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5th Nov 2010
Hi Alison.
Just to quickly announce the arrival of our first egg yesterday!! (And our second today). A very exciting moment.
My youngest two nearly got to blows over who was going to have the next mouthful of scrambled egg – not a lot spare when there is only one egg!!!
Many thanks for your help buying the birds and accessories, and see you as soon as we need more supplies.
Kind regards,
Louise.
Home > Courses > Pig Keeper Course
Pig Keeper Course £150
This pig keeper course is aimed at anyone wanting to keep pigs for the first time and will give you the confidence to start on a very rewarding hobby. With simple and thoughtful care your pigs will be a pleasure to keep, with the wonderful bonus of all that delicious meat. You will know exactly what your pigs have eaten and therefore know exactly what has gone into the meat you are about to enjoy. You will know the life and experiences your pigs have had and you will be able to taste that in your pork.
The objective of the course is to provide you with all the information you need to keep your pigs happy and healthy. The course has a maximum of 6 people to ensure that it is tailored to each delegate’s needs. The course runs for a full day and will cover the following topics:
The Law on pig keeping
Housing
Fencing
Feeding
Pig Health
Buying a pig
Handling a pig
Slaughter weight
What to do at the abbattoir
What to ask the butcher
Our day will start at 10.30am with tea and coffee and a chat about the course to come. If you had doubts before coming, meeting like minded people will make you feel at ease. We then have a practical look at housing and daily routine outside, reinforced by an informal and friendly classroom session to include pig health. That is followed by a practical look at the rules and regulations involved in pig keeping.
After a pork based lunch the afternoon session will be on what to look for when buying a pig, how to establish the weight of a pig and the practicalities on getting a pig to slaughter. A butcher will then give a demonstration on how to butcher half a pig where you are able to discuss the various ways of using the different cuts. We will end the day with a hands-on time with the pigs and you can have a one to one chat with Boris, our boar. If you have any queries or problems after the course you can phone or email Alison and she will research the answer if she doesn’t know it on the spot.
The cost of the course is £150, to include lunch and a book detailing what you have learnt and a whole more besides. You don’t need to bring anything with you for the course except a pair of wellies or old shoes that don’t mind mud. Further people from the same household will only be £140 each as you will only need one book.
The next course dates are on the right hand side.
Email us from the Contact tab below to check availability and book your place. If you are on the Smallholding Skills website you can book online using the link under the course date on the right hand side. If you aren't on the Smallholding Skills website, but want to book online, click on the link and it will take you to the booking page.
We very much look forward to seeing you on a course soon.