If you’re interested in getting started raising pigs, but you don’t know where to begin, this is the post for you. I’m rounding up my best articles to help you get going.
Raising Pigs
Raising pigs can seem complicated when you’re just getting starting. There are so many different breeds of pigs, shelter options, and food requirements. The amount of information you’re able to find can also seem vague and overwhelming at the same time.
I’ve rounded up my best pig articles to help answer some of the questions you may have. Here are the best articles to help you with getting started raising pigs.
Pigs on a small farm
Pigs are great for a small farm. They don’t require a lot of space, they’re weather-hearty and are easy to keep healthy. They also produce a large amount of meat for your family.
Getting started raising pigs is easier than you think. With just a little know-how and some basic infrastructure, you’ll be well on your way.
For up to date information and news on raising pigs, check out The Pig Site.
Raising Pigs: 6 things you need to know
If you want to know a basic overview of raising pigs, check out this article. It gives you the rundown of land requirements, or confined space if you choose to go that route.
It also gives you plenty of information on how to measure your pig to help you determine its weight and feed rations. Give this article a read if you are curious about raising pigs!
Best pig breeds for the farm
When you are researching the breed of pig you may want to raise, there’s a lot to consider. Some pigs will grow very large, and others will be a smaller more manageable size. This can be complicated when you’re just getting started raising pigs. You’ll also need to decide whether or not you want a lard breed or a leaner breed of pig. The size of the hams and shoulders will also vary with different pig breeds.
Pigs have different temperaments and won’t do well in confined spaces. Be sure to read the best pig breeds for the farm if you are unsure about what type of pig is best for you.
I also recommend starting here if you are just beginning to research pigs. Choosing a breed will help determine the type of shelters, fencing, and food they’ll need.
How to raise pigs on pasture
raising pigs on pasture is full of information on how to raise grass-fed pigs. Some pig breeds are better at grazing than others.
There’s also a lot to consider when it comes to the type of pasture pigs need. How to raise pigs on pasture will answer all of those questions you may have.
Easy Fencing for pigs
If you are raising your pigs on pasture you’re going to need fencing to keep them contained and safe. Pigs are very smart and will easily breach a weak point in a fence.
Easy Fencing for Pigs discusses how to set up a simple electric fence system that is not only easy and effective but also expensive.
What does a pig eat?
When I was researching pigs, I needed help finding information on what pigs eat. They have a very diverse diet, so most of what they eat depends on the region they live in.
Movies and TV are notorious for characterizing pigs as the barnyard clean-up crew. They eat all the leftover kitchen scraps.
While it’s true that pigs love scraps, and they can eat a wide variety of foods, healthy pigs will need a mixture of protein and other grains to grow.
What a pig eats will help to answer any questions you may have about pig nutrition.
Raising pigs in winter
If you’ve ever looked at a pig, you may notice that they don’t have a lot of hair. I honestly wondered how well they would tolerate cold weather without a thick layer of feathers and fur.
Pigs can actually handle cold weather very well. They just need to be provided with shelter, food, and bedding.
Learn more about how to keep your pigs healthy and happy throughout the winter in raising pigs in winter.
Raising Pigs and Chickens Together
If you want to jump into raising pigs chances are you already have other animals. I’m going to take a guess and say that some of those animals might be chickens.
Chickens are often the first animals a small farmer will get. For us, chickens gave us the confidence to move forward and raise other animals.
Pigs can have a bad reputation for being aggressive, so you may be hesitant to allow your pigs and chickens to be together. If you have a small farm, you may not have a lot of space to keep animals completely separate. This is especially true if you raise your animals on pasture.
Raising pigs and chickens together is an excellent resource for you to refer to on the logistics of keeping both animals safe and healthy.
Chickens and pigs can be beneficial for each other if you know how to raise them.
DIY Pig Waterer
Maybe you’ve already decided to go for it, and you are in the beginning stages of raising pigs. It won’t be long until you realize that pigs love to make a mess with their water.
It was hard for us in the beginning to provide the pigs with enough water. Every vessel we tried would either get knocked over or spilled within the first couple of hours.
After looking online for a solution, we decided to try a nipple watering system. It worked great and provided the pigs with plenty of fresh water
If you’re interested in setting up your DIY Pig waterer, this post will help you!
FAQs
How much money do I need to start a pig farm?
That depends on what your goals are. If you are interested in raising meat for your family you can start for around $1500. That is using a basic electric fence, shelter, feeders, waterers, and purchasing the pigs. If you want to do something on a larger scale the startup cost can be in the hundreds of thousands.
Are pigs easy to raise for beginners?
I believe pigs are some of the easiest animals to raise. If you are free-ranging your herd it’s even easier.
They don’t require as much land as cows, are not as prone to disease and illness as sheep, and don’t have as many predator problems as chickens.
They also make excellent mothers if you want a sustainable herd.
How do I get started with pigs?
A good place to start with with research. Start with deciding on the breed of pig you want to raise and go from there. Different breeds are going to have different space and shelter requirements.
Final Thoughts on getting started with pigs
I hope I’ve convinced you that raising pigs is a great way to provide food for your family. They are one of the most low-maintenance farm animals around. With a little research and preparation, you’re sure to be off to a great start.
The biggest thing you can do is just get started. Like raising other animals, you’ll learn so much as you go.
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