How to Raise Pigs to Slaughter

Raising pigs can be a profitable business. What you need to know are conditions and costs. Make sure that the temperature doesn't rise above 70 degrees for them, or drop below 60. The approximate cost of raising a pig to market value is $200 to $300. A big, ready-for-the-slaughter pig should weigh no more than 250 pounds.

Things You'll Need

• Ark for housing, or other housing facility
• Hay
• Wood chips
• Feed
• Watering trough
• Water filter

Instructions

1. Buy housing for pigs. Pigs need well-ventilated housing and something that stays dry. See our Resources section for recommendations. Pigs also need hay and wood chips to sleep on.

2. Provide hay. Pigs are not thought of as nesting animals, but they are. For this reason, provide them with plenty of hay. Pigs are considered dirty animals because of cartoons and other images, but they are rather clean. They don't defecate or urinate in their living quarters, so cleaning their area is not a disgusting job, and it's pretty simple-a good sweeping will do it. It's important to not let the hay supply run out since nesting is a part of pigs' nature.

3. Fence them in. When pigs are outside of their housing area, they'll want to explore and root around the ground, so they'll need to be fenced in to stay in their area.

4. Feed them. A 50-pound bag of feed will last two growing pigs about a week. They'll probably need a bit more as they grow bigger.

5. Provide pigs with clean, filtered water. Pigs are clean animals. It is important they have clean water. If not, they are at risk for infections and diseases.

Resources

• Pig Paradise sells housing called arks that sit above the ground so floor remains dry.