@@HomesteadingtheHardWay My daughter's sow would talk to their Hampshire boar through the fence when she was in heat. He would sweet talk her too. when the time was right, they'd put Sugar Mamma in with Plum Pig (they grew up together with breeding in mind). they were fine at first but then he'd worry her to death. They learned the hard way not to leave her in there after she wanted out. They've had many timed successful breedings taking her to him and watching for her 'losing interest' and wanting out. You are spot on with this video. Thanks for sharing your years of knowledge!
I inherited a bush axe and had no idea how to use it, so I youtubed it and found your channel. i’m from alabama so im no stranger to country folks, but a lot of the knowledge has been lost between your generation and mine and you are keeping it alive. i appreciate what you guys are doing and id like to buy something from your farm if i’m ever in the area. keep doing what you’re doing.
The biggest reason we do this is to get some of the old knowledge out there again. Every generation loses some , like that bush ax a good hand with one can do more in a day that any hand held brush cutter and take down bigger stuff
Another excellent video Chris. I’m looking at buying some land in New Zealand for my small family of 10. Always been intrested in pigs. Your videos have been the most informative of all that I’d found on CZcams mate. Keep up the great work 🤙🏾
Many years ago I worked on a 300sow farrow to finish operation. We were never allowed to be in contact with a boar unless they were actually breeding. We had black line boars, a hybrid, mostly hamp and duroc I believe. Extremely large framed boars.they would occasionally go down in rear legs, on concrete and in cages all the time, manager wasn't from this area, and we couldn't take non walking Hogs to cull sell,so I would load up and sell Hogs after work. Had a boar on my truck, 84 c10 setting on his haunches, everyone thought he was trained lol, drove truck on scales, skin and bones, are at least way underweight, he was 350 lbs. Use to take him to a old black guy, who another guy set up a little processing building. Hogs of all sorts, long snouts, in pens literally full of trash from feeding restaurants trash. Sold guy a expensive breeding boar from pig improvement company for $50.00, next week when I dropped off another cull,he was bragging, ise fixed that boar up, I fed him good, puts him on soft dirt, and rubbed him down with horse linamint. Next week I asked about boar again, figured he would be trying to breed him to improve his questionable genetic stock, he said, he made whole hog sausage out of him lol.
A lot of things that happen on company farms will boggle your mind . Lots of waste and how animals are treated can vary greatly from farm to farm , most contract growers take pretty good care
Look at that sweet boy growing beautifully ❤ we lost the daddy to your boar in January but he has given us some of the best breeding stock we couldve ever imagined with amazing temperment im so glad he is doing so good for you we have a brother to him as well they all get that aggressive breeding from Ham we miss him so much
My sow had her 1st litter on February 27. She had 11 and all are still fine. I castrated the males at a week old. When do you castrate yours? I really appreciate your channel. I grew up around cattle and chickens, but I am learning about hogs from you. We raised a couple of feeder pigs and now we are experimenting with breeding. Thanks
Not sure what's going on with comments they keep disappearing. Castrating at a week is fine I have to wait until 5 weeks so we can pick out what's staying a boar
@HomesteadingtheHardWay yes. I did not know that right after she as piglets she is ready To breed. When I got into pin with her she would just stand there and not move.😀😀
@@dogman807 most European/American breeds come in heat two or three days after weaning small asian breeds come in while still nursing. But to the boar they smell like they're in heat during labor
Straw and chips usually just make it worse . It seems to work at first but then just makes it stink and take longer to dry . Sand does as good as anything. That's wet sand he's walking on if you'll notice he's not sinking down and it will dry overnight if it'll stop raining an inch every day
Thank you for the great information, as always! Do you vaccinate your breeding stock? Used Farrowsure Gold for a number of years but noticed some issues with it. Switch to L5E and Circo as preventative vax and have had good luck. Do you all add binders to your breeding stocks ration? What binder and amount do you all use? Have you found a need to feed binder to grow outs?
I don't vaccinate or use any feed adatives except for mineral pack . Only problem we have is bacterial pneumonia occasionally I use a one does antibiotic to cover that and of course we have a parasite control program.
What’s your honest opinion on red wattle pigs? Will they be good for some feeder pigs or do you think next time I should find something different? I really enjoy the videos!
