I had a lady contact me with a view to what she could do with the Mangaltiza hair. I told her the only idea so far that the forum had come up with was for fishing flies.

She suggested that it might be suitable for rug making.

Anyone out there willing to give it a try? It sound promising, she was enthusisastic, but who in our communtiy is arty and skilled?

Let us know!

Kate

Not arty and skilled...........but would be interested in uses for hair.

Anyone any ideas????

Have also heard about people shearing their mangalitzas during the summer, just like sheep....... anyone do this and I would love to see some pictures.


Carole

Hi All
this is my first attempt at posting a message so here goes.
Yes I'm the one who said rugs might be possible, so if any one has a little fibre don't mind its condition.I will have a go at different techniques.
I have a few sheep which I hand shear (not electric),they are ok with it,It takes time but If done calmly they are quite content,I did hear that pigs were shorn in the past however with the pig it would depend on its size . As pigs like fussing if one was calm then they should be ok.
Question. Normally sheep would be shorn in summer when there is a natural break in the fleece where the old fleece stops and the new fleece begins. has any one noticed if these pigs do the same or do they scratch against fences and remove any old fibres that way? Currently haven't a pig to observe ,still preparing fencing etc ready for some at a later date

Truffle
Burgundy

Now you come to mention it truffle, the Mangalitza's get wods of hair that just pulls out in a matted knot- noticing it now actually and it has been there since around January time.

I just give it a tug and off it comes. I suppose before this occurs one could brush them and remove the loose hair. Carole did suggest to me some time ago that she sometimes uses a metal dog comb/brush to brush her pigs just because they like it - she will have to elaborate! I suppose though that hair could be harvested by this method and posted on to you!

I am happy to give it a go anyway. It would be a very interesting exercise.

Kate

Hi

Yes I have always brushed my Mangalitzas from a very early age, sometimes with metal combs to get out all the mud, but for a gentle grooming I use the horse brushes with the soft bristles, they love it!!!!

I must admit I have not really noticed how much hair they loose........will look again next time I groom them.

Carole

Hi Carole and Katie

I would love to have a try at a small sample. When you next find some fibre let me know.

Best wishes
Truffle
who is enjoying the sunshine and new lambs

Truffle, where are you located?

Carole

Truffle I can post you some hair, give me a ring 07800515546