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The first step was to build a pigpen. We decided to use recycled materials to keep startup costs down. There is a small chance this will be a onetime endeavor. We started with four 10′ x 6′ chain-link fence panels. If an electric controller is used, 3′ height should be sufficient to keep the pigs in and predator’s out. We cut the four panels in half, stapled the bottom of each 10′ x 3′ fence to a 2×4 and started digging post holes. Inexpensive chain-link fence brackets were used to lag bolt the fence to the poles.

Pigs need protection from sun and rain, so the next step was to build a small shelter. When you are building on a budget using recycled materials, google is your best friend.

https://theealyhomestead.com/2018/12/28/how-to-build-an-inexpensive-pig-shelter/

The Ealy Homestead website has a decent shelter that can quickly be built with recycled materials. Scrap wood was used along with some deck screws. Tar paper is covering the wood on the roof to keep out rain, next year we will need real roof shingles.

The electric fence controller, insulators, and wire were purchased locally from Tractor Supply. We had three ground rods and some heavy gauge copper wire left over from another project that were used to install the controller.

Three hot wires were installed inside the perimeter of the enclosure. The lowest wire at 6 inches above the ground, the second wire at 14 inches above the ground, and the third wire a few inches above the top of the fence.

Yellow, quick disconnects were used to be able to open the gate.

Coming Soon – Part 2 – Buying feeder pigs and caring for them.

The post Raising Feeder Pigs – Part 1 – Building the Pigpen appeared first on Dusty RoadZ Outdoors.

The Four Cardinal Firearms Safety Rules

1. Assume every firearm is loaded until you visually and physically check the weapon yourself.
2. Never point your weapon at anyone or anything you do not wish to be dead or destroyed.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until fully committed to shooting.
4. Know your target and what is beyond and around it. 

When you pull the trigger or release an arrow, there is no going back.  You and you alone shoulder the responsibility for each and every round that you discharge.

Safe Firearms Storage

Owning a firearm is a constitutional right.  Securing that weapon is your undeniable responsibility.  All firearms must be secured and locked.  Firearms and ammunition should be kept apart and locked. 

Firearms Proficiency

Handling your weapon(s) safely is critically important.  Being able to make precise shots is equally important.  Hitting vital organs on game animals results in clean and humane kills.  Poor shot placement can result in wounded animals that you may not recover.  The more you practice the better you become in safe handling, shot placement and game recovery.  Even with the best intentions and a great deal of practice, misses do happen.  If you hunt long enough, you will eventually wound an animal and not recover it.  It’s a terrible feeling when it happens.  As ethical and responsible hunters, we owe it to the animals to do our best to practice, take only the best shots and do our best to learn how to recover game properly.

Be Safe, Practice and Be a Responsible Firearms Owner

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