© 2009 Church Farm Croft Ltd
Our herd is an established pure breed Gloucester Old Spot. We choose Gloucester Old Spots as they are hardy and are ideally suited to outdoor rearing. They have a reputation for good quality meat. Originally known as the Orchard pig they enjoy rooting and have a nice even temper. We visit the pigs at least twice a day and we interact with them during feed and water times. They enjoy being feed apples and acorns. We handle the pigs every day and they enjoy a good scratch and some lie down for a belly rub.
Bernard our boar comes for a back rub and sounds very much like a guinea pig when he has a good scratch. Some even come to their name being called mind you I think that has more to do with the food. This makes moving them easier as they follow the food. They are happy and content pigs who are always pleased to see you, which is very satisfying and rewarding. Our time that we spend with the pigs is as beneficial to us as we find it very relaxing.
We are expanding our herd with the addition of some new gilts (young sows). We start the introduction to the natural outdoor living environment from an early age so as to give them time to enjoy the freedom of the open paddocks. The reactions are always the same they race around and skip almost like a young gazelle. Although this can be time consuming, it is very rewarding watching them grow and the development of their own individual personalities.