Housing Pigs - Consider These 3 Critical Factors Before Raising Pigs

Housing pigs is a difficult yet rewarding decision for every one in the family. If you must begin, usually you have to purchase weaned piglets at only 68 weeks. They are usually raised to a market weight, around 200-250 pounds, once they have reached 6 months. You may also need to consider their health and condition such as having good features which include a smooth hair coat, pink-colored skin and alertness. Feeder pigs must weigh around 40 pounds during your purchase. Once you're done with getting one, consider these 3 factors before housing pigs:

Firstly, you need to have an adequate supply of water. A pig is capable of drinking 24 gallons of water each day. Therefore, some fresh and clean water should be readily available at all times. Although various automatic waterers are available in the market, a simple tub of water would be sufficient. However, you need to check these watering systems regularly, most importantly when the weather is warm. In addition, if you would opt to have a water tub instead of the automatic waterer, make sure that it is secured firmly as the pigs will tend to root beneath it and spill its contents.

Secondly, management is one of the most important factors in housing pigs. Pigs will be clean if you keep them clean. Manage their homes by providing an area designated for eating, sleeping and eliminating their waste. If you keep them inside the house, leave a space for bedding that will be utilized for placing their wastes. If outside their pen, the pig may establish its own preference. Moreover, removing manure from pen regularly will keep the pen dry and reduce odors, so you must consistently keep your manure covered to keep it out of rain. The composted pig manure is an excellent material to be added in garden soils. Needless to mention in housing pigs, you must also be considerate of your neighbors especially when it comes to the manure storage areas.

Lastly, before you consider housing pigs, the place where your pig must stay should be readily prepared. Pigs must be protected from various elements. During cold weather, pigs are more comfortable in a dry place which will keep them protected from the wind and getting cold while during warm weather they need a place that is protected from the sun. Keep in mind that pigs only have a snout wherein they could release sweat, the reason that they get sunburned easily. Overall, in housing pigs you need to initially choose a healthy piglet which is at an average weight. Next, you must consider their food, water and shelter. Lastly, you need to give them a good place to stay wherein they could live healthily and remain protected at all times.