I am now the proud owner of a pair of Red Wattle Hogs.
Red
Wattle Hogs have long been known for their slightly darker, lean, flavorful
meat. Red Wattle hogs are known for hardiness, foraging activity, and rapid
growth rate. They produce a lean meat that has been described as flavorful and
tender. They are recognizable by their dark reddish colored skin and
the skin flaps [wattles] that hang down from their jaw line on either side.
Red Wattle Hogs (also known as Red Wattle Pigs) were originally brought to the
U.S. from New Caledonia Island off of Australia in the late 1700's by the French
colonists. Later, as settlers moved west, the Red Wattle Hog fell out of favor,
replaced by other breeds that had a higher fat content, good for much needed
lard for cooking and soap making.
I purchased mine from Daryl Dorsheimer, a very nice man in Lewis Ia.
In
this photo you can see the wattles. The body is short coupled and the back
slightly arched. Mature animals weigh 600-800 pounds, but may weigh as much as
1200 pounds and measure up to four feet high and eight feet long.
My reason for wanting this breed of
pig, outside of what they say about how great the meat is, is they are reported
to have a very nice temperament. This I find to be true so far. I have been
around other breeds of hogs and these so far are the nicest. Very friendly and not aggressive.
When I went to pick my piglets up, I was a bit shocked and I will admit scared when asked to stand in a pen with 9 VERY large sows, some still nursing the young. I have been around other breeds of hogs and to pick up a piglet in a pen full of nursing sows [especially ones as large as these] can get you hurt. These gentle giants, only wanted to be rubbed and scratched. I will also say the piglets didn't scream and wiggle the way most do. They where calm and didn't seem to mind being handled. I was smitten to say the least. As these hogs were being raise in a open field and where not pets.
I plan on breeding and keeping these for our own consumption. But if you are interested in this breed contact me an I will give you Daryl's information. He is a great guy with tons of knowledge on this breed. Check back often to watch Ruby my sow and Romone my boar grow up. The first three photos where taken when my piglets were 8 weeks old.
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