Category Archives: Starting with GOS

The prospect of keeping pigs for the first time can be quite daunting. Because of this, we publish here a series of short articles by Mandy Garbutt. These provide a great deal of information for aspiring pig keepers and should help to get you planning in the right way. This is a free resource provided by the Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig Breeders’ Club.

Rare Breed Pig Keeping

Posted on 1st January 2013 by gos admin

In 2003, the GOSPBC published a small book made up of features and articles from Spot Press, its quarterly newsletter. At that time, most publications were aimed mainly at the commercial pig keeper with little or nothing of relevance to … Continue reading →

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So You Want to Keep Pigs? Part 1

Posted on 8th March 2012 by gos admin

Getting Started © Mandy Garbutt Our first GOS weaners Apr ‘04 If you’re reading Spot Press or browsing the GOS website the chances are you’re thinking about getting some pigs or you have already taken the plunge and bought your … Continue reading →

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So You Want to Keep Pigs? Part 2

Posted on 8th March 2012 by gos admin

Housing : Getting Prepared for your Piglets Arrival © Mandy Garbutt So you’ve taken the plunge, chosen your piglets, got your CPH and herd number from the appropriate authorities so its time to get ready for their arrival. First of … Continue reading →

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So you want to keep pigs? Part 3

Posted on 2nd March 2012 by gos admin

Bringing Home The Bacon – (Well, Piglets For Now and Feeding Them) © Mandy Garbutt So you’ve made your preparations and the great day has arrived, it’s time to go to collect your weaners. Eight week old piglets are very … Continue reading →

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So you want to keep pigs? Part 4

Posted on 1st March 2012 by gos admin

Time For Pork © Mandy Garbutt By time you get to this point in your pigs’ lives, they are hopefully thriving, growing steadily and you’re enjoying your pig keeping experience. Unfortunately it’s time to consider how you’re going to turn … Continue reading →

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So you want to keep pigs? Part 5

Posted on 1st March 2012 by gos admin

To Breed or Not to Breed © Mandy Garbutt “What on earth will we do with all these piglets?” After spending the night recently delivering a litter of 16 piglets this is the question I asked myself. Before you decide … Continue reading →

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So you want to keep pigs? Part 6

Posted on 1st February 2012 by gos admin

Farrowing © Mandy Garbutt Once your gilt/sow has been to the boar or has been artificially inseminated it will be approx 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days before she gives birth. So this gives you plenty of time to … Continue reading →

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