When making your plans, also keep in mind that pigs tend to relieve themselves near their water supply. Because of this, you should plan to put the water supply on the far end of the pen, away from their food and shelter. If you have a barn with empty stalls in it, you can consider raising your pigs inside the barn. Just keep in mind that you will have to haul the manure they produce out of the barn.
A movable electric fence is a good option for pigs that will be used to pasture other parts of a farm or land, and will be herded in and out of the pen.
Remember to leave a partial opening under the eaves of the structure so that heat can escape during the hotter months of the year. One way to provide shade is to secure shade cloth to the top of the pen to block sun. In the winter, you should put hay down inside the shelter that your smaller pigs can warm themselves in.
Place fresh layer of sand at the bottom of your wallow when you first dig it. Add fresh dirt when needed. Note that you have to keep the wallow clean as some pigs will use the wallow as a bathroom. Do not toss food in the wallow, keep it filled with water and to reduce flies and possibility of illness, do not throw food in it. Mud also helps reduce the risk of pigs getting lice, allows them to root (dig up the ground; something they really enjoy doing) and keeps their skin in good condition. Pigs will stress in heat and this can trigger heat related heart attacks. If you do not have room for a wallow, then use large kids’ play pools for pigs to lay in.
Garden lime is used to mark lines on football fields so its safe for humans and pets. In fact it’s the main ingredient in Sweet PDZ used to freshen horse stalls. If you can’t find lime, you can use gypsum, but it won’t smell as fresh.
Keep in mind that if you go to a pig sale where multiple breeders are showing their pigs, the pigs will probably be rather stressed out. They also become more susceptible to sickness.
Tubs are fine but they need constant refills in summer, same with troughs. There are several inexpensive water troughs for pigs that use hook up to a water source and regulate the water via float system.
Keep in mind that things that are poisonous to humans (like rhubarb leaves or certain berries) are also poisonous to pigs. You should also avoid feeding your pig raw potatoes and raw meat, as both can be poisonous or carry bad bacteria. Some professional pig farmers think it is best to boil any ‘human’ food that you are planning on giving to your pigs. Doing this will guard your piggies against any bad bacteria that the food might contain.
These are typically rectangular in shape (30” x 48”) with cutouts across the top and sides. They are inexpensive at feed stores and online. You can make your own using a piece of wood the size mentioned and attach handles.
