type of meat they are good for.
It is very important to read up on all the paperwork you have to do.
Whilst it may seem quite daunting for those who are not experienced with this, once you understand it there really isn't too much to it.
It is just very important that you keep on top of the paperwork and comply with the rules and regulations that keeping pigs require.
It is important to always bear in mind the final destiny of your pigs not only to avoid sentiment when they are taken to be slaughtered but to also be able to train them to get back into the trailer easily when their time is up.
That's not to say that whilst you have them you can't engage with them.
Pigs love nothing more than having their backs scratched and being hosed down in the warmer months.
Pigs are normally ready to be slaughtered from 6 months old.
Many people believe that waiting a couple more months will provide better meat; in fact the opposite is true, the longer you leave it the fattier they tend to be.
Remember that although you may find it emotional the first time you deliver your pigs to the abattoir, they will have had a nice life with you and this is why you got them in the first place.
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