transitioning to self-feeder

[dbyron]

I'm pretty new to pig raising. This is my third year raising feeder pigs. Up to now, I've used those black round tubs to feed them and I put out food twice a day. This year we got a few more pigs than in the past (still a small herd: 5 pigs instead of 3) and they are fighting alot more over the food. So, today I bought a self-feeder for them. They are now 5 months old (Tamworths). If I put out food in the self-feeder, will they self-regulate or do I need to worry that they will overeat themselves sick, since they are accustomed to having food restricted and only available on a schedule? My plan is to put out food in the bowls and the self-feeder at feeding time tomorrow, but any advice you have on transitioning them to the self feeder would be appreciated. I can still return the self-feeder if this is a bad idea. Thank you so much for your help! I'm glad I found this forum.

 

[jhm47]

Pigs very rarely overeat. In all my years of raising pigs, I never saw one that did.

 

[SuburbanFarmChic]

You may have them 'pig out' for the first couple meals but pigs are smart and will quickly figure out that the food is there all the time.

 

[dbyron]

Wow, thanks so much for the quick answers! Hope I can reciprocate some time.