How to Use Pigs to Remove Stumps
Removing tree stumps can be a difficult, back-breaking job. If they are removed by hand, stumps must be dug out, ground down or chopped to pieces. Otherwise, stumps are typically removed by being pried out of the ground with a tractor or a backhoe. Sometimes black powder is used to blast stumps loose, which can be an extremely dangerous operation. A much easier way to accomplish the same job is to use pigs to dig out the stumps for you. A pig is a natural rototiller and will happily use its snout to dig out stumps and roots all day long.
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Instructions
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Fence a small area around the stump to be removed. If you have a lot of stumps, don't try to fence them all in at once. Your pigs will do better in an area that is not too large, so they can work on the stumps that need to be removed. How big an area you fence in depends on how many pigs you have and how big they are.
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Place shelter and water for the pigs inside the pen. If the weather is cold they need a place where they can get inside to get warm, but otherwise a roof that provides shade and protection from the rain is adequate.
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Put some corn in among the roots of the stumps. If there are no natural dips or hollows, dig out an area -- it doesn't have to be very deep -- and put corn down in it. The pigs will naturally dig up the soil around the stump when rooting for the corn. This will cause them to begin to dig up the roots.
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Add corn to the holes around the stumps every day or two. The pigs will begin to work their way in under the stumps and uncover the roots in their quest for corn. As they uncover the roots they will generally eat them. This helps to further loosen the stumps.
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Move the pigs to a new section of land once they have uprooted all of the stumps in the first area. Repeat the process of placing corn in and around the stumps in the new section. Haul off or burn the loose stumps from the original pen.
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Tips & Warnings
Using an electric fence is best for keeping your pigs confined. You can also run a strand of electric wire around a regular fence, about 6 to 8 inches from the ground.
Make sure your pigs are protected from predators, especially when they are small. Also be sure they have continual access to shelter and water. Check with your local extension service to make sure the stumps are not poisonous to pigs.
References
- Photo Credit happy pigs sleeping in mud image by StarJumper from Fotolia.com
