Befor you buy your pig

The following is a guide for anyone hoping to or already keeping pigs. I am going to provide general information as well as how we do it ourselves. There are as many ways of rearing livestock as there are people, so I would advise you to read as much as possible about how other people do it and devise a way that will keep you and your animal happy.

We will be adding to this all the time so remember to pop back.

Deciding which breed:

Our first pigs were crosses - mother (oldspotXsaddleback) x Father (Tamworth). This crossing of breeds results in a great meat pig. They put on weight quickly and easily. We are planning on keeping pure breed Tamworths, for many different reasons but mainly I just like the look of them (well if you are going to keep and look at an animal everyday you might as well like it!!!)

You decide on what your own likes and dislikes are. A big factor will also be what pigs are available. I think any pig is better than none:)

How much:

For a bonabh (piglet-baby pig) you pay anything roughly from €60 to €120 depending on breed etc.

Check online and get a good feel for what the market is at that moment.

Best time to buy:

The spring, although keeping pigs over the winter is possible (and we have done), your ground can cope much better during the summer. If you are breeding then it will be an all year adventure. But for anyone raising for meat; buy in the spring and 6 months later they are ready for slaughter.

What to look for in a bonabh:

Your piglet will be around 8-10 weeks and fully weaned (on solids and off mum). It should be in around 30pounds in weight.

Check for an active animal with a smooth coat (except for curly coat breeds) that has clear bright eyes. Really look at the animal does it look happy? Head up, tail up and loads of energy.

Your piglet should not be limping, skinny, coughing or sneezing.

Watch for swollen joints and check their bellies for bulges (indicator of hernias).

Check that your male piglet has been castrated. (unless you want a boar to breed)

In a group of piglets of the same age buy the biggest animals you can. And if you like bacon (yes) then a long pig is good too.

Above all trust yourself - If an animal just doesn't "sit" right with you, then don't buy it.

As with all things in life you learn as you go so here is a small add on to this. Food for thought:

We were speaking to a lady who breeds pigs and she has reares boars to 6 months for the freezer & dosen't castrate them. She has told us that there is no difference in the meat. She does however take a simple precaution - The males are housed by themselves, ie there are no females near. That way they don't get "active".

If you have the space to do this then it could be a better option. It is something we are thinking of trying at a later stage.

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