What makes pigs different?
Pigs are intelligent, curious and strong. They root up ground, test every latch and can become dangerous when frightened or protecting young. Respect their size and handle them with calm and good equipment.
They also grow quickly, so a cute piglet becomes a large animal in a short time. Plan the space and handling for the adult, not the piglet.
A visit to a working pig farm will show you the pens, the feeding routine and the effort involved better than any description.
- Pigs root and dig, so plan fences accordingly
- They need to cool off in hot weather
- They become dangerous when scared
- They grow fast and eat a lot
What fencing and housing do they need?
Sturdy, well anchored fences are essential. Electric fencing is common but needs training and maintenance. Ask local pig keepers and your extension office what works in your area.
Pigs need shade, shelter and a way to stay cool, since they do not sweat well. Dry bedding and protection from wind and cold also matter.
Mud and manure build up quickly where pigs live, so plan drainage and cleaning from the start. Place pens away from wells and streams.
- Strong fence along the ground
- Shade and a place to cool off
- Dry, draft free sleeping area
- Safe gates and a way to move pigs
What do they eat?
Pigs need a balanced diet for their age and purpose. Commercial feeds are formulated for different stages, and pigs also eat many other things if you let them. Feeding kitchen scraps or food waste to pigs is restricted in many places because of disease risks.
Check with your state department of agriculture before feeding anything other than approved feed. Provide clean water at all times.
Do not guess at feed amounts or recipes. Your vet or extension swine specialist can suggest a plan for each stage of growth.
What health issues should I know about?
Pigs can get parasites, respiratory illness, injuries and diseases that spread between herds. Buy healthy animals from sources you trust and isolate new pigs from your own for the period your vet advises.
Serious diseases in swine are monitored by state and federal agencies. If you see sudden illness or deaths, call your vet or state veterinarian promptly.
Keep visitors, boots and equipment from other farms away from your pigs when possible, since people can carry disease between properties.
How do I handle and move pigs safely?
Use panels or boards to guide pigs rather than chasing them. Stay calm, keep your escape route clear and never get between a sow and her piglets.
Boars and sows can injure people. Children should not be left unsupervised around pigs, and visitors need clear safety rules.
Safe handling equipment, such as a sorting board and a solid gate, costs little compared with an injury.
- Use a sorting board, not your body, to turn a pig
- Keep gates closed and latched
- Never turn your back on a boar
- Keep children outside the pen
What about breeding and farrowing?
Sows can have large litters, and piglets need warmth and protection from being crushed. Talk with your vet about farrowing setups and about feed for pregnant and nursing sows.
Think ahead about what you will do with the piglets. Rules for selling, tagging and transporting pigs vary by state.
Write down breeding dates, litter sizes and piglet losses for each sow so you can judge her over time.
- Warm, protected space for newborn piglets
- Safe farrowing setup that limits crushing
- Clean water and feed for the sow
- A plan for every piglet before birth
What about processing and local rules?
Slaughter and meat sales are regulated, and the rules differ depending on whether the meat is for your own use or for sale. Contact your state department of agriculture and book a processor well ahead.
Also check county zoning and any neighbor or nuisance rules, since pigs can raise odor and noise concerns. Manure plans matter too.
Ask your county health or environmental office about rules on manure storage and spreading near water.
- Zoning and nuisance rules
- Meat sale and processing requirements
- Manure storage and runoff rules
- Identification and movement requirements
Key takeaways
- Plan for the adult pig's size, strength and appetite.
- Strong fences, shade and clean water are non negotiable.
- Check feeding restrictions and disease reporting rules with your state.
- Handle pigs calmly and keep children safe around them.
- Start with a small number and learn before expanding.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.