What are the Cons of Pigs on a Homestead

In general, the cons of pigs on a homestead include space requirements, odor, health concerns, and destructive behaviors. However, there are several other factors that are cons to raising pigs. While raising pigs on a homestead can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides.

Space and Basic Needs

How much space does one pig need?

Pigs do not require a lot of space, but they like to move around and need exercise to maintain their muscle. On average, one pig will need 6 square feet, with 4 of the square feet covered to protect them from the elements. 

However, pigs enjoy the enrichment of foraging and playing in open spaces. Providing a pig with space to run and root up the ground is important for their wellbeing. Some individuals provide whole pumpkins or big squash for the pigs to push around, play with, and then eat. Others provide balls or heavy rocks and branches.

If pigs are not given room to play or exercise, they become more at risk for disease and health problems. Additionally, pigs will show signs of aggression if they are not happy. 

Can I have a pig in my backyard?

Some cities and towns have zoning laws that prohibit the keeping of livestock, including pigs, within city limits. Other areas may allow pigs, but with restrictions on the number of animals you can have. In general, pigs are not allowed in backyard settings in suburban or city areas. 

Pigs may be noisy and produce a strong odor that is unpleasant to neighboring homes. Before getting a pig for you backyard, be sure to research the regulations for your area. 

How much food will I need to take care of one pig?

Another con of pigs is the amount of food they consume. The amount of food a pig needs can vary depending on its age, size, and activity level, as well as the type of food you are feeding it. However, on average, an adult pig will eat between 3-6% of its body weight per day in feed.

For example, a 100-pound pig would need between 3 and 6 pounds of feed each day. This can include a combination of commercial pig feed, fruits and vegetables, and other supplements.

It’s important to provide your pig with a balanced diet that includes a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Many pig owners choose to provide their animals with a commercially available pig feed that is formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

Keep in mind that the amount of food your pig needs can change as it grows and becomes more active, so it’s important to monitor its weight and adjust its feed accordingly. 

How much water do pigs need?

A large con of pigs is their constant need for fresh water. Pigs need fresh, clean water, all the time. Without fresh clean water, pigs will die. On average, pigs will drink about 3 gallons of water per day, per pig. Some individuals use a water trough or tub that they refill throughout the day, others use a watering system with nipples and a drum of water.

Whatever system you decide to go with, be sure that it is secured to the ground, or kept where the pigs cannot destroy it. For example, if using a nipple system, place the nipple through a wood post on their enclosure and feed it to a water drum outside of their encloser. This will prevent them from knocking the drum over or damaging the pipes. Amazon sells watering nipples that can be used for more than just pigs, purchase them at this link https://amzn.to/3IAisvT

If the pigs you have are not trained to using a nipple watering system, simply smear some peanut butter on them and they will find it. With pigs being intelligent creatures, you may even demonstrate where the water is, and they can learn. 

Pigs will also try to get into the water to cool off, therefore contaminating it. Keeping a system that is clean is very important to prevent disease and prevent harm to your pigs. Dehydration is a common issue with pigs. If their water is contaminated, they may not drink it. In addition, if you live in a colder climate, make sure their water does not freeze over. If a pig goes without water for 48 hours or 2 days, it will die. 

Pigs and Manure

A mature pig can produce up to 11lbs of manure a day. Pigs will typically pick a spot to poop and urinate in, and they will not sleep or eat by their feces.

Pig poop is very high in nitrogen and works well as a fertilizer of sorts; however too much nitrogen can cause a very acidic environment. You can counteract the nitrogen with a carbon substance like wood chips or sawdust. Pig manure mixed with wood chips and other plant substance can be turned into rich compost.

If pigs are kept in close quarters to each other, and their manure is not tended to regularly, a very foul odor is produced.

Pigs are Large Animals

The exact size of a pig varies depending on its breed and individual characteristics, but adult pigs can weigh anywhere from 50 to over 1000 pounds. This makes them larger than many common domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats. Additionally, they are large and comparable in size to other livestock species such as cows and horses.

Due to their larger nature, they may be intimidating to raise on a small homestead. They also may pose a risk to small children and small pets due to their larger size. 

Shelter and Equipment

Pigs need a shelter that will protect them from the elements, provide shade, and keep them dry. Shelters can consist of pallets, pressure treated wood, metal panels or anything on hand that can be built to withstand the wind, rain, and sun. 

