Pig pen location

[craftymama86]

Hey everyone! I've been browsing about here and there learning what I can about pigs. My hubby and his family had pigs when he was little but other than that this will be OUR first pig. I know I've heard it's best to get two, supposedly, but hubby really only wants one for now. It'll be a feeder and if I could remember the breed I would share that, lol. Anyways, on to my question. Our property is about 2 acres, but soon we will be building a house which will sit maybe 10-20 feet from a fenced area where a couple burros were kept. I was planning on putting the pig pin at that part of the fenced area but I'm wondering if the noise would stress the pig out? If so, we could place it farther about, maybe, 30ft away. It's hard to describe but if that made any sense, I'd really appreciate some advice. We're making plans to build the pen possibly next week so I really need to decide on where to put it.... Whew, ok, TIA!

 

[Ferguson K]

Noise doesn't really bother my pigs. All of my pig pens are in my horse pasture. We are getting ready to run plumbing out there, it's tiresome and tedious walking water out there every day.

My potbellies are close enough too drag a hose to, they also don't smell as bad. Posts are messy animals and like to tear things up. Make sure your fence is nice and right. How big are you planning on building it?

I reiterate that pigs can be smelly, you mentioned the pen being close to the house. I don't recommend it. Between the flies and the noise (from the pigs) you may put them just a smidge further out.

I love our pigs, but I'm glad the full sizes hogs are all the way out there. The boar likes to stand front feet on the wire and scream at us if he wants attenrion. My AGH and my PB are closer to the house, but not nearly as needy.

 

[Baymule]

The pic of your boar is so funny @Ferguson K !!! I agree, pigs can get smelly and you don't want them too close to the house.

 

[Ferguson K]

My tired brain made many typos.

 

[craftymama86]

I was going to make it a 10x10 but since the hog panels at TS are 16ft then it'll be 8x8 so we only have to buy 2 panels, ASSUMING we can bend them, lol. I wish they weren't so expensive, or if there was a difference fencing option that would work. Anyways... The problem with putting the pen further down the fence is it's out in the open, no trees for natural shade, unless I put it in the far corner but there's a different fence back there and I was hoping to utilize the good fencing as added security, for lack of better words, lol.

 

[Latestarter]

Ummm just a thought here... 8x8 is a pretty small enclosure and with only one pig, he's gonna get pretty bored, pretty fast, along with pretty cramped, which might lead to pretty exaggerated behaviors, pretty quickly, which could become pretty destructive, as he gets pretty big... also, no real room for exercise which means he's gonna carry more fat/lard than lean meat...

Might want to consider springing for one more cattle panel and make the pen 8x16' Take one and cut it in half (grinding wheel or torch) for the two 8' ends. And you really should think about a pig partner for the one. It might save you a bunch of aggravation... Just a few thoughts. Good luck and share some pics when you get it all ion place please!

 

[craftymama86]

From all I've seen so far 10x10 is a pretty decent size for one, so I didn't think 8x8 would be too bad. But I do like your idea. And fat isn't too much of a concern, I make soap and will be rendering the lard to use for soap.

As far as how many pigs, hubby is pretty set on one. I think if all goes well and we decide to do it again next year then two may be a possibility. My hubby is disabled so that may contribute to why he only wants one right now, two might be overwhelming.

 

[babsbag]

I only raised pigs once and my pen was 10 x 16 and it seemed like a good size. I raised two and honestly it was absolutely no more trouble than raising one. I raise all my animals in pairs...just the way I am wired I guess.

 

[craftymama86]

I only raised pigs once and my pen was 10 x 16 and it seemed like a good size. I raised two and honestly it was absolutely no more trouble than raising one. I raise all my animals in pairs...just the way I am wired I guess.

Double the feed cost though right? We live on a low fixed income so that may be another reason he just wants one to start. I don't know, lol.

 

[Baymule]

Do you have garden? You could plant veggies to supplement the pig feed. Squash, corn, even garden trimmings would be happily consumed by a pig. I second the bigger pen idea. When you cut a cow panel in half, you don't get two 8' pieces, but more like 7' plus a few inches. You are cutting out one square hole. I use bolt cutters, 24" handles, for cutting fence wire and cow panels.