Advice - Keeping pigs?

**_Gina_** · 6th May 2007, 21:34

We have a decent size pig pen and are going through the process of trying to figure out what breed of pig/s to keep and some of the pro's and con's of keeping them.

Any advice from ppl who have kept pigs before would be much appreciated.

We have enough room to keep three or four pigs, but have not yet decided whether to keep them for pork/bacon only or to get a male and female to breed and sell the offspring.......

G

**Curious_AJ** · 6th May 2007, 21:49

well, i'd say, get some to breed and sell the offspring... as im a vege...

further in my studies i could help you out.. sorry i cant right now coz i dont know that much about pigs yet.. but soon, hopefully my vet nursing course will help me in that area at least a little...

**Mom** · 6th May 2007, 22:02

Originally Posted by girlygirl

We have a decent size pig pen and are going through the process of trying to figure out what breed of pig/s to keep and some of the pro's and con's of keeping them.

Any advice from ppl who have kept pigs before would be much appreciated.

We have enough room to keep three or four pigs, but have not yet decided whether to keep them for pork/bacon only or to get a male and female to breed and sell the offspring.......

G

Tamworth pigs are cute.........and make good pork as well.........Great white are not so pretty but make hell bacon and ham. I cant believe I am saying this really cos I love pigs. I have kept pigs and warn you they are extremely intelligent and will out manouver you every way they can. They need to have a warm, draught free place to sleep, that is really important, they love to play, so give them a tyre on a rope to swing around, a pallet to push around the pen. Keep the pen really clean, believe it or not pigs hate to be dirty, they will generally use one place as a toilet so it is easy to keep the pen clean. Give them access to the dirt so they can root (bring it on you rude people) around and make a wallow. If you get weaner boars make sure you get them castrated young as they become unmanagable if they are too big. Breed Kuni kuni and sell the offspring, they are really, really cute and make good pets........anything else? Did I mention I love pigs!

**Hitcher** · 6th May 2007, 22:10

Have a chat with your local Council about the regulations that apply to keeping pigs. You will need to complete Animal Status Declaration forms and other paperwork. There are also regulations that apply to the feeding of pigs and the disposal of waste, etc.

Also make sure you have access to a veterinarian who is familiar with pigs.

**_Gina_** · 6th May 2007, 22:20

Thanks guys for the feedback!

We are zoned Rural, so are allowed to house pigs without applying for a permit or such.

And thx, Mom, I love pigs too...have researched a little bit and get the feeling that they are not dissimilar to cats with their need to have a clean place to deficate and that they like to have their pen cleaned in the evening.

I once lived on a rural property where the pet pig was more like a dog than a pig. He was an absolute hardcase character and I would ideally like to have a pig that was interactive.

**Curious_AJ** · 6th May 2007, 22:23

most rural vets would be plenty familiar with pigs....

**_Gina_** · 6th May 2007, 22:26

Originally Posted by Curious_AJ

most rural vets would be plenty familiar with pigs....

Yeah our vets visit the property to drench and worm our animals as we have a cow, pony, sheep. lamb and three cats

**tri boy** · 6th May 2007, 22:36

Originally Posted by girlygirl

We have a decent size pig pen and are going through the process of trying to figure out what breed of pig/s to keep and some of the pro's and con's of keeping them.

Any advice from ppl who have kept pigs before would be much appreciated.

We have enough room to keep three or four pigs

I've heard that the British bobbys are well behaved, but havn't got very good personal hygiene.
The French scrub up very well if you wish to "show" them, but have a arrogant air about them in day to day sty living.
If you want my humble opinion, stick with the run of the mill Kiwi "plod". Theyr'e quite well behaved, but sometimes are known to harass the female of the species.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

**Curious_AJ** · 6th May 2007, 23:13

Originally Posted by girlygirl

Yeah our vets visit the property to drench and worm our animals as we have a cow, pony, sheep. lamb and three cats

wow, i'd love to have animals... sadly i dont own any as im still living with my folks and they dont want any pets

it would be lovely to have a german shepherd or a border terrier or a nice cat....

but when i move out, i'll be sure to get animals.. I love them... and one day i will be nursing them back to health...

**What?** · 7th May 2007, 07:16

Don't go into breeding pigs with a plan to make money - you won't.
But running a couple for the freezer? - not a bad option if you have a good supply of cheap (free) food.