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The Beginner's Guide to Raising Healthy and Happy Pigs on a Small Homestead

Terry Pratchett

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Published in Raising Pigs: Beginners Guide To Raising Healthy And Happy Pigs On A Small Homestead

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Pigs are a great addition to any small homestead. They are relatively easy to care for, and they can provide a valuable source of meat, lard, and fertilizer. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when raising pigs on a small homestead.

Raising Pigs: Beginners Guide to Raising Healthy and Happy Pigs on a Small Homestead

by Emma Mistery

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Language	:	English
File size	:	7513 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	186 pages

Housing

Pigs need shelter from the elements, but they also need plenty of space to move around. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 square feet of space per pig. The shelter should be well-ventilated and able to protect the pigs from rain, snow, and wind.

There are many different types of pig housing available, from simple A-frame shelters to more elaborate barns. The type of housing you choose will depend on your budget and the number of pigs you are raising.

Feeding

Pigs are omnivores, but their diet should primarily consist of grains and other plant matter. You can feed your pigs a commercial pig feed, or you can make your own feed using ingredients such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.

It is important to make sure that your pigs have access to fresh water at all times.

Breeding

Pigs can be bred at any time of year, but it is best to breed them in the spring or fall. The gestation period for pigs is about 115 days. Sows (female pigs) will typically give birth to a litter of 6-12 piglets.

If you are planning to breed your pigs, it is important to select healthy breeding stock. You should also make sure that you have a plan for how you are going to care for the piglets.

Butchering

Butchering a pig is a big undertaking, but it is something that you can do yourself with a little help. There are many resources available to help you learn how to butcher a pig, including books, DVDs, and online tutorials.

If you are not comfortable butchering a pig yourself, you can hire a professional butcher to do it for you.