So, you’ve got a small farm, a little patch of land, and a sense of adventure that says, “Why not raise pigs?” At Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms, we’ve taken that plunge, and boy, has it been a wild (and surprisingly adorable) ride. As first-time pig parents, we’ve had some laughs, some lessons, and more mud than we ever thought possible. If you’re thinking about raising pigs on your tiny farm, here’s a peek into our journey, plus a few tips for all you soon-to-be pig-raising rookies out there.
The First-Time Pig Owner’s Excitement (a.k.a. What Have We Done?)
When we first decided to add pigs to our farm, it was a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of fear. After all, pigs aren’t exactly rabbits, and we’d already mastered the art of bunny-keeping here at Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms. Pigs are, well…bigger, louder, and prone to escaping (more on that later). But, there was something irresistible about those snouts and those snorts that made us think, “Let’s give it a shot.” Besides, who doesn’t want to see a pig race across the field, ears flapping like it’s auditioning for the next farm comedy movie?
So, we dove in, feet first. And by “feet first,” I mean straight into the mud.
Why Pigs on a Small Farm?
You might be wondering, “Why raise pigs on a tiny farm?” There are some great reasons why these lovable, dirt-loving creatures are a fantastic addition to small farms like ours:
- They’re Efficient Little Rototillers
Pigs love to root, and they’re darn good at it. They’ll happily till up your soil while hunting for tasty roots and grubs. So, if you’ve got a rough patch of ground that needs prepping for your garden, just let the pigs do their thing. Think of it as outsourcing your plowing… to a snorting, four-legged landscaper. - You’ll Always Have Compost Material
Let’s be real – pigs produce a lot of “output,” if you know what I mean. That’s a polite way of saying, “get ready for poop – lots of poop.” The upside? It makes fantastic compost! You’ll have the richest garden soil around once you learn to manage and compost pig manure. Just remember to keep the smell in check, or the neighbors might start holding their noses when they visit. - Homegrown Meat (Eventually)
Raising pigs for meat is one of the best ways to know exactly what’s going on your plate. Knowing what your pigs have eaten, how they’ve been raised, and that they’ve been treated well makes homegrown pork a real treat. Plus, the taste is amazing – think bacon, sausages, and pork chops that are next-level delicious. - Great Personality (Yes, Really)
Pigs are smart, funny, and full of personality. They’ll keep you entertained with their antics, from chasing each other around the pen to playing in mud puddles (a pig’s version of an amusement park). Just be prepared for the occasional escape attempt – Houdini’s got nothing on a motivated piglet.
The Reality Check: Things New Pig Owners Should Know
Of course, before you rush out to get a pair of piglets, there are a few things we at Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms wish someone had told us first. Consider these tips as part of the “Welcome to Pig Ownership” starter pack:
- Pigs Love to Dig… and I Mean LOVE to Dig
Pigs don’t just root; they excavate. If you’re not prepared, they’ll redesign your farm’s landscape faster than a bulldozer on speed. Think you’ve secured the fencing? Double-check it. These critters can and will dig under, push through, or climb over just about anything if there’s a chance of getting to something tastier on the other side. - Mud Is Life
There’s no avoiding it. Once you’ve got pigs, your farm will have mud – a lot of it. Pigs wallow in mud to stay cool (and because it’s fun). So, if you see a pig rolling around, covered head to hoof, just know that’s a happy pig. It’s not a cleanliness thing; it’s a pig-joy thing. We’ve learned to embrace the mud – though we recommend investing in a good pair of waterproof boots. Trust us on this. - Feed: It’s More Than Table Scraps
Sure, pigs can eat table scraps, but they need a balanced diet to stay healthy and grow. A good-quality pig feed is essential, especially for young piglets. We’ve tried everything from kitchen leftovers to the occasional overripe apple from our orchard, but we still stick to a basic feed plan to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Pigs eat a lot, so be prepared for some serious grocery bills… or grow your own fodder! - Pigs Are Really Smart… and That’s a Double-Edged Sword
Did we mention pigs are smart? Like, “I’ll figure out how to open the gate” smart. It’s endearing until you catch them making a jailbreak. At Silver Ridge, we’ve learned to secure our pens with not just one, but two locks. And if we had a third, we’d probably use that, too. A smart pig is a happy pig, but a happy pig is often a mischievous pig.
Our First Pig Adventure: The Lessons Learned
We started small, with a pair of piglets that we lovingly named “Bacon” and “Hamlet” – a choice that made for some hilarious conversations at family dinners. These two were instant comedians, and they made us laugh every day. But they also taught us a few valuable lessons along the way:
- Lesson #1: Pigs Have a Sixth Sense for Food
If you’ve got food on you – even if it’s just a crumb from your breakfast toast – they’ll know. The moment you enter the pen with anything remotely edible, it’s like a scene from a nature documentary. We’ve learned to always feed them first if we’re heading into their area, or else risk getting mobbed. - Lesson #2: There’s No “Quick” Pig Chore
Every task takes longer than you think. Filling up their water trough? They’ll nudge it just enough to tip it over. Cleaning the pen? They’ll wait until it’s spotless and then… well, you can imagine what happens next. We’ve learned to go with the flow and see every pig-related task as an opportunity for a workout. - Lesson #3: The Power of Scratching Behind the Ears
Pigs LOVE a good scratch behind the ears. It’s the fastest way to make friends and earn some piggy loyalty. Whenever we’re working around the farm, we take a moment to give them a little scratch, and they respond with a contented grunt that’s guaranteed to make your day.
So, Should You Raise Pigs on a Small Farm?
Absolutely – but only if you’re ready for the adventure. Raising pigs on a tiny farm like Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms isn’t just about adding livestock; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that’s a little muddy, a lot of fun, and full of rewards. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, raising pigs can be one of the most fulfilling farming experiences you’ll ever have.
Just remember, pigs are like potato chips: it’s hard to have just one. Or in our case, hard to stop at just “Bacon” and “Hamlet.” We’re already thinking about expanding our pig family next year. Why? Because once you’ve experienced the joy of raising pigs, it’s hard to imagine farm life without them.
So, if you’re up for it, take the plunge. Get your first piglets, learn as you go, and don’t forget to embrace the mud. After all, a farm without pigs is just… a garden with extra steps.
Welcome to pig life, where every day is a mix of snorts, squeals, and mud-splattered fun. And from all of us here at Silver Ridge Rabbitry and Farms, we wish you the best of luck – may your pig adventures be as entertaining and rewarding as ours!