countrytalkandtips.myfreeforum.org

Camile · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject: Weaners.

Hello,

We finally took the plunge and booked 2 weaners, coming within 1 month or so ...

I was told you should rather take 2 females instead of 2 males.

Is it just an old tale going around locally .. or is there any truth in it ?

Thanks
Camile

patmk · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 8:04 pm Post subject:

If you plan to finish your pigs younger than nine months old. It is best to keep pigs of the same sex. But if there is a chance it would take you longer than nine months only keep female or castrated males. this is what the old tale is based on.
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phil · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:13 pm Post subject:

As Pat said, it depends on how big do you want them,i think males reach killing weight quicker,pick the biggest two you can as long as they are the same size,should stop any bullying.I think castration is a thing of the past modern types of pig grow much quicker.
I have never come across Boar taint, i think its an old wives tale.

macconraoi · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject:

My experience is that young boars get active a lot sooner if they are around gilts i have seen them as early as 5 months here.I can assure you if you slaughtered an active boar for bacon ,to quote a friend of mine who did just that"you could smell him cooking from the yard ".We castrate all our boars as this makes each litter easier to manage,we can run gilts and boars together without any problem.
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Camile · Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:03 pm Post subject:

Hello,

I definitely won't keep them for long .. they are commercial crosses so should grow fat enough within 3/4 months I think ..

so will get the biggest 2 if I can .. as long as they are both the same sex ..

and because I've been told they usually have trouble getting rid of the males .. I might get them cheaper than the 60€ asked.

Is that a fair price by the way.

Thanks,
Camile

dara · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Mayo

If you're hoping to get them finished in 3 months you'll have to feed them concentrates ad-lib. Which is expensive and can pile on fat.
I don't have any trouble getting rid of males - if you're rearing for the table you'll get them away a bit quicker anyway. I sell for 50 yo-yo off the sow.
If anyones interested I have weaners for sale. GOS/Duroc crosses.

Camile · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:15 am Post subject:

Hi Dara,

thanks for that ..

I don't intend to feed them concentrate at all ..

Veg trimmings and the likes (available on the tap almost), plus rolled barley/soya is what I have in mind. . and plenty of farm fresh milk too ..

how fast would I expect them to be ready for the freezer you think ?

I was hoping to have them gone by september/october ..

and the only reason I am getting those ones is because the chap is really local to me .. and I am getting them through a friend ..

but once I get the hang of it .. I definitely want to try different sources t try to please my pallet as much as I can ..

Camile

dara · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Mayo

Hello Camile,
local is best but offer him 50 anyway - it's no insult and if he does'nt take it he should split the difference at the least (a 40k bag of barley can go a long way). Ask him if they're wormed - the type if he's hesitant. If not it'll cost you at least a fiver and the rest.
I reckon you'll have them middling good by 5 - 6 months which is what I would recommend you should aim for in the first place - if you're in a hurry. It will get you a good result: you'll end up with delicious stuff, satisfaction in doing it right and as much knowledge as anybody needs to know.
I would actually recommend getting 2 males of the same size and if you can get them cheaper than females more power to you. Look for good length, full ('pinchable' looking) hams and a boisterous disposition.
Good luck Camile.

Camile · Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:22 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that Dara,

I'm in no rush at all with them .. so they will take as long as they want to reach a good size, because the aim is indeed to do it right ! not fast ..

so will get 2 males as planned and will try your haggling tips .. because we are buying 5 altogether with a friend.

and what's the "boisterous disposition" ?

Thanks,
Camile

dara · Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Mayo

Look for bold confidence. You don't want something that's spent it's life on the hind tit.