When I was just a kid my dad had 65 or 70 hogs in a woods lot & the boar went kinda wild after he sold all the top hogs he probably weight 800 pounds & was causing problems getting out so he went to kill it weren't gonna dress it out because hadn't been cut just gonna destroy it shot it will a 30-06 & it didn't kill it we think the shoulder bone glance the bullet somehow he actually healed up and he sold it to man that horse traded just about anything for 50 dollars that was long time ago now
Ik this is a long shot but could u possibly do a video about bedding down hogs ? How often and best type of bedding to use if u have covered this subject i apologize for asking
I don't use much bedding but we don't get very cold here . I use hay in the winter and I put shavings down for farrowing . Nothing works really good on dirt either the pigs eat it or root it in . I just fork hay or rye straw under the shelters if it's going to be cold
My duroc/yorkshire boar grew so quickly it seemed like he jumped 100 pounds heavier than my gilts in the blink of an eye. Is it possible to get his weight down so he can breed? or is better to part with him and get a different boar? he wont attempt a mounting when the gilts are in heat.
He should be trying to breed at least, I'd put him on a diet first . Most of the time it's the gilts not being able to hold him up more than them not trying when weights the issue
Glad too see another video it's been a while!!! Since we're on the boar topic does a boar ever get to old to breed even if he doesn't get to big. Or better yet do they get less fertil ?
I don't know of many that make it to old age either they get to big or injure themselves twist an intestine etc . Occasionally one just " goes bad " and becomes infertile but I think age would be a factor if they made it that long
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I was just wondering I've got a boar now idk how old he is he is still pretty fit and seems to produce but I worry about him loosing his "touch" looking at him id guess he is at least 4 yrs old maybe 5
@@garyholmes4058 I keep two one older one coming up . Ever one you get won't be like you want so sometimes I'll go through a couple before I get a good one but I always have a proven older boar
You like hamp duroc cross pigs. Have you ever tried to see if 3/8 duroc and 5/8 hamp breed true, like brangus, santa gertrudus , etc. I enjoy your vids. I hope you are feeling well.
You can get the red hamp to breed true after the third generation and just a touch of York in the mix helps a lot . You have to select for red blacks dominate
One of the only homesteaders speaking from experience and I’m not talking 1 or 2 years under belt. Giving you all the possibilities you could face.
@@michellegordon1061 I want people to succeed, a little factual real world insight goes a long way
Good to see you again Chris!
I keep saying we're going to do video a week but something always gets in the way
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay You know Chris my experience seems to be the less you plan, the more you get done.
@@MarkWYoung-ky4uc true enough
Some really great information. Especially about bringing the sow to the boar not the other way around
It makes it so much easier and safer
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay My daughter's sow would talk to their Hampshire boar through the fence when she was in heat. He would sweet talk her too. when the time was right, they'd put Sugar Mamma in with Plum Pig (they grew up together with breeding in mind). they were fine at first but then he'd worry her to death. They learned the hard way not to leave her in there after she wanted out. They've had many timed successful breedings taking her to him and watching for her 'losing interest' and wanting out. You are spot on with this video. Thanks for sharing your years of knowledge!
I inherited a bush axe and had no idea how to use it, so I youtubed it and found your channel. i’m from alabama so im no stranger to country folks, but a lot of the knowledge has been lost between your generation and mine and you are keeping it alive. i appreciate what you guys are doing and id like to buy something from your farm if i’m ever in the area. keep doing what you’re doing.
The biggest reason we do this is to get some of the old knowledge out there again. Every generation loses some , like that bush ax a good hand with one can do more in a day that any hand held brush cutter and take down bigger stuff
Really appreciate you sharing your wisdom. I was never interested in pigs on the homestead because there was so much I didn't know.
They're not hard if you go about it right .
Hello Chris and family. Keep the videos coming. We always like to see the farm and hear about your day. Enjoy your weekend.
I'm trying my best to get videos up more often but nothing gets in the way of making farming videos like farming
Another excellent video Chris. I’m looking at buying some land in New Zealand for my small family of 10. Always been intrested in pigs. Your videos have been the most informative of all that I’d found on CZcams mate. Keep up the great work 🤙🏾
Glad to help if I can
Many years ago I worked on a 300sow farrow to finish operation. We were never allowed to be in contact with a boar unless they were actually breeding. We had black line boars, a hybrid, mostly hamp and duroc I believe. Extremely large framed boars.they would occasionally go down in rear legs, on concrete and in cages all the time, manager wasn't from this area, and we couldn't take non walking Hogs to cull sell,so I would load up and sell Hogs after work. Had a boar on my truck, 84 c10 setting on his haunches, everyone thought he was trained lol, drove truck on scales, skin and bones, are at least way underweight, he was 350 lbs. Use to take him to a old black guy, who another guy set up a little processing building. Hogs of all sorts, long snouts, in pens literally full of trash from feeding restaurants trash. Sold guy a expensive breeding boar from pig improvement company for $50.00, next week when I dropped off another cull,he was bragging, ise fixed that boar up, I fed him good, puts him on soft dirt, and rubbed him down with horse linamint. Next week I asked about boar again, figured he would be trying to breed him to improve his questionable genetic stock, he said, he made whole hog sausage out of him lol.
