Sallygarden Smallholding - The Forum For Sustainable Living

the pigs have finally arrived and we spend most of the time just looking at them digging up the ground and running around, I see how people can get attached that is why we have called them "sausage and bacon"to keep the focus on the end goal.We got cross saddleback/Durac. We then decided to buy two more and they arrived yesterday and are having a great time playing as well. One concern I have is that i'm making my own feed out of rolled oats, rolled barley, flaked maze and the usual non meat kitchen scraps. Is this enough to fatten them as I don't want to give them any GM product. someone said that I should give some soya meal. Any advice or other alternatives would help.

Hi,

I visited a chap who keeps pigs organically and he uses beans as a protein alternative to soya but not sure where you would source these.

You can buy organic G.M. free soya from "Pedigree" organic range and mix that through the grains.

We have found it very difficult to source organic or G.M free pig food and as I keep my pigs for a hobby not on any commercial basis it can be quite expensive. I think you have chosen the best option for feeding the pigs, at least you know whats going into it .

Good luck with the pigs.

Morag

They should do reasonably well on what you're feeding them. Eggs are also a good source of protein as are peas and beans. Don't forget that they will also be getting lots of nutrients from the grass they are eating. Whereabouts in Ireland are you, as i have a supplier of organic meal that's perfectly ballancedv for, it's not as cheap as the GM sh*te, but at least you know that they're getting the best, and it's also hastle free.

Regards,

Morgan