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.

01Jan/13

Rare Breed Pig Keeping

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 pigRead More…

08Mar/12

So You Want to Keep Pigs? Part 1

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 youRead More…

08Mar/12

So You Want to Keep Pigs? Part 2

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 timeRead More…

02Mar/12

So you want to keep pigs? Part 3

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 collectRead More…

01Mar/12

So you want to keep pigs? Part 4

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’sRead More…

01Mar/12

So you want to keep pigs? Part 5

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 isRead More…

01Feb/12

So you want to keep pigs? Part 6

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.Read More…