Raising pigs

[Oreo]

Just to clarify what somebody said-- "Heritage Breeds" are actually not the common ones like Yorkshire, Duroc and Hampshire. Heritage breeds are the more rare ones that are rarely if ever raised commercially anymore, such as Tamworth, Large Black, and Mulefoot. Either are fine to raise, or more likely you'll find cross bred pigs for sale. For your first time I wouldn't buy anything over 50 lbs, preferably more like 30 or so.

We just bought two little crossbred pigs, a guilt and a barrow, and they are around 15-20 lbs. I fenced in my garden and put them in there, but they kept getting out so I built an 8x8 pen for them out of 2' high OSB (I ripped two sheets down the middle for four pieces 2'x8', and nailed them at the corners with 2x4 pieces). The little twerps haven't gotten out since then. I have a little plastic dog house I use for their shelter, and give them hay to burrow in. When they get bigger I'll let them out in the garden and let them till it all winter.

 

[DoubleVLegacyFarms]

There are agressive breeds, like Duroc, for example. and there are very gentle, docile breeds as well. We raise cross-bred Hampshires and they are very friendly and gentle. The only issue to remember is a boar around a cycling gilt/sow will become more agressive simply because of the breeding cycle. Be aware of this and spend lots of time handling the hogs and they will look forward to your company and attention every time you are around. Our boar is around 500 lbs and is extremly gentle, You can see pictures of him with my little ones at www.doublevlegacyfarms.com.

Our fence for their pasture areas is only electric fence and we have no issues with them escaping. we use @"pvc pipe with drilled holes and threaded high tensile wire on the bottom, at 6:, and poly fence wire every 12" from there for a total of 4 strands. works great.

on our farm our pigs are the favorites and everyone enjoys going down to feed, handle and work with the pigs. dont be afraid of pigs, respect their size and handle them often and you should be able to do fine. If you get an agressive one I suggest sending it on down the road to the butcher and trying again for a more gentle herd.