Congratulations You have decided to grow your own pig....
A pigs needs are simple:
food:
While it is true that pigs will eat most anything, it does not mean they should. You get out what you put in. If you feed them nutritious food you get meat that is not only better for you it taste better too. We feed our pigs sprouted or soaked whole grains. fruits and vegetables are great for them as well as eggs and milk. We provide fruits and vegetables as they are available. Most people will let you take their fallen apples or pick the remaining fruit from their trees once they are done harvesting what they want. After Halloween pumpkin patches are a great way to get a few pumpkins for cheap. The pigs LOVE them.you can buy comercial pig food at your local farm store. start with pig starter then around 70lbs switch to grower. When your pig is the desiered weight put it on finisher for a month before butchering. However pre-mixed pig feed is generally made with antibiotics, growth hormones and animal by-products, and is designed to promote fast growth.Pigs love to graze, and get a lot of what they need nutritionally from grass, roots and other plants. They do, however, tend to tear up pasture quickly, Pigs can be supplemented with alfalfa or grass hay. Treats and leftovers are always a favorite for pigs. To ensure a properly balanced diet, do not use leftovers as the main food source. Do not feed corncobs, whole potatoes or other large, hard foods that can cause a pig to choke.
A place to cool off:
pigs do not have sweat glands so they need water or mud to cool them selves. The mud also works as sunscreen. A pig can die if it can not cool its self. They do not need anything fancy a mud hole or a sprinkler work great. pigs sunburn so don't forget shade.
Water:
.Clean water should be available at all times! if you water with a tub having clean water is easier said then done as your pig will delight in bathing and dumping their water tub. We have found it easier to use a barrel or a troth with a nipple attachment. You can find them at most farm stores
Shelter:
Unlike most animals pigs do not have a furry coat to keep them warm. It is extremely important to give them a warm dry place to sleep. It is cruel not to provide shelter. Also provide dry straw. Pigs love to burrow in the straw and it keeps them warm. Pigs will not defecate in their "house" so keeping it clean is easy! just add more straw every now and then as the existing straw breaks down. Above is a example of a cheap, easy but warm shelter made of straw that we use in smileys Pasture.
Keep in mind:
pigs are social animals they will be happier and grow faster if they have another pig with them. while you may not want two pigs so talk to friends and neighbors maybe they would like to raise one with yours. A faster growing pig = more money saved. worming: we suggest ivomectrin wormer when you purchase your pig and 40 days before butcher..
While your pigs ultimate destination is your freezer it does not mean its needs should be neglected while it lives.