Raising Pigs

Other Livestock

People across the US raise pigs on small farms and homesteads mainly for meat for their own family or for local sale, and some keep them to turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into compost and manure. Pigs are smart, curious, and grow quickly, which appeals to homesteaders, small-farm owners, and hobbyists who want a hands-on project. They suit people who can commit to daily care and who have sturdy fencing and a bit of space.

Getting started

Before you bring pigs home, check your local zoning rules, county ordinances, and any homeowners association restrictions, since many areas limit or prohibit swine on residential lots. Plan for the time commitment of daily feeding, watering, and checking on the animals, plus the months it takes to raise a feeder pig to finishing size. Most beginners start with young weaned feeder pigs bought from a reputable local breeder, a livestock auction, or through your county Cooperative Extension contacts rather than starting with breeding stock. Ask the seller about the pig's age, weaning status, and history, and line up your housing and fencing before the pigs arrive.

Housing & protection

Pigs need a simple, dry, draft-free shelter such as a three-sided shed or a sturdy hut with clean bedding like straw where they can escape rain, wind, sun, and cold. Strong fencing is essential because pigs root, push, and test boundaries; many small farms use heavy hog panels or well-maintained electric fencing set at pig height. Provide shade in hot weather and a wallow or mud area, because pigs cannot sweat and rely on mud and shade to stay cool. Keep the sleeping area separate from where they eat and toilet, and protect them from predators with secure fencing and, if needed, a locked shelter at night.

Feeding & water

Pigs are commonly fed a balanced commercial hog ration appropriate to their age and size, and many keepers supplement with garden produce, forage, and pasture rooting where local rules allow. Always provide clean, fresh water free choice, since pigs drink a lot and their intake rises sharply in hot weather. Feeding kitchen or food scraps is restricted or illegal in many states, so check your state rules and with your local Cooperative Extension before offering any scraps. For questions about balancing rations, growth, or body condition, work with your Cooperative Extension or a licensed veterinarian rather than guessing.

Space & daily care

A small group of feeder pigs needs enough room to move, root, and separate their sleeping and toileting areas, and giving pigs more space than the minimum helps keep the pen cleaner and calmer. Plan for a generous dry pen or a rotated pasture paddock rather than a cramped enclosure. Daily care means checking that automatic waterers or troughs are clean and full, topping up feed, and observing each pig for normal eating, drinking, and behavior.

Common breeds & types

• Yorkshire
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Duroc
• Tamworth
• Hereford
• Gloucestershire Old Spots
• American Guinea Hog

Things to consider

Budget for the cost of the feeder pigs, fencing, shelter, bedding, and especially feed, which is usually the largest ongoing expense of raising pigs to finishing size. Common challenges for beginners include escapes from weak fencing, keeping pens clean and dry, managing pigs in extreme heat or cold, and handling animals that grow large and strong. If you plan to raise pigs for meat, look into processing options and any licensing or sale rules in your area well ahead of time. For any questions about herd health, disease, biosecurity, transport, movement records, and local regulations, work with a licensed veterinarian and your local Cooperative Extension office.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.