How to Be a Hog Farmer
Being a hog or pig farmer isn't so hard once you know what you are doing. It takes practice raising a few before doing the job permanently. Once the skill is learned, raising hogs is something anyone with the resources can do.
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Instructions
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Own a big enough farm or acquire one. Depending on how many hogs you plan to have will decide how much space you need. You need at least 100 square feet per hog for them to live comfortably.
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Put up a good sturdy fence. It can be wood but must be at least 2 by 6 beams since hogs and pigs can break through thinner woods. This can happen when there is a sow in heat confined in the fence or the sow is trying to get out to a boar for mating. A goat wire fence can be used but an electric fencing line can also be used so the hogs don't break out of it.
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A shelter is needed with hogs and pigs, especially ones with fair skin. They can burn in sunlight if left without shade for too long. If you plan to breed your hogs, shelter is especially important for the sow and piglets.
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Make a pond or other watering system for your hogs. They need fresh water more than other animals at all times.
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Have the proper feed for your hogs. Swine require a lot of corn but also need other nutrients. Feed can be bought in bulk if you plan to have a large farm. If you plan to breed your hogs, sows and weaning piglets need more nutrition to stay healthy.
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Raise your pigs to the size you want for butchering.
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Tips & Warnings
When thinking of your watering system, don't use tubs as the hogs will tip them over to wallow in mud. If you do decide to use tubs, fill them at least 2 to 3 times a day.
A hog feeder can save time and have less waste than normal feeding.
If you don't plan on butchering on site, look from the beginning for someone to do it for you. Make arrangements in advance for getting the hog to the butcher.
Watch your hogs for problems. If they stop eating, there is a major problem and you need to get your hogs checked out right away.
