Table of Contents
When raising a grower pig, you will need to purchase a weaned piglet from a farm or breeder. These piglets are usually about 8 weeks old (50-60lbs) and have just been weaned from their mother’s milk. Finishing the pig will take about 4-6 months so the best time to get started is early spring-mid summer.
How long does it take for a pig to be ready for slaughter?
Most pig farmers buy “weaners,” piglets about two or three months old that are no longer reliant on their mother’s milk; they then raise the pigs to slaughter weight (typically about 250 pounds), which on factory-style farms is attained by the time they’re 6 months old.
How much does it cost to raise a pig?
Finished hanging weight was approximately 150 pounds per pig, which means about $2.50 per pound hanging weight. Local farms charge $4 per pound hanging weight, and then charge the buyer for slaughtering and butchering fees on top of that. The same pig, purchased from a local farm would have cost around $600.
How long does it take to raise a pastured pig?
The time to reach this weight can range, on average, from seven to 10 months depending upon the breed and grass-to-feed ratio in the pig’s diet. Large Black pigs can take up to a year or more to reach the desired size. By comparison, hogs raised commercially can reach slaughter weight in around six months.
How much does a pig eat in 6 months?
-It will take roughly 5 to 6 months to raise a pig from birth to a finish weight of around 250 pounds. -A pig will eat an average of 6 to 8 pounds of feed per day. In our case the feed is an unmedicated mixed ration of corn and soybeans.
How hard is it to raise pigs?
They are hearty, simple to raise and produce an extreme amount of meat in an amazingly short amount of time. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to raise pigs, look no further! Easy, Fun, Cute I think pigs are one of the easiest farm animals to raise.
Can pigs live on grass alone?
Although it’s OK to keep your pet pigs in your home some of the time, they should spend much of the day in a large, grassy field. During this time, most pigs will readily graze. Although they can eat grass, most pigs can’t live on grass alone.
Is it cheaper to raise your own pigs?
If you are thinking about raising hogs, to make it a good investment, here are some things to keep in mind: 1. It is much cheaper to free range your hogs than to continuously purchase grains. It would be ideal to have a nice sized pasture to let them forage on, plus a garden to supplement their diet.
How many acres do you need for a pig?
In “The Homestead Hog” it states that 25-35 pigs per acre is a good rule of thumb. I use the lower figure of 25 per acre just to be safe and give them a lot of room to root. This means that you can put 8-9 pigs on a ¼ acre. A single pig can be raised in a lot as small as 34′ x 34′.
Are pigs a good investment?
Pigs can be good investments for small farms, but the best type for your operation depends on factors such as space and what cuts of meat you most want. Once referred to as “mortgage lifters” to struggling farmers for their potential profitability, pigs are some impressive livestock.
Can you raise pigs on just pasture?
Young, growing pigs need lots of protein. They can be raised on pasture, but they will need to get a large portion of their diets from a complete ration.
Do pigs destroy your yard?
Foraging pigs can quickly destroy a small backyard space and will need additional food to ensure their proper growth. While pigs in the backyard may be a viable option for those with larger spaces and prior experience, many homeowners may find the cost of raising swine to be overwhelming.
How much land do you need for 10 pigs?
If you are using a full acre of land, with 10 pigs, your stocking rate is 10 pigs per acre, as is your stocking density. But if you are rotationally grazing that acre by dividing it into ¼-acre paddocks, your stocking rate will be the same (10 pigs per acre) while your stocking density will change.
How old do pigs live to?
How many times should you bathe a pig?
Bathing: Pigs are so naturally clean that baths are required only occasionally. That’s not to say your pig cannot enjoy more frequent bathing.
How heavy is a 4 month old pig?
Growing Pig Daily Feed & Water intake. Age of Pig (weeks) Weight Feed Consumption per day (kg) 4 7.0 kg 0.35 6 12.0 kg 0.75 8 21.0 kg 1.0.
How long do pigs live before slaughter?
When allowed to live out their natural lives, pigs live for an average of 10-15 years, but factory farmed pigs are sent to slaughter after just six months of life.
What is the cheapest way to feed pigs?
One of the cheapest ways to feed your pigs is to find a day-old bread store or your local bakery. Some bakeries will sell you their day-old products extremely cheap or for free just to get them out of their way.
What do pigs need in their pen?
Food, water, shelter, space, and a way to keep cool. These are the essentials for all pigs, regardless of size, breed, or purpose. Basic guidelines can set you on the road to building the ideal pen for your pets or livestock, though research on specific breed requirements is always recommended.
