Dec 06 2011
British Lop Pigs not too impressed with the weather and neither am I!
After a wet September I don’t think November was too bad. Pretty mild and with rain mostly arriving at night the days were quite pleasant. The same cannot be said of this week. A definite drop in temperature and short days with plenty of rain and hail makes me feel winter may be on the way.
The pigs were not too impressed with the hail and soon dived for cover. It is not very helpful when you are trying to muck out and suddenly the pigs reappear. Why is it they always manage to knock your shovel over so the handle gets dirty?
My British Lop sows are looking in pig, as are the two gilts. I read today there will be a shortage of pork when the EU have to comply with the removal of pig crates for farrowing and it is expected many EU producers will not comply on time. It is then expected there will be an increased demand for British pork and an upturn in prices. I do hope so!
Of course, British producers complied with the removal of farrowing crates some time ago and as is the case with most rules and regulations the rest of Europe are catching up.
I find my Lop sows quite careful with their litters but I do like to have a creep area with a light and I find litters soon start using it. My oldest sow is six now and she only had a small litter in July but she looks heavier this time around. She is due early January and of course the New Year is fast approaching.
My boar hasn’t anything to do at present. He was out with some growers the other day. I always find boars more tolerant than the sows and the younger pigs always fuss around boars like they are some important pig celebrity. Not doubt the boars think they are too!
I always find it amazing that the pigs who won’t tolerate a new pig in their pen without establishing a pecking order never mind about the goats or lamb going in and helping themselves to some food.
We have finished our pig keeping courses until next year. We have a special offer on vouchers for courses next year. See www.pigkeepingcourses.co.uk for more details.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
