Pigs for Beginners
Pigs for Beginners
Join us on the Pigs for Beginners course and learn how to keep pigs. This pig keeping course is great if you’re planning to get your first pigs, already have some and would like to learn more about their care, or just want to spend a day with these intelligent and characterful animals.
In this hands-on day you will discover how to:
- Register your land as a smallholding and get a herd number.
- Correctly identify your pigs (tagging, tattooing, notching).
- Complete a movement licence for moving pigs on or off your holding.
- Keep records of movements and veterinary treatments.
- Provide suitable fencing and shelter for your pigs.
- Choose a breed that suits your need.
- Feed your pigs correctly – and legally.
- Safely handle and move your pigs.
- Prevent, identify and treat common health problems.
- Raise pigs for meat and breeding.
The day will start with class room time, learning the essentials and covering what you need to know about starting to keep pigs. Then you’ll move outside for the practical, hands-on experience with our pigs, including Berkshires, Welsh and Oxford Sandy & Black.
What you'll learn
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Getting to know the basics
Look at the practical considerations of keeping pigs: from getting the legal side of things sorted to proving the right sort of accommodation. Understanding the difference between traditional and modern breeds and their specific traits.
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Pig Watching
Understanding normal pig behaviour is key to spotting when they might be suffering from an illness. Learn how healthy pigs should act so that you know how to recognise and deal with common problems.
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Rearing for meat
Discover the difference between pork and bacon weight, when to send your pigs for slaughter, how to find an abattoir, and what you need to do before they go on their final journey. Abattoir or home slaughter? Find out what the law says and the rules and regulations regarding selling your produce.
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Handling pigs
Get some practice handling our pigs before you get your own! Learn how to correctly use a board and stick and how to move pigs safely and calmly.
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Q&A
The course will finish with with tea and cake and the opportunity to ask any further questions.
Testimonials..
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An excellent and informative day - it has encouraged me that "doing" pigs is feasible and likely to be fun!
Jill -
A really wonderful day. Relaxing, fun, no question too stupid, no concern too trivial.
Matt -
Great day, brilliantly run course.
Tom
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The Essentials
Pigs for Beginners will run from 10am until 4pm and includes a delicious farm lunch.
Much of the day will be spent outside in the smallholding fields and livestock barns.
Please check the weather for NP25 and dress appropriately, including:
– Waterproof boots or wellies.
– Weather-proof clothes which you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
– You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.
There is no obligation to handle our animals but you will have plenty of opportunity should you wish to.
Your instructor for the day..
Jack loves, lives and breathes animals. He's been working with animals for the last 10 years, including at the RSPCA and…
Wendy began working with animals at 16 years old. Her earlier years were spent in the equine world before moving…