How to Raise Pigs in West Alabama

Raising piglets is fairly easy, no matter your geographic location, and can provide a way to dispose of garden and table scraps in eco-friendly ways. Owning pigs also can provide improvements to local soil and (potentially) a return in pork down the road. West Alabama's poor soil in particular can benefit from the activities of a few pigs, which are sometimes referred to as "nature's cultivators." Research your local livestock and land laws regarding pigs before purchasing any.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4 acre land
  • Adequate fencing
  • Appropriate feed and supplements
  • Small shelter
  • Source of water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Erect a fence for your pigs, roughly 32 inches tall. Wire mesh or 4-by-4-inch boards should be appropriate, but most pigs like to dig and scratch on posts, so make sure your fence posts are buried a minimum of 3 feet and held in place with cement. Electric wiring can be added near the ground of your fence for additional security.

    • 2

      Construct a shelter for your pigs. Pigs overheat easily, so separate shade and dwelling areas are recommended for their ideal comfort. A simple plywood shelter with a roof should suffice for a dwelling, though large, weatherproofed dog houses can sometimes prove more cost-effective over the long haul.

    • 3

      Create a mud wallow for your pigs. Spring and summer temperatures in western Alabama can become quite searing, and mud wallows are a pig's preferred method for cooling off. A mud wallow can be made by over-watering a patch of ground for several days and refreshed by putting out a sprinkler once or twice a week.

    • 4

      Select your piglets. Never purchase the runt of a litter when possible as they often come with a variety of health problems. Make sure the pigs have received their first vaccinations and dose of wormer before bringing them home; some pig diseases and parasites are easily contracted by humans.

    • 5

      Check to make sure your pigs have constant access to water. A growing pig can drink as much as 3 gallons of water a day; an automatic watering system may be the easiest (if not cheapest) option.

    • 6

      Feed your piglets well. The freshest greens you can give your pigs, the better; otherwise, they will eat almost anything, including fruits, milk, meat scraps, spoiled eggs, garden clippings and weeds. Adult pigs, depending on the breed, can sometimes eat up to 60 pounds of food a day; also providing commercial pig ration and grains will help meet this need. Pigs also need vitamin and mineral supplements, which can often be found in farm supply stores in the form of a nutritionally enhanced salt block.

    • 7

      Maintain your pigs on a good vaccination, worming and insecticide program. Western Alabama is known as a hot spot for louse, ticks and other parasites that can transmit debilitating diseases to your hogs. Your local vet should be able to advise you on the appropriate medications to administer with your area's prime health concerns in mind.