Different Ways Of Feeding Pigs

Panda Girl

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Feb 2, 2021
Messages
11
Reaction score
8
Points
14
Hey, so I want to get pigs. I will probably get two pigs and from there go on to breed and butcher, I have not done very much research yet so I am still trying to figure some of this stuff! But anyway I want to feed them at the lowest cost to me, and possibly let the pigs feed themselves, if that is a thing. Is that a thing? Thank you for all input. Also, if there is a breed that is good at finding there on food please let me know! Thanks!
 

Baymule

Herd Master
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
33,092
Reaction score
98,654
Points
873
Location
East Texas
Pigs are like any other farm animal. You get back what you put in. Feral hogs are real good at finding their own food, they are also extremely destructive, mean and generally don’t grow very big. Nobody feeds or cares for them.
Get a couple of feeder pigs in the spring and feed them a good quality pig pellet, free feed. I feed mine in a bin feeder, all they want. I finish them on soured corn.
If you want them to grow, feed them and feed them well, then slaughter. You can grow things in the garden for them, they will enjoy the fresh vegetables. But you will still have to feed them.
Do you plan on slaughtering and processing them yourself? Check with slaughter facilities in your area, most of them in my area are booked out a year or more ahead of time. Since Covid showed up, it’s hard to get a slaughter date.
 

Simpleterrier

True BYH Addict
Joined
Nov 20, 2016
Messages
534
Reaction score
1,186
Points
233
Location
North central Ohio
Don't jump in to anything. Do your research start small try one type of livestock first. If u are worried about a food or meat shortage look at smaller options first I saw u were interested in feeding cows. Maybe try chickens geese or rabbits first. Then goats or sheep. Hogs and cows can make a mess of u and everything and destroy relationships. If u are looking for a cheaper option u can't do it. Time is money and energy is money not to say money is money. Unless u have knowledge and equipment for animals it cost to get started
 

Panda Girl

Exploring the pasture
Joined
Feb 2, 2021
Messages
11
Reaction score
8
Points
14
yes, i already have some farm animals and have many friends who have farms as well and so have some experience ! thank you!
 

Alaskan

Herd Master
Joined
May 9, 2017
Messages
5,366
Reaction score
12,588
Points
553
Location
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
I have pigs... no idea how you would feed them for free...

If you have wild pigs in the area... just harvest those.

You can slightly reduce feed costs by giving them whatever food you have extra of, but they still eat a bunch.
 

Mini Horses

Herd Master
Joined
Sep 4, 2015
Messages
9,291
Reaction score
29,340
Points
728
Location
S coastal VA
Pigs eat grass as well. I used to keep an area of high producing grass and cut a couple strips each day, into a bag catcher system. Then dumped it just cut into them. They also got pellets but didn't need as much due to grass and extra veg from garden. I used AGH pigs. Slower growing but, also smaller to butcher. Worked well. I stopped due to not wanting the rooting! Rooting is a pig thing!! I just didn't want it.
 

Latest posts

Top