Raising Pigs: Feed, Space & Market Weight Guide

A pair of feeder pigs bought in spring and raised over summer provides roughly 300 lb of pork for the freezer by fall. Pigs are efficient at converting feed to meat and can clear brush or garden waste simultaneously