Know something about raising hogs??

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

Here's the deal, we had a couple of feeder pigs when I was young, but honestly I don't remember a whole lot about raising them except 1. they will bite you 2. they tasted damn good!

My old lady and I have been together for almost 13 years and figure this year we're gonna make it official. We figured we'd just have a big 'ol party and get a couple of hogs (for roasting). So, I was wondering what the cost to RAISE them versus buying them would be. I would have to buy 100% of the feed, I've got a real good size shed that the previous owners kept a horse in, but I'd have to put up a fence. Ideas, suggestions and info would be greatly appreciated! :thumbs:

[refracman 167]

The cost of raising them is the same or more than buying them if you raise a small number. Also if you raise them you'll need a place to take the used feed.

Do you have any hog farms close by and gain mills or Coops? Might want to ask them for prices around you. Also could ask them what a market hog will cost ya.

And you'll have to ask what your local processer what to get it ready.

Used to work on a hog farm when I was a teenager. AHH that was fun as hell, ridin the biguns, pokein with the prod, shootin rats. The only bummer was cleaning the stalls then speadin out it in the feilds. We aslo used to butcher them there, now that was a eye opener .

Good luck if you decide to raise them, brings back some memories.

[linen beige 15]

fun as hell, ridin the biguns, pokein with the prod,

Nothin' like makin' bacon!

Seriously though Scott, I think you'd be much better off time and money wise to just buy prepared roasting pigs when the time comes.

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

Do you have any hog farms close by and grain mills or Coops? Might want to ask them for prices around you. Also could ask them what a market hog will cost ya.

I've got some options as far as feed goes, I know I can get cobbed corn for 7$ per 100pds and shelled corn for $10 per 100 pds. I also live 10min. from amish country, so I'm sure I've got some options there as well. Also, I thought the only reason we had two pigs (when I was a kid) was to sell one to the butcher to cover the cost of feeding them. So, I was thinking of getting four and selling two at market time. Of course that was 25 years ago and I'm sure the prices on a market hog or sow has changed. :thumbs:

[Jim_M 179]

You can't feed them just corn, they'll be so greasy you won't be able to eat them.

[stevasaurus 23,276]

I've got alot of memories also. My relatives in Wisconsin had pigs and we would spend time up there in the summer when I was a little guy. I can't give you any advice though...my brother and I had more fun chasing them around than helping them to grow. I can tell you this...I love the smell of a pig farm. true.

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

I called around a little today and I talked to an old buddy of mine that owns a feed mill. He said he can get me 14% for 6.49 a bag and will knock off a buck a bag if I order 500pds or more. Also, there are a couple of vegtable farms closeby that I might be able to get a good price on thier seconds, maybe free??

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

Ended up picking up three Duroc cross feeder pigs. Two two weeks ago and another today. Got all three for $125 and eight huge trash bags full of bread and a case of broccoli too. The guy I bought them from has a few connections and said that when he gets an over abundence of stuff he'll give me a call.

A buddy of mine gave me three roles of chain link and I've already got an elec. fence unit. So, as soon as the weather breaks, I'll get thier pin put up - and get them out of my garage. B)

[Brrly1 1,146]

Are they keeping the tractors company? See Ya, Bye Burly

:party:

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

Are they keeping the tractors company? See Ya, Bye Burly

They don't complain much!

[wh500special 2,267]

"Know something about raising hogs??"

This is straight from my uncle who just got out of the hog business:

Watch where you step.

Steve

[6wheeler 669]

Oh what memories, I haven't raised hogs for 10 years now. About the time the market fell out and we were only getting $100.00 for a 250lb. pig. Feeders now are fairly reasonable at the auction barn . I still buy my finished hogs from the neighbor that raises them. He buys eggs and chickens from me and visa- versa. A cheap way to feed them, get friendly with your local bakery or grocery store. When they have baked goods they can't sell cause its too old, Pigs love it. They also love fish.. Just be careful not to feed them too much(fish) as they tend to taste like it. Don't get too friendly with them( especially the kids) It makes it awful hard for the family to EAT them... Have Fun Pat

[GlenPettit 1,717]

I had two pigs each year for three years; purchased feeder pigs in May, went to market in October, they went from 15# to 140#. They would love to play, fetch and return tennis balls.

Most interesting thing: put up a double strand of electric, 6 & 18" above the ground 1/4 acre (within a 3 acre fenced sheep pasture). I was told that they would only "hit it twice and never again". And that was exactly true, they each hit it, then touched it again in a few minutes, and never again, this same thing happened to all three pairs of piglets/years. Pigs also eat the grass, up to about 4" from the wire. Even when we lost electricity, they didn't even try to test it again.

Also: you can't make a pig go forward if it doesn't want to, but, put a bucket over it's head and it will back up anywhere you want it to go, steering it with its tail.

And naturally, I hit the wire just once accidently, but never again (does that make me smarter?).

Have fun with them,

[xring1 2]

I know they love chicken....live or dead

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

I know they love chicken....live or dead

That doesn't sound good....

[HorseFixer 2,013]

My uncle raised pigs and he used to go to out local bakery and get trash bags full of stale Dough-Nuts. I think he used to bring the guy a smoked ham or something like that every once in awhile. If you could get hooked up with several food places like that it would cut down your food bill tremendously.

[hounddoghundzsa 7]

Funny you say that, just got hooked up with a couple bread makers this week. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be in short supply of bread to feed them out with for a very long time! :omg: