How Much Space do Hogs Need?

[CowboyClayt]

How much space is needed for hogs? I will probably have more than 5, but don't know yet. I will probably be using Combo Panels, which you can see here: http://redbrand.com/Products/StockadePanels/RedBrand1-4Gauge.aspx

It comes out to about $2.20 per foot, so that adds up quick. I am thinking 2 of each panel on each side to make a square, so that would be $280. Is that too little? You'd think I would have figured all this out after 3 years of raising hogs!

Thanks!

 

[Baymule]

My pen is about 60x60. There are trees and it is half shaded. They have the Pig Palace for shelter. I usually have 2 at a time.

 

[CowboyClayt]

My pen is about 60x60. There are trees and it is half shaded. They have the Pig Palace for shelter. I usually have 2 at a time.

OK. So you think I would need at least 60x60 for 5 pigs? Or do you think it's fine for it to be smaller? Thanks for answering so many questions!!!

 

[Baymule]

Some people use a small pen, some use a large pen. I like for mine to have plenty of room. If $$$$ is an issue, build what you can afford. You can always add on or "remodel" before you get the next batch. There are just a few MUST DO, You must provide shelter, shade, water, food and room to move around. A happy pig is gaining weight.

 

[CowboyClayt]

Some people use a small pen, some use a large pen. I like for mine to have plenty of room. If $$$$ is an issue, build what you can afford. You can always add on or "remodel" before you get the next batch. There are just a few MUST DO, You must provide shelter, shade, water, food and room to move around. A happy pig is gaining weight.

Thanks!

 

[Baymule]

Let me put it to you this way. Pigs root. Pigs eat dirt, it's part of who they are, their physiology demands that they root. Now pen them up. Put them in a small pen. If pigs have a large enough area, they will have a potty corner. Pigs are clean, they don't want to lay in their own poop. But in a small pen, they are practically forced to lay in their own poop, root in their own poop, and eat their own poop. Then you eat the pig. Tasty?

 

[CowboyClayt]

Let me put it to you this way. Pigs root. Pigs eat dirt, it's part of who they are, their physiology demands that they root. Now pen them up. Put them in a small pen. If pigs have a large enough area, they will have a potty corner. Pigs are clean, they don't want to lay in their own poop. But in a small pen, they are practically forced to lay in their own poop, root in their own poop, and eat their own poop. Then you eat the pig. Tasty?

Yeah, I get it! I know how they like to make different "rooms" in the pen. Dining Room, Bathroom, Bedroom, etc. I might make it 32x32 and do rotation.
BTW, what do you use to attach the panels to t-posts?

 

[Baymule]

We cut lengths of wire and twist it around the panel and post.

 

[CowboyClayt]

We cut lengths of wire and twist it around the panel and post.

Thanks!