the other forum pages consistently have new posts. i eagerly look for new pig posts to read ( i hope to have pigs one day). days, many days go by & no one says anything. so much to learn & nobody's talking.
people raising pigs don't talk much
- Thread starter bj taylor
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WhiteMountainsRanch
Loving the herd life
Yes, I have, unfortunately, come to this conclusion too. And it's too bad because I want to talk piggies!
AshleyFishy
Loving the herd life
I find my pigs are just so low maintenance and non problematic that there really isn't much to talk about with them. 
Four Winds Ranch
Loving the herd life
What do you want to know? Ask away!!! 
secuono
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Yup, that and it seems pig farmers aren't much for forums.AshleyFishy said:I find my pigs are just so low maintenance and non problematic that there really isn't much to talk about with them.
- Thread starter
- #7
I want to learn more about the pros & cons of breeds. I want to learn more about pigs being pastured w/other livestock - is it ever safe? I want to learn what they need for winter & how their birthing goes. the questions go on and on. I also want to see pictures - they're so wonderful looking.
the not so sweet aspect I want to know about is harvesting your own pigs vs a processor. gosh, it'd hard to think of all the questions - there's so much to learn and so much to know.
I wish people would just talk about how it all works - the good and the bad and why you did what you did. did it turn out right or do you thing you would do it different.
the not so sweet aspect I want to know about is harvesting your own pigs vs a processor. gosh, it'd hard to think of all the questions - there's so much to learn and so much to know.
I wish people would just talk about how it all works - the good and the bad and why you did what you did. did it turn out right or do you thing you would do it different.
they can be pastured with other livestock, but you'll need to have a hot wire with your fence, and a good livestock guard dog (raised with pigs, goats, sheep, etc.) pigs are actually very clean animals when raised on pasture. they will only use one area as a "bathroom". they get a bad rap for being filthy because they are often raised in such a small area. when given a choice, they wont poop where they eat and sleep.
pigs do carry diseases that can infect other livestock, like brucellosis, psuedorabies and anthrax. make sure all animals are healthy before you co-mingle species. also, make sure wild hogs aren't prevalent in your area, or you wont be able to keep disease out of your herd if they're on pasture.
pigs do carry diseases that can infect other livestock, like brucellosis, psuedorabies and anthrax. make sure all animals are healthy before you co-mingle species. also, make sure wild hogs aren't prevalent in your area, or you wont be able to keep disease out of your herd if they're on pasture.
AshleyFishy
Loving the herd life
Ok the bad stuff first.
Pigs can be very dangerous. I got rid of a biting duroc not to long ago for that reason. They are powerful and fast moving. They will eat you if they feel like it. They can be hard on fencing, hot wire is a must. They eat a fair amount and poop about the same amount. I would not trust any pig larger than a mini potbelly in with other livestock.
The good stuff.
They are tasty. most pigs aren't going to be hell on the hoof. They eat anything. Great for plowing up a garden.
As for processing I use a processor. It is just easier for me. I can't imagine handling and cutting up something that size.
Things I wish I knew when I first got my pigs.
Don't bother with show stock or care about purebred. Get them young and raise them right. Don't bother with potbellies/kunekune/wild unless you will be processing your own meat.
Pigs can be very dangerous. I got rid of a biting duroc not to long ago for that reason. They are powerful and fast moving. They will eat you if they feel like it. They can be hard on fencing, hot wire is a must. They eat a fair amount and poop about the same amount. I would not trust any pig larger than a mini potbelly in with other livestock.
The good stuff.
They are tasty.
most pigs aren't going to be hell on the hoof. They eat anything. Great for plowing up a garden. As for processing I use a processor. It is just easier for me. I can't imagine handling and cutting up something that size.
Things I wish I knew when I first got my pigs.
Don't bother with show stock or care about purebred. Get them young and raise them right. Don't bother with potbellies/kunekune/wild unless you will be processing your own meat.