A lot of things that happen on company farms will boggle your mind . Lots of waste and how animals are treated can vary greatly from farm to farm , most contract growers take pretty good care
Look at that sweet boy growing beautifully ❤ we lost the daddy to your boar in January but he has given us some of the best breeding stock we couldve ever imagined with amazing temperment im so glad he is doing so good for you we have a brother to him as well they all get that aggressive breeding from Ham we miss him so much
Going to need a young one soon , I'll call y'all tomorrow
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay John says he's gonna call shortly 😁
Good to see you Chris and Darlene love and blessings
Hope y'all are well , I seen you started doing some shorts
Can't beat old school knowledge 👍🏾👏🏾❤️
It's getting gone fast though
Always a pleasure to hear from you guys
I've got a lot of videos promised , hopefully I'll get more out next week
Thanks for the info. I'm about to get a young board and this helps a lot.
Glad to , if you have any questions let me know
Thanks for the advice!
Glad to help
The boar I got from you last year looks identical to your current boar and he’s a very aggressive breeder.
That's his daddy I think
Another great video Chris!Keep them coming!
I'm trying to post more regular
i love how you say in every video you know you forgetting something. lol
Chris we have no clue what you forgetting, lol.
its all facts to us.
Glad to see you both. Always look forward to your videos.
Always glad to see you
Thank you!
Glad to help
I enjoy your video and information thanks Gary
Glad to help
Good information., glad ur back!😊
Hopefully we'll start posting more soon
That was a helpful video thanks asked a lot of questions for me 👍
Glad to help
My sow had her 1st litter on February 27. She had 11 and all are still fine. I castrated the males at a week old. When do you castrate yours? I really appreciate your channel. I grew up around cattle and chickens, but I am learning about hogs from you. We raised a couple of feeder pigs and now we are experimenting with breeding. Thanks
Not sure what's going on with comments they keep disappearing. Castrating at a week is fine I have to wait until 5 weeks so we can pick out what's staying a boar
I appreciate the info, also I appreciate the oil recommendations on oil for a 140...keep up the good work.
Always glad to help if I can
Good advice thanks. My boars where going crazy after she had piglets.
I should have mentioned that in the video and that they'll try to breed them while they are in labor
@HomesteadingtheHardWay yes. I did not know that right after she as piglets she is ready To breed. When I got into pin with her she would just stand there and not move.😀😀
@@dogman807 most European/American breeds come in heat two or three days after weaning small asian breeds come in while still nursing. But to the boar they smell like they're in heat during labor
Glad see you back got full blooded spot gilt getting ready farrow from Trowbridge farms in Ohio my boar also from therr
Another great video Chris!Keep them coming! the biggest question is. whats in the cup
Everyone wants to know what's in the cup lol
We're having the same muddy standing water problems. You think it's a good idea to dump a load of wood chips in there if we can get them for free?
Straw and chips usually just make it worse . It seems to work at first but then just makes it stink and take longer to dry . Sand does as good as anything. That's wet sand he's walking on if you'll notice he's not sinking down and it will dry overnight if it'll stop raining an inch every day
Thank you for the great information, as always! Do you vaccinate your breeding stock? Used Farrowsure Gold for a number of years but noticed some issues with it. Switch to L5E and Circo as preventative vax and have had good luck. Do you all add binders to your breeding stocks ration? What binder and amount do you all use? Have you found a need to feed binder to grow outs?
I don't vaccinate or use any feed adatives except for mineral pack . Only problem we have is bacterial pneumonia occasionally I use a one does antibiotic to cover that and of course we have a parasite control program.
Chris do you have spring piglets ready for sale yet.
