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Post by Pickles on Dec 1, 2013 2:34:27 GMT
Ever since we found out one of our pigs was pregnant, I've been researching my butt off. Seriously, you name it, I've read about it. And I've come to the point where I'm really interested in breeding and eventually showing GPs. However, there aren't any breeders (at least none listed with the ARBA) anywhere near me. The closest would be a 12 hour round trip, and I don't feel comfortable having pigs shipped or transported. I did reach out to the few listed breeders I found, though, just to have others to talk to about GPs.
So, I'm wondering if it's plausible to start a breeding line with pet store pigs? Is this unheard of? I mean, my goal initially would be to have really nice, healthy, pet pigs and eventually work up to good show standards and start showing. Am I crazy, or will this work? I understand how genetics works, and breeding in good traits and out bad traits. I think I've mentioned that I bred pedigreed fancy rats before, and I grew up breeding/showing dogs, so I know good practice and ethics. Just wondering if you can start from pet store quality and eventually work up to show quality, or if that's like a blacklist type of situation with breeders. I want to do this, but I want to do it the right way.
Any thoughts, comments, advise is welcome. Thanks!
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Post by Kayleigh on Dec 1, 2013 8:49:22 GMT
If delends what you want to breed, if a specific breed you need to start with a good pair or trio, know their history etc.
The problem with pet store pigs are
A. You dont know their history/genes etc B. You wont know of any health issues carried C. Breed can be difficult to determine as they may look like something but may infact be the opposite D. Many pet store pigs are bred for the pet industry so dont make good breeding aninals. Not all pigs though.
Its a weird question, if you want to produce funky pets etc thats fine but to breed pedigree pigs you need good foundation stock. It depends how far you want to go, shows etc in my case if i breed a himi to a himi and get a non himi i would be furious. But i know with my current lines i will only get himis. With pet store himis they could be himi marked and be bred from chins etc.
So although not ideal, there would/could be alot of litters/pups before you can claim the pigs are pedigree (several generations too)
On a final note, iv shipped pigs it was an 900mile around trip via a courier an the pigs done fab. If its the only option it can be worth it. Unless you plan piggie pick ups when on a holiday.
Best of luck
Kayleigh
Sent from my GT-I9300 using proboards
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Post by Pickles on Dec 1, 2013 16:08:42 GMT
Thanks Kayleigh, you bring up very good points. One of my biggest qualms about starting with pet store pigs was not knowing their history and exact breed. Though, I was fully expecting to see several generations and litters of pets before being able to know who carries what, etc. This was one of the factors in deciding to breed pets before moving to show. I didn't realize that pigs did well in transport, I'll have to research pet couriers and see if any of the breeders I found would be willing. Like I said, at first, I'd like to be produce nice pet pigs. Long term, as far as showing pedigree pigs, I'm interested in Abyssinian, American, and Crested breeds. Though, I would only be working with one or two, those are the ones that most interest me.
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Post by Kayleigh on Dec 1, 2013 16:14:45 GMT
Good luck on your venture. Its a wonderful thing to do. Make sure you do lots of research prior. There is alot of conflicting info out there.
Any questions feel free to ask.
Kayleigh
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