Anybody like pigs?

[dinahsmum]

I didn't eat meat for about 15 years. Then, after we moved back here I realised that the only reason the countryside I love is as it is is because of farming, including animal farming. If no-one ate meat then we would be like the dark ages, with forest everywhere (or more likely houses )
So, I tried a bit, liked it, and have eaten some meat ever since. Only free range, local or (for beef) Scottish. Lots of game, on the basis that it lives a natural life until the very second it is no longer alive.

Piggies - I loves 'em, and actually rarely eat pork. They are incredibly clever, and clean, creatures. I saw one on TV spelling it's name (HAM) in children's alphabet blocks. And I've seen others playing 'pong ( !), the old computer game, with specially adapted joysticks.

So - big brains, crap 'hands'. The species could never go anywhere with those stupid appendages. We're very fortunate with our opposable thumbs.

What a load or ramble! Yes i like pigs (especially babies, which are just scrummy) and thanks for posting the pics

[random]

I love pigs! Gorgeous girls! Lucky lucky Gigi!

[Kim]

You sound like an amazing, warm, caring person Farthing and your pigs are gorgeous and sooo lucky!

[random]

I eat some meat, pork not so often and I don't like to eat veal, rabbit, lamb or venison, so mainly game, chicken and fish but even with a chicken, I could never eat an animal i'd already 'met' when it was alive. I think they all have personalities and if i'd gotten to 'know' them, there's noway i'd eat them, it's just not for me.

Eileen I can understand how you were fine with the killing of the 'food' chickens as you were brought up with it, from a child, I was probably kept very sheltered in that respect and was probably quite old in comparison (perhaps 5?) before I learnt/realised that I was actually eating what was once a live animal as I had to work it out myself, I was never told. I must have been about 8 or 10 before I even knew which way up the cooked chicken was, i.e where it's head used to be. I think as I was always an animal lover from being really wee, my parents tried to hide it from me, where with Myles i've always told him matter of factly where his food comes from, yet still, I know that seeing any animal killed he'd be greatly disturbed by.

[random]

Originally Posted by farthing

Hi, glad you like the pigs.
Gigi is a large commercial breed, and very bright and cheeky, I don't know if it is nature or nurture, but knowing her it really makes me angry that these animals can be kept in such cramped conditions when they are so active, mentally and physically. Over 70% of pigs in britain are still born in farrowing crates.
Scarlet is, we think, a tamworth cross gloucester old spot, and a much more laid back, gently character. If you rub her tummy she just rolls over and lies there until you stop.
We have 17 acres so lots if space and quite big out buildings. They will probably come into a pen in the winter time- all our animals go in somewhere at night time in the winter- even the sheep . Makes sure the oldies are warm and safe and gives us peace of mind, I've been up at 4 in the morning in torrential rain, taking animals in as I felt guilty. But why have them if you aren't going to look after them?

Just like the 'good shepherd', that really warms my heart and tells of such a great person to look after these animals so well. x

[farthing]

Glad you are re-enjoying the piggy photos, and thanks for the kind comments- you obviously don't know me!

Gigi and Scarlet have been out the whole summer, Gigi is still active, but Scarlet likes the easy life. They are very gentle and affectionate, unless you are trying to give them an injection. We were worried about Scarlet in May as she went off her food. We called the vet out and we think she had gone into season, Gigi was out of sorts a few weeks later- so my babies have all grown up.
The hot weather has been a bit of a problem for them, but every time Mike put on sunscreen, he put some on the girls as well, so they were fine. Mike is fair and ginger, so gets sunburt easily, in fact its like living with a vampire.