Pigs, hogs, swines, piglets, boars, barrows – call them what you like. The fact of the matter is, hogs are one of the best animals you can have on your survival homestead. They don’t take up a lot of space, and they can be a solid meat source in good times and bad.
Ah, bacon. Is there any food more American, and more delicious than that? Crispy, savory, salty and absolutely alluring! There is no dish that cannot be made better by bacon. Even writing about it has set my mouth to watering… But as much as we all love bacon, and I know we do, have you … Read more
Have you ever been curious about how long pigs can live? I mean how long they could really live; Most don’t live very long at all if they are being raised for slaughter. A few months, maybe a year at most. But how long would a pig live if left to its own devices, or … Read more
If you’ve ever thought of getting into pig farming, you have probably already pondered how much such an endeavor might cost. But however big your dreams are, every herd starts with just a few pigs, or maybe even piglets! Piglets are undeniably adorable, but you can’t neglect the financial assessment. How much do piglets actually … Read more
Pigs get a bad rap. Sure, they’re one of the most common and most important farm animals around when it comes to meat production, but they have an image problem as disgusting, brutish creatures. Large pigs can be dangerous and messy, no doubt, but believe me when I tell you that pigs have a lot … Read more
If you keep livestock, you already know that each animal species has its own unique nutritional requirements, and these can change depending on the stage of life that the animal is in. Baby animals, too, and pigs are no exception. So… what do piglets actually eat? Piglets begin life subsisting solely on their mother’s milk, … Read more
Pigs are one of the most common and also most popular kinds of livestock out there. Probably the best thing about pigs as livestock is that most breeds can produce a ton of meat in a wide variety of cuts when they are ready for harvest, and the market for those cuts is bottomless! But … Read more
Not all clichés are true; some are harmful. But then there are some clichés that became so because it is absolutely warranted, and that is definitely the case when it comes to pigs’ appetites! It seems like pigs are always hungry, and they will eat just about anything. But, surprisingly, there are some things that … Read more
Domestic pigs are omnivorous and energetic eaters. Everyone knows that, and the expression “eating like a pig” has been with us for so long for a good reason! Pigs eat produce, grains, meat, and all sorts of things. Some people also assert that pigs eat bones, easily and happily. Could this be true? It’s hard … Read more
When most people think of raising pigs they probably imagine, humorously, an animal that is something like a living garbage disposal; an animal that eats absolutely anything! And, to some extent, this is true; pigs are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of food. However, there are some things that pigs can eat safely … Read more
Each year, as soon as I feel that first nip in the air or see the first snowflake fall onto the frozen ground, I’m amazed at the tenacity of nature. Although my garden plants have died back and we’re huddled up in the house, curling up next to a fire, the animals outside are doing … Read more
Homesteading with pigs offers a plethora of delicious and money-saving possibilities. With proper shelter and sturdy fencing, pigs don’t require much space and can be raised even on small homesteads, and not merely on large rural farmland where I am blessed to live. Pigs (or hogs as we call them in my part of Appalachia) … Read more
How many pigs can I raise per acre? Pastured pork gets lots of attention these days, and pasturing pigs can be good for the pigs, the soil, and the farmer’s pocket. On the other hand, there are many horror stories about the damage pigs do to pastures. New pig keepers often wonder about the right … Read more
If you have ever raised pigs, you likely know how stubborn these charismatic creatures can be. While their personalities are an absolute delight (and major source of entertainment!) a majority of the time, this tenacious behavior can be a detriment when you’re trying to engage in simple tasks. If you’ve ever tried to pick up … Read more
Does the smell of frying bacon make your mouth water? Is snacking on a deliciously cooked whole ham after Easter dinner something you look forward to every year? If so, raising pigs should be part of your homesteading plan. Pigs, or hogs as we refer to them in Appalachia – the two labels are completely … Read more
Do you know the difference between a gilt and a sow? How about a boar and a barrow? Don’t feel bad, I didn’t either! This post is for you…