In the past we have raised chickens for eggs, and turkeys for meat. Both have low startup costs, don’t take very much time per day, and are relatively easy to care for. Harvesting turkeys in November has become a tradition, and becomes light work with an experienced crew. This year we have decided to raise a couple feeder pigs. Reasonably priced, good quality, cuts of beef and pork are hard to come across in our area, and after a few beers almost anything sounds like a good idea.
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.
