1st Time Pig Owner - Helpful Guide

 Good housing keeps pigs healthy, growing, and stress-free. It does not have to be fancy — just safe, dry, and comfortable. 

• Weaned piglets (8–12 weeks): 6×8 ft minimum for 1–2 pigs 
• Growing pigs: 8×10 ft or larger 
• Bigger space = happier pigs, less smell, cleaner pen
   

Avoid:

• tiny dog kennels 
• overcrowding 
• pens that are all mud
   

Your pig’s pen should include:

• solid fencing (hog panels, cattle panels, wood, or no-climb wire) 
• dry sleeping area with bedding 
• shade in hot months 
• wind/rain shelter 
• clean feed & water area
   

Good bedding options:

• straw 
• pine shavings 
• rice hulls
   

Avoid:

• cedar (can irritate lungs) 
• bare cold concrete with no bedding
   

Try not to:

• rely only on pallets tied with rope 
• leave sharp wire ends 
• house pigs in standing water/mud 
• give no shade 
• house pigs with dogs
   

Pigs are very strong — build like you’re containing a small bulldozer.

 Water is the #1 most important thing in pig care.

A pig without water will:

• quit eating 
• stop gaining weight 
• get sick quickly
   

Pigs drink:

• 1–2 gallons per day in cool weather 
• up to 5+ gallons per day in hot weather
   

Use:

• heavy rubber buckets 
• automatic nipple drinkers 
• secured tubs that can’t tip over
   

Check water twice daily minimum.

Pigs do NOT sweat. They can overheat fast.

Signs of heat stress:

• panting hard 
• laying stretched out 
• red ears 
• wobbling or unable to get up
   

Help them by providing:

• shade 
• cool clean drinking water 
• a small wallow or kiddie pool 
• hose spray on very hot days
   

👉 Never lock pigs on dry dirt with no shade in summer.

Piglets need help staying warm.

Provide:

• deep bedding 
• draft-free shelter 
• heat lamp only if secured safely
   

Avoid:

• damp bedding 
• wind blowing directly into shelter
   

Cold + wet = sick pig.

 For brand-new pig owners, do this when the pig arrives:

• let pig settle in quietly 
• same feed & water at first 
• avoid lots of visitors and dogs 
• expect some stress & squealing (normal) 
• watch for poop, eating, drinking
   

Most pigs adjust in 3–5 days.

 You do NOT have to be perfect.
Safe pen + clean water + right feed = healthy pig.
 

And we are always happy to answer questions.