The first numpty pig question of probably many

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The first numpty pig question of probably many
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bibbster

Joined: 17 Apr 2009
Posts: 1233
Location: Just a bit inland from Aberaeron

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 11:58 am Post subject: The first numpty pig question of probably many
I have just collected 2 OSB pigs , 8 weeks old, and am keepimg them in for a few days, in a stable, until they get used to me being the one who feeds them. They will then be going out into a small field, my question is, what is the simplest and easiest way to move them (about 100yds)? Piccies to follow.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:00 pm Post subject:
Pick them up by the back legs, held above the hocks, and carry them.

bibbster

Joined: 17 Apr 2009
Posts: 1233
Location: Just a bit inland from Aberaeron

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:04 pm Post subject:
I thought that might be the answer! They may have another move to a diferent field in a month or so (again about 100 yds away), at which time they may be a bit big for that, so in the meantime can I 'practice' sort of 'herding' them with a board so we both get used to it? I sound very inexperienced, don' t I

T.G

Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 7280
Location: Somewhere you're not

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:06 pm Post subject:
or get them used to following you when you have a bucket - food is a real incentive for a pigs forward motion

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:09 pm Post subject:

I find they are the quietest and least stressed doing it that way. Herding them with a board is quite easy once they are used to it, as they learn quickly, and as they get older it becomes easier to move untrained animals in that way. If needs must you can 'wheelbarrow' a larger pig between two people if it's reluctant to follow a board. Although here the other week Paul managed to wheelbarrow a 160kg pig into the trailer, but I wouldn't recommend it!

Jo S

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 5174
Location: Somerset

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:23 pm Post subject:
Bucket train them. It doesn't take that long to do and is invaluable later on - and it helps them build up trust in you, which makes them easier to handle in general. ETA Bucket training clearly useless for the immediate move. Recommend ear plugs (for you, not the pigs) for anything involving carrying them. And possibly for all your neighbours...

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:53 pm Post subject:
100 yards is a long way to carry them, I'd have said. Can you lift them like that itno a trailer or similar? And this shoulsnt be your last question. If you don't have dozens of other silly ones, you're very lucky. Keep asking.

bibbster

Joined: 17 Apr 2009
Posts: 1233
Location: Just a bit inland from Aberaeron

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:58 pm Post subject:
thanks y'all

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 12:59 pm Post subject:

Jo S wrote:

ETA Bucket training clearly useless for the immediate move. Recommend ear plugs (for you, not the pigs) for anything involving carrying them. And possibly for all your neighbours...

I rarely get a peep out of them by their back legs, the other way up though and it's like feeding time

mochyn

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 24585
Location: mid-Wales

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 1:09 pm Post subject:
If you go the trailer route don't forget they jump. Don't ask how I know.

bibbster

Joined: 17 Apr 2009
Posts: 1233
Location: Just a bit inland from Aberaeron

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 3:34 pm Post subject:

mochyn wrote:

If you go the trailer route don't forget they jump.

Don't ask how I know.

oops

earthyvirgo

Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 9:41 pm Post subject:

bibbster wrote:

I thought that might be the answer!
They may have another move to a diferent field in a month or so (again about 100 yds away), at which time they may be a bit big for that, so in the meantime can I 'practice' sort of 'herding' them with a board so we both get used to it?
I sound very inexperienced, don'

t I

Herding? Pigs?

Get used to lots of running, learn how to change direction quickly too. They're slippery little buggers but it's difficult to get cross with them!

EV

ETA

Jo's so right about need for ear plugs. Deafening.

Stonehead

Joined: 24 Aug 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Aberdeenshire

Posted: Mon May 02, 11 10:45 pm Post subject:

At that age, I just tuck one under each arm and carry them like rugby balls. Once they get past 25kg though, it's a combination of board and bucket, although I can lift and carry individual ones over short distances until they hit 40-50kg.

But carrying/walking weaners and growers is the easy bit. Catching them is when it gets interesting, especially in mud and even more so when they've worked out most of your catching techniques.

giveitago

Joined: 02 Jan 2011
Posts: 151
Location: surrey

Posted: Sun May 08, 11 7:38 pm Post subject: More stupid than the original question.....
Can you train a pig to walk on a lead or headcollar?

Pel

Joined: 29 Mar 2008
Posts: 2366
Location: Sennybridge

Posted: Sun May 08, 11 8:01 pm Post subject:

Yes you can train a pig to walk with a dog harness on (I wont go into why we did this), We have in the past done that with a boar from 5 weeks old to 5months old as then he went off for meat. His sister thought he was a bit weird doing that always gave him an odd look. If they are small enough to pick up and carry you can have you hand around their snout to stop them squeeling so much. You can wheelbarrow them like rob said, you hold back legs and they use there front, though sometimes they do sideways walking.
How close to me are you? I could come and help if you'd like

Though I'm sure you will be fine, perhaps get a bit muddy if we have rain again.

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