Garden Pig Keeping

Pigs make a fantastic addition to a garden farm; Aside from the simple pleasures of keeping pigs they also help to clear and improve a patch of land for future planting and will clear your surplus veg and cuttings.   You will learn how much space you need and what is involved in small scale pig keeping ensuring you go away feeling confident to start keeping pigs yourself in a back garden or smallholding type set up.  We will also discuss the importance of sustainable farming, and of preserving our traditional rare breed pigs.

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    Available Dates

    We are working on dates for 2024, please contact us if you are interested in attending this workshop

    Programme

    1 day 9.30- 4.30pm

    1. Introduction to Pigs: You will learn about native British breeds as well as breeds from further afield, their characteristics and qualities both for meat and as pets.
    2. Legalities: A step by step guide to getting it right and what you need to do before putting pigs on your land
    3. Husbandry and Feeding: Next to the pig paddock you will learn about the needs of the pig, their feeding and what you should expect from your first weaners or pet pigs.
    4. Which Pigs are right for you? We will hold an open discussion on the purpose of your pigs, how much they will cost you and which breed you are looking to keep.
    5. Pig Diseases: What to look out for, how to treat and when its time to call the vet.
    6. The Final Journey: Next to the pig paddock you will learn what is required to maintain a high level of welfare and reduce any stress. Then back to the training area to run through the paperwork you will need to present at an abattoir.

    What to Expect

    An introduction to pig keeping is a basic introduction for people who are interested in keeping pigs either for meat or as pets. All topics regarding small scale pig keeping will be covered to ensure you leave the course feeling confident to be able to start keeping pigs yourself.
    Keeping livestock is not a fair-weather hobby, so please be prepared to go outside even if the elements are unfavourable.

    What to Bring

    Refreshments will be provided, including a homemade cake.
    Parking is available at the entrance to our farm and our training room is just a short walk down our track.
    Bring yourself. Waterproof Wellingtons or boots that you are happy to place in a foot dip and waterproof trousers if you have them. Clothes you are not too precious about as we will be going in with the pigs. A warm weatherproof rain jacket if poor weather is forecast.
    Please arrive 15 mins before the start of the course for a prompt start

    Cancellation Policy:

    To ensure all attendees get the best experience from their training we only run our courses in small groups.

    We therefore must operate with a strict cancellation policy:  Refunds (or booking transfers) are not given for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the course.  If a cancellation is made with more than 2 weeks notice but within 6 weeks of the course date, then we will try to re-sell your tickets, if we are successful then a refund will be issued for the full amount less a £10 administration fee.  If a cancellation is made with more than 6 weeks notice, then a full refund will be issued.

    Click here to view our Terms & Conditions or contact us for further details.

    Jason Weller

    Co-Owner

    Jason is the co-owner of Mantel Farm and our expert in chicken care, he has written many articles for our website and magazines and gives training and talks at shows and events, sharing his experience and stories along with his expertise.  He makes our chicken enclosures, designing and installing many chicken runs in gardens, building on his background in Structural Engineering.

    Enquiry Form

    We are always happy to help, just complete this enquiry form to reach us. We have also gathered lots of information in our Grapevine help and advice and frequently asked questions pages.

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