How to Take Care of a Feeder Hog

Raising a feeder hog can be a rewarding experience of young and old alike.

Raising a feeder hog can provide a family with ample meat. It can also offer a learning experience for a child who wants to undertake the responsibility of a 4-H project, earn extra money or for the sense of accomplishment that the process brings. Raising a feeder pig takes approximately four months to accomplish. When purchasing a feeder pig, make sure it weighs approximately 50 lbs. to have the best chance of success at putting on ideal weight.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Heat lamp
• Blankets
• Hog feeder
• Water dispenser
• Grower food
• Finisher food
• Commercial mister

Instructions

1. Provide a pen that provides up to 4 feet of living space for the piglet. As the pig grows it will require approximately 10 square feet of living space. The area should provide shelter from the rain and wind.

2. Place a heat lamp in the pig's shelter. A 50-lb. feeder pig can become sick if chilled. The pig requires a temperature of 70 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. As the pig grows, it will be able to withstand colder temperatures. When the pig reaches 215 lbs. it prefers a temperature range of 50 to 75 F.

3. Lay a blanket on the floor of the pen for a young pig to snuggle into during the cold night. Most pigs enjoy old blankets to keep warm.

4. Feed the pig a commercial grower diet until it reaches 125 lbs. Switch to the commercial finisher pig food after the pig weighs 125 lbs. Follow the directions on the commercial feed's label to determine how much to feed the pig.

5. Provide a nonstop supply of fresh water daily. The pig should never run out of water.

6. Clean the pig's pen daily. Scoop out the excrement and any areas of wetness. Replace with dry sawdust or straw. Keep the area clean.

7. Install a commercial mister in one corner of the pig's pen if the temperature tops 82 degrees. The mister will help keep the pig comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, the pig will gain from 1.5 to 1.8 lbs. per day.

• Groom a pig that will be shown every few days. Brush it, bathe it, and trim its hair so it becomes accustomed to the entire process.

• Teach your pig to walk in the direction you want with a cane. Never hit the pig or poke the pig. Simply direct it with the cane.

• Use heat lamps with caution. Follow the directions on the label for use. Keep away from dry straw or other substances.

• Worm the pig two weeks after purchase. Follow the directions on the worm medication. Continue to maintain a regular worming schedule. Follow the advice of a veterinarian to determine the ideal schedule for the particular region of the country the pig resides in.

• Some pigs may require lice treatment. Consult a veterinarian to determine if the pig suffers from lice and for the best treatment protocol.

References

• Oregon State University; Caring For New Feeder Pigs; G. Pirelli; Oct. 2003
• Oklahoma State University; Buying and Managing Feeder Pigs; William G Luce, et al.
• Goats 4H: Pig Information
• Cherokee Animal Hospital: Swine Raising Hogs
• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; 4-H and Youth Swine Projects

Resources

• Mt Baker School District; Raising Pigs Information Sheet