How to Choose a Pig for Show

Looking for a show pig? Choose a breed with good body structure and one that matches your personal preference.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Feed Bucket Holders
• Feed Buckets
• Pig Dusting Powders
• Pig Feed
• Animal Water Buckets

1. Look for an active pig with sound muscle tone and straight legs and body.

2. Analyze the pig's health. Avoid purchasing one that is lame or has a rough hair coat, dull eyes, a cough, or diarrhea.

3. Look for a pig with a sleek hair coat, tightly curled tail and bright eyes.

4. Choose a pig that will have the proper weight in time for the fair. The ideal weight at most fairs is 200 to 240 lbs.

5. Look at the pig's mother if you can. The sow's body structure will help you visualize what your piglet will look like as an adult.

6. Talk to your 4-H leader or county agricultural agent about pig sales or private breeders for hints on where to look for your perfect pig.

Tips & Warnings

• Healthy pigs gain from 1.5 to almost 2 lbs. a day if fed properly. Multiply the number of days to the fair by 1.6 to find out how many pounds the pig can gain by fair time.
• If this is your first time raising a pig, don't be afraid to question other exhibitors, breeders, extension office personnel, or farmers about their personal preferences and experience.
• Watch your pig closely when you first bring him home. The stress of hauling your pig can cause eating problems and sickness.
• If your pig shows signs of being sick, contact your veterinarian immediately.

[haleyrose]

on 10/16/2009 this years gonna be my first time showing a pig. with all of these great replies, i know I'll pick a great one!

[rlewis60]

on 9/19/2008 I will be raising 3 pigs this year. 2 for my granddaughters and 1 for our 4h club. Should I keep them separate or together. Last year I had 2 together. One did real well but bullied the other one.I guess I could put in 3 feeders to insure they all eat right. Bob

[IknowPigs]

on 1/20/2007 Hogs just like dogs will grow to love you.If there is no piglet that likes you in the begining, Don't worry.When you are picking a piglet look at structure.Do you see a limp?Does it appear sick?Is it the runt of the litter?If so it WONT be a good show hog.Is the hog straight?Do you see a good walking posture?Does it have bright eyes?If so than YES it could become a great show pig with proper training,nutrition,and most importanat LOVE!

on 8/8/2006 Pigs are smarter than dogs. So treat them with respect. They love you just like a dog would.

on 8/8/2006 When choosing a hog around 3-4 months of age, there are several simple things to look for: Can you see the shoulder blades when the hog walks? If you can, that's a plus. This shows that there isn't a lot of cover on the shoulder; always a plus. Is there dimples in the hams, and a dimple above the tails root? This is very important in a good hog. Another good thing is structural soundness. Does the hog walk free, and easy ,and stand tall and straight? if it does good choice. And the last simple thing to look for is is the hog long in body and lean on top. this is one of the most basic things judges look for in a market hog. I've shown market and show hogs for over 8 years, going on 9. I know what judges are looking for. If you pick a hog with these characteristics, you should do excellent!!