Shelters consist of 3 sides and a roof, a dry floor, and does not need to be very tall. Some individuals use old pallets and lean them in an A-Frame style with a tarp to keep the insides dry. Pigs prefer an earthen floor, but if concrete is what you have, be sure to provide plenty of soft bedding. In addition, you can make the pig pen movable to let the pigs have new ground to root in and forage. 

Fencing Pigs is Challenging

Another con of pigs is their need for strong fencing. Hog panel, or welded wire fencing can be used as a perimeter and shelter fence for pigs. In addition, it is recommended that electric fence is used as pigs like to use their snout to dig under fences. Using high tensile wire that is electrified will let help keep the pigs in. Most experts say using 2 wires is enough, one at eye level while standing, and one at eye level while rooting.

Keep in mind that if one pig escapes their enclosure, it will be hard to return to their pen, and they will remember how they originally escaped. 

Pigs May Have Destructive Behaviors

Pigs can be destructive in a number of ways, particularly when they are kept in areas that are not well-suited to their natural behaviors. When allowed to roam freely and unsupervised they can cause destruction to gardens, housing, and fencing. Some of the destructive behaviors include:

• Rooting: Pigs have a natural instinct to root and dig in the soil with their snouts, which can cause damage to gardens, lawns, and other landscaping features.
• Grazing: Pigs are known to eat a wide variety of plants, and if they are allowed to graze freely they can cause damage to crops, pastures, and other vegetation.
• Wallowing: Pigs enjoy wallowing in mud or water to keep cool and protect themselves from insects, but this can create unsightly and potentially damaging mud holes.
• Aggression: Pigs can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are not properly socialized, which can lead to injury or damage to property.
• Escape: Pigs are intelligent and curious animals, and if they are not kept in secure enclosures they may try to escape, which can cause damage to fences, buildings, or other structures.

Regulations on Keeping Pigs

In general, the regulations for keeping pigs include proper housing, waste management, animal welfare, and biosecurity. Pig shelters must have a minimum space requirement, proper ventilation, lighting, and access to food and water. Waste management regulations require proper disposal of pig waste to prevent environmental pollution and health risks. Proper animal welfare is regulated with access to veterinary care, and protection from extreme weather conditions. Biosecurity involves sanitation methods that prevent the spread of disease and may require quarantine protocols. 

Cost of Processing Equipment or having a Butchery (ref to cattle)

Much like butchering beef, the cost of butchering your own pig can vary widely and the cost of building a space to do so can average to about $20,000. The basic equipment needed is a knife. However, having a small structure where you can butcher large animals or even hang and age the meat of the animals is very handy.

Unless you have skill and history of butchering animals, it may be beneficial to pay to have the animal butchered. Otherwise, you will need the following:

• A sharp knife and sharpener
• A large space to skin the animal and dismember it into the pieces you need and want to keep.
• A hanging structure or hook that withstands over 1,000lbs, also handy it if is hydraulic or can move freely. 
• A large refrigerator to cool and age the meat, typically in a hanging fashion
• A large surface to cut, package, and wrap the meat after it is processed
• A large freezer to store the meat

All these items can add up in cost. If you plan to butcher your own meat for years to come, building a structure for processing animals may be well worth the investment. 

Common Diseases in Pigs

In general, pigs are prone to a variety of health issues including parasites, respiratory infections, and heart problems. Additionally, they do spread disease to each other very easily if proper sanitation methods are not followed. Some diseases pigs are prone to are:

• Rectal prolapse: the rectum is exerted outside of the anus, caused by intense coughing, or pigs piling on top of each other. Use sugar to try and return the rectum inside. *contact your vet before attempting this yourself* 
• Salt toxicity – poor feeding and running out of water or dehydration. Slowly provide water every 30 minutes until pig is satisfied. 
• Cannibalism – sows may eat their young if stressed or do not have enough food 
• Trichinella (tapeworm parasite) – if fed meat scraps pigs may develop a tapeworm. This can also affect humans if the tapeworm is ingested through food or meat. 
• Dry skin or flaky skin – keep environment clean and provide enough food
• Arthritis – common in older pigs and can cause lameness
• Worms: common from foraging as they are found in the dirt. Treat by using a dewormer or fresh garlic. Make sure feeds and water are not contaminated.
• Swine fever – from bacteria in the soil, treated with antibiotics 
• Lice and flies – keep their environment clean

Disclaimer: contact your veterinarian if you suspect anything wrong with your pig or pigs. This is a general list. 

Overall, owning pigs is a very rewarding process but there are a few cons of having pigs on a homestead. If you are able to provide enough space, care, and time, pigs are a great addition to a homestead.

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