looking for pigs

arthur daly

Hi all, I am going to get a couple of pigs ideally boar and 2 sows.
I don't really want to get just any old pigs I would like to get something with papers?is that possible?
Not for show reasons or anything more so I know they are a real Tamworth etc.
Breed is not a issue would consider anything apart from miniatures.
Any ideas on what I am looking to pay for 3-6months old?
What if any paperwork should I receive to show they are pure breed?

I will be sorting out shelter fencing(how do they react to electric fencing?)
A heard number

whelan2

Pm sent

Base price

Firstly you will need to register for a pig herd number with the Dept of Agri. You need to have adequate housing and facilities to keep your pigs. Here is a link to the Dept website http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/registrationofpremisesanimals/
After registeration you can consider any breed that takes your fancy - I suggest that you read up on pedigree, heritage and commercial pig breeds available in Ireland.
I have kept heritage pedigree breeds Tamworth (native Irish breed), Gloucestershire Old Spot, Saddleback as well as the main commercial breeds Landrace and Large Whites.
If this is your first time then I would suggest that you buy a pair of white weaners - Large White, Landrace or crosses as they will not get overfat as quickly as our heritage breeds.
PM me if you would like more information.

djmc

Don't think there is any papers for pure bred pigs
Most farmers would be honest enough if looking for a purebred of any breed as the are not worth any more money than a cross breed
There value would be on weight or breeding age.
Maybe research what breed suits your needs ie. Where its reared and if you want it for eating or breeding.
Some are suitable to put on lean meat and muscle quick some grow slow and have a thick layer of fat but taste better others have high numbers of piglet's per litter and lots of milk for them.
An electric fence will keep them under control but will need shelter from the elements.

ganmo

Be careful if ya get a boar they can be vicious

Base price

Unfortunately in Ireland we do not have a pure breed pig society so we have to rely on our neighbours in the UK.
Lots of breed info including our own "Irish Grazers" - Tamworth
http://www.britishpigs.org.uk/

whelan2

look at the whole hoggs page on facebook. He has tamworths

arthur daly

Thanks fir the info,a good bit of interesting stuff.
I seen on the dept agri booklet a lot of the things in the surely only apply to commercial farmers

I had planned on pretty much using a pig ark like see on a lot of small holdings.
I have enough of the sheep wire type electric fence to give 50sqM possibley less to allow a section to be cordoned off for sick or injured they are ment to he pretty intelligent so I'm guessing il have they pretty tame in no time so should be able to let them loose when I'm there for a few hours and like everything else show the feed bucket to get back in

What else do yous think I need to satisfy the dept for a heard number

ganmo

There's no difference between commercial and non commercial in the eye of the dept

Base price

Piped water, adequate space and housing. Pig arc will suffice. Also handy if you have a separate shed that can be used for a sick animal.

Aghoney

The Irish Pig Society has recently started an Irish herd book for pure breed pigs. Members of the IPS would be a great source for pure bred pigs of various breeds. The IPS will be at the Ploughing, if anyone wants to stop and look at some pigs and ask for information. I can't post a link to their web site, but you can google them.

Base price wrote: »

Unfortunately in Ireland we do not have a pure breed pig society so we have to rely on our neighbours in the UK.
Lots of breed info including our own "Irish Grazers" - Tamworth