Everything on the ground is spoke for but I'll have a litter this week that should have a few extra
I always wonder what’s in ole boys cup lol
Thanks for the info
@@hl8256 always glad to help
@@hl8256 always glad to help
I been following you for a bit and once I get a bit more land I'm thinking of breeding
It doesn't take that much. We measured our operation recently and ten sows and finishing pens plus drive ways takes up less than an acre
@HomesteadingtheHardWay that's good to know hoping to get 10 in the next couple years . Mind showing your setup In a bit more along with the ramp
@@titanstreehouse4555 we've done a walk around, the only thing not in it is the last set of pens we built. I'm adding on fairly steady.
What’s your honest opinion on red wattle pigs? Will they be good for some feeder pigs or do you think next time I should find something different? I really enjoy the videos!
I'm not a fan of them but they should grow out , they usually finish slow and pretty bad on feed conversion
When I was just a kid my dad had 65 or 70 hogs in a woods lot & the boar went kinda wild after he sold all the top hogs he probably weight 800 pounds & was causing problems getting out so he went to kill it weren't gonna dress it out because hadn't been cut just gonna destroy it shot it will a 30-06 & it didn't kill it we think the shoulder bone glance the bullet somehow he actually healed up and he sold it to man that horse traded just about anything for 50 dollars that was long time ago now
Big boars have shields of cartilage and thick hide on their shoulders
Love this
Hope it helps
Ik this is a long shot but could u possibly do a video about bedding down hogs ? How often and best type of bedding to use if u have covered this subject i apologize for asking
I don't use much bedding but we don't get very cold here . I use hay in the winter and I put shavings down for farrowing . Nothing works really good on dirt either the pigs eat it or root it in . I just fork hay or rye straw under the shelters if it's going to be cold
You might have to email me homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
My duroc/yorkshire boar grew so quickly it seemed like he jumped 100 pounds heavier than my gilts in the blink of an eye. Is it possible to get his weight down so he can breed? or is better to part with him and get a different boar? he wont attempt a mounting when the gilts are in heat.
He should be trying to breed at least, I'd put him on a diet first . Most of the time it's the gilts not being able to hold him up more than them not trying when weights the issue
Glad too see another video it's been a while!!! Since we're on the boar topic does a boar ever get to old to breed even if he doesn't get to big. Or better yet do they get less fertil ?
I don't know of many that make it to old age either they get to big or injure themselves twist an intestine etc . Occasionally one just " goes bad " and becomes infertile but I think age would be a factor if they made it that long
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I was just wondering I've got a boar now idk how old he is he is still pretty fit and seems to produce but I worry about him loosing his "touch" looking at him id guess he is at least 4 yrs old maybe 5
@@garyholmes4058 I keep two one older one coming up . Ever one you get won't be like you want so sometimes I'll go through a couple before I get a good one but I always have a proven older boar
Thanks
Glad to
Good to see you again! Have a Blessed weekend!
How's things your way?
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay Good here waiting on gardening season!
@@TheSwaffordHomestead we're already going it starts here at valentine's day , hopefully I can start planting corn next week if the rain will stop
You like hamp duroc cross pigs. Have you ever tried to see if 3/8 duroc and 5/8 hamp breed true, like brangus, santa gertrudus , etc. I enjoy your vids. I hope you are feeling well.
You can get the red hamp to breed true after the third generation and just a touch of York in the mix helps a lot . You have to select for red blacks dominate
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay why hamps more than berkd
@@user-ig4gj5zk7c small litters and bad mothers and they grow too slow .
You are awesome man, wish I had time to call but u no i took of with the confiment pigs to pay the bills
I understand, I never miss having topping floors
They are begging guys to be in them at this point, I would rather be miserable in there for 12 hours then on the park bench for 24 hours
@@kincaidfarm744 ain't nobody going to work nowadays not a job with physical labor .
Damb light bill comes every month like u buddy
Do you have any tips on controlling the flies around the hog pen?
Not that are super effective except fogging
@@HomesteadingtheHardWaythank you
How do you know when it's time to get rid of your breeding hog??
When he gets to big for the sows to hold up . Keep him on a diet and he can breed for five or six years
Great info do you ever clean your pens out
We lime and add sand as needed occasionally I'll till if it gets too packed
Good info and what that dog barking at.
At us in the yard , she's two hundred yards away just the sound carries
How long do you leave your bore win breed your sow
Two days normally.
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thanks
What breeds are you raising
@@sangrebravakennels6462 Duroc/ Hampshire crosses and a couple of SPCs for nostalgia
What breed of pig is that ?
Second generation Hampshire Duroc cross . Most people call them Red Hamps
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thankyou for the reply!