We want pigs....HELP!

[balluba03]

we are considering getting 3 or 4 pigs for meat this fall. We had some basic questions that hopefully you guys can answer.
How much space will 4 pigs need in the winter? (will one horse stall work, or should I open it up to two?) Do they go outside in the snow and cold?
Do they need any vaccinations? What should I feed them? Slop? Feed from TSC?
How do I know when they're ready for butcher?
All Males vs females - will they breed before I can butcher them?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[drdoolittle]

I would use at least 2 horse stalls for 4 pigs. If overcrowded, they could fight and injure each other. My pigs are in nice large pens (for pots) and just have a house to go into-----stuffed with straw and surrounded by straw bales in winter. They do spend time out in the snow when it's not too freezing cold.

I do not vaccinate mine. The pig feed from TSC is fine.

I don't know about full-size hogs, but I am planning on butchering my pots at 9 mos. or so----but really based on how big they are.

Yes, they will breed if the males are intact----but I would suggest only having castrated males to raise for meat.

If you want, I can post pics. of my pigs' pens and houses.