Let’s talk about pigs

[SS Project Manager]

If you’ve ever spent time around them, you’ll know they’re a lot smarter than people give them credit for. They’re not just rolling in mud all day (although, yes, they do love a good wallow). Pigs are actually curious, social, and full of personality. They remember faces, learn routines fast, and even figure out how to open gates if you’re not careful!

Raising pigs can be one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading. They grow quickly, eat a wide range of foods, and can turn kitchen scraps or garden waste into rich manure that helps your soil thrive. Think of them as the ultimate recyclers on the farm. A happy pig with good food, clean water, and space to roam is a pig that stays healthy and productive.

Now, pigs do have their quirks. They’re strong, and once they set their mind on something, they’ll try their best to make it happen. So, strong fencing is a must. They also love rooting around with their snouts, which can tear up a pasture in no time. But if you manage that energy well, they can actually help prepare your garden space by tilling the soil naturally.

Whether you’re raising pigs for meat, breeding, or just for fun, they’ll teach you a lot about patience and routine. Watching them interact, grunt, and play reminds you how connected farm life really is. Everything has a purpose.

So, let’s chat! Have you ever raised pigs or thought about it? What breed do you like best, or what’s your funniest pig story? And if you’re just curious, what would make you consider keeping pigs one day?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've raised pigs and for the most part I love them!

My first experience owning pigs was when my former dH brought home two wild pigs that a friend of his had trapped. I had zero experience with pigs and they had zero experience being a farm pig. They were in a pen that I didn't have to enter to feed/water them. We were about to have a big winter storm and there was no shelter in their pen so I started taking some hay bales into the pen to throw together a three sided shelter from the bales. I dumped those bales into their pen and came back to the house for something. While I was gone those pigs tore apart the bales, rooted out a large depression in the ground using the dirt to build a berm around the north side and lined their "cave" with most of the hay while still using the rest as a windbreak. Flabbergasted isn't a strong enough word for my reaction!

Those same pigs tried to do me great bodily harm several months later. They were still very much wild pigs even though they knew that food and water came from me. One of them became sick. This pig was so sick that I was able to walk right up to it and give antibiotic injections with no reaction at all. That pig was as close to dead without actually dying as I've ever seen. When I'd climb over the hog panels to give the sick pig his meds the other pig would run to the furthest point in the pen to be far, far away from me. Pigs were fairly large by this time - probably approaching 200lbs. The day came where the pig was much improved and when I gave him his injection he squealed. As soon as he squealed the other pig, who was cowering in the far corner of the pen, decided his friend needed back up. That pig charged across the pen heading straight for me with death in his eyes. I had a Great Pyrenees at that time and she knew I was about to be attacked. She jumped into the pen, and beelined toward that pig. She bodyslammed him in the shoulder and slowed him down a little. By that time I was headed for the fence but was never going to make it. She went back after that pig and clamped onto his snout and didn't let go. His momentum caused him to flip and they both went rolling across the pen. By that time I was at the fence. The dog and I both dove over at the same time. I swear she gave me a look that said "dummy - don't mess with wild pigs!" Wasn't much longer that we got our revenge. This must've happened over 40 years ago but I still remember - those pigs tasted good!

Many decades later I discovered the joys of American Guinea Hogs. They can be raised on pasture with minimal grain - even though they grow faster when fed well. They are wonderful, friendly, prolific breeders and good moms. They taste good too and make beautiful lard.

I've got 4 young mixed breed pigs now. They are a mix of Kunekune and Idaho Pasture Pigs. The initial plan is two for the freezer and two breeders. Time will tell if that plan persists.