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.
Pigs, or hogs as we call them in my neck of the woods, are omnivores. The traditional farming and homesteading type of livestock are incredibly biologically similar to people and can eat nearly anything recommended for a healthy human diet. Hogs are largely “opportunistic” eaters. The bulk of a pig’s diet is based on what … Read more
Homesteading with pigs offers a plethora of delicious and money saving possibilities. With proper shelter and sturdy fencing, pigs can be raised on even 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) grow quickly, and can … Read more
You have fed and raised a hog all spring, summer, and into the fall. It is now time to bring home the bacon. You got the pig to your ideal size to get the most out of it, I like ours to be right around 300 pounds, but go with your preference. A good butcherer … 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
We are officially PIG FREE!
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…
You’d think that raising your own hogs for meat would be cheaper than buying pork from the store, but actually there are several factors to keep in mind when figuring whether or not it is a good investment to make.
Here’s a surprising way that farmers used to worm their pigs without the use of manufactured drugs!
We totally should have gotten an oral de-wormer instead of the injectable kind!! Fun, fun.
Who would have known the trouble it would be keeping a pig in her pen?!
We’re still laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief!
I am SO excited!! Today, we got a pig.