How to Raise a Pig on a Farm

Raising pigs from cute piglets to large hogs can be a rewarding experience. Pigs are some of the most intelligent animals on the farm, but also some of the most odiferous. They can be welcome playmates to children, sold or served for Sunday dinner. With care and daily attention you can raise pigs as pets or for profit.

Instructions

1.Provide adequate housing for your pig. The structure can be a prefabricated pig house or an A-frame structure within a fenced paddock. According to the University of Wisconsin, a nursery pig requires at least 3 to 4 square feet of space on a solid floor or 2 to 4 square feet for a slotted floor in the housing. Pigs up to 150 pounds require 6 square feet of housing and another 6-square-foot paddock. Pigs that weigh 150 to 265 pounds will need 8 to 10 square feet of both housing and paddock. Author and livestock expert Laura Childs suggests using concrete flooring with a drain in one corner of the pig housing to ease cleaning.

2.Place sandy pasture soil in the paddock. Include deep straw bedding in the housing for the pigs to burrow in during cooler months. Place a self-feeder and waterer in the housing or paddock. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association recommends providing toys to satisfy your pig's curious nature.

3.Maintain a comfortable temperature for your pig. According to the University of Wisconsin, the optimal temperature range is 80 to 85 degrees for piglets, 70 to 75 degrees for weaned pigs and 60 to 70 degrees for finisher pigs. You will need heat lamps or heat pads for the winter months.

4.Feed your pig a grain mix that is high in nutrients with 16 percent protein. The average young pig will eat about 2.75 lbs. of feed a day. Feed once a day or break the grain into 2 portions. Pigs will free-eat throughout the day.

5.Clean the pig barn area daily. If you have a drain you can spray the concrete flooring with a water hose and drain away the waste. Or you can shovel the solids and mop the flooring.

6.Take your pig to a livestock veterinarian. The vet will inform you about which vaccines are necessary in your area and will provide the pig with a necessary wormer. Pigs require a wormer at 40 to 50 pounds and again at 100 pounds.