i dont like rings for pigs being kept and USED, as there designed to cause discomfort...the idea behind the ring is that when the pig tries to root, the ring gets tossled and nudged and while isnt "painfull" isnt realy the most pleasant feeling (i guess its akin to someone pulling on a persons nose ring)
If the pig is just being raised for meat and you dont want it rooting, then rings are great...
but for me i plan on actually using my pigs to help me plow lol.
in terms of keeping them in...electric GENERALLY does a good job assuming there trained form day 1 to the fence, you need to SERIOUSLY ground a pig fence (mine with 3 grounding rods now SHOULD be fine) but because of thier large wet noses and lack of fur they actually train to electric very easily and when they get zapped...they get ZAPPED...
and because there inteligent, they learn pretty dang quickly
the problem with pigs and electric is they will occasionally test it...so unlike goats who get zapped a few times and then typically stay away even if the fence is off/down...with pigs you have to be very consistent about checking and clearing your lines and making sur eyour energizer is working on a regular basis...because it only takes them testing it once and NOT getting a zap for them to decide its worth the risk pushing through.
most pig fences ive see have bottom line at 6-8" (6 for piglets and mini breeds, 8 for weanlings)
because you want them zapped right on the nose (if they get their head through and get zapped, like all animals they go FORWARD rather than back...) space lines 6"-8" apart for the bottom 24" and add a line tightner if your not doing high tensle electric (you dont want too much pressure on the lines but you do need to be able to control sag with the lines that close together. once you get past normal Piggy nose height (about knee high on the average person, you can space the lines further apart, and anything over 3ft is USUALLY not nessicary with pigs. as there not very good at jumping lol.
ive heard nothign but good things about pigs and electric fencing, other fencing however tends not to stand up to piggy power lol
a WELL RAISED pig is a pleasure to have around, my grandads pigs all did tricks and LOVED attention...
its generally when they become overly fearfull OR disrespectfull that they become dangerous...like with dogs they need to be taught rules from day 1...assuming you stick to that you should be fine.
general rule of thumb is NEVER EVER turn your back on a COMERCIAL breed adult pig (sow or boar) but heritidge breeds tend to be a lot more "stable" (and tastier) and or first time piggers, i usually suggest american guineas, great pork, hardy pigs, SMALLER than the comercial breeds but tend to be realy even tempered and not as prone to SERIOUS rooting.
for me, eventually i want GOS pigs...there Giant puppy dogs.
Everybody gets that look from her...like we're beneath her, and wholly edible 
The rings are to keep them from rooting and digging so much, but as long as they are fed, they won't go far anyway.
I have all of the maters I have sold for tomorrow, then I have to go pick up more and see if I can move them. I think I'll hit Corinth tomorrow and see if we can get a few dedicated customers rather than how we've been doing it. I try to stay out of Savannah, as that's where Bro.J sells a lot, and I don't want to cut in on his money. I may get some regulars in Pickwick too, but we'll see. I'm still trying to figure it all out myself 
