strange bedfellows??

TEAT SQUEEZER

hi all are pigs and hens compatible in a fenced off enclosure.. the pigs are pets and v placid... cheers

SligoEdo

I've read that they're fine together...just make sure the chickens don't get in the way of the pigs at feeding time though, or the pigs might decide to try a bit of chicken for dinner.

grazeaway

SligoEdo wrote: »

I've read that they're fine together...just make sure the chickens don't get in the way of the pigs at feeding time though, or the pigs might decide to try a bit of chicken for dinner.

Have seen a pig take hen that got too close to him when he was hungry.

Qualitymark

Also, one of the ways for bird flu to cross into humans is through swine. I'd keep them separated.

Farmer Pudsey

Did you ever hear of Chicken and Ham:D

SligoEdo

Qualitymark wrote: »

Also, one of the ways for bird flu to cross into humans is through swine. I'd keep them separated.

I really wouldn't worry about that. If you were to worry about the likes of this, then you'd be better off never leaving your house. After all, people get killed in car crashes all the time..better not get into a car. People die in plane crashes...better not get onto a plane. People get murdered by strangers...better not go somewhere where there are strangers. People get killed by friends/family members...better not meet up with mates or go see family. Etc etc etc etc.

alsace royal

they will be fine together, just make sure the nest boxes are safe as the pigs will raid them for the eggs lol, that the only prob i ever had with them

Qualitymark

Good Time magazine piece on swine and fowl and flu:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1894703,00.html

SligoEdo

Qualitymark wrote: »

Good Time magazine piece on swine and fowl and flu:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1894703,00.html

100% of people that breath air, die...oh my god...everyone..stop breathing.

Seriously though, the majority of people who die from swine flu (it's not actually called this anymore in medical circles) have serious, underlying health problems. Your chances of contracting swine flu are low, and the chances of dying from it are even lower...as I said, worry more about being in a car crash or getting murdered.

Qualitymark

SligoEdo, you're wrong. The danger isn't that a couple of people get flu; the danger is that a new type of flu crosses the species barrier and humans don't have any immunity to it.
The 1918-19 flu was an example of this.

http://www.history.com/topics/1918-flu-pandemic
http://www.whale.to/v/spanish.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430111640.htm

SligoEdo

Qualitymark wrote: »

SligoEdo, you're wrong. The danger isn't that a couple of people get flu; the danger is that a new type of flu crosses the species barrier and humans don't have any immunity to it.
The 1918-19 flu was an example of this.

http://www.history.com/topics/1918-flu-pandemic
http://www.whale.to/v/spanish.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430111640.htm

Which part of what I said is wrong?

Also, if you're worried about a new type of flu, then why not worry about ALL animals? Who's to say a new flu won't cross over from dogs, cats, horses etc?

Qualitymark

SligoEdo wrote: »

Which part of what I said is wrong?

Also, if you're worried about a new type of flu, then why not worry about ALL animals? Who's to say a new flu won't cross over from dogs, cats, horses etc?

The big danger to humans is bird flu types crossing the species barrier, and the most usual way of doing that is through pigs. I don't know why this is. Ask the scientists.

Usually this happens in the Far East, where in all countries except Japan, it is usual to farm with a combination of ducks, pigs and water buffalo.

SligoEdo

Qualitymark wrote: »

The big danger to humans is bird flu types crossing the species barrier, and the most usual way of doing that is through pigs. I don't know why this is. Ask the scientists.

Usually this happens in the Far East, where in all countries except Japan, it is usual to farm with a combination of ducks, pigs and water buffalo.

Firstly, you never answered my question. What have I said that is wrong?

Secondly, I'm aware of all of this...I still wouldn't let it stop me keeping pigs in with ducks/chickens. It's not like anytime you keep these animals together you're going to get some new human killing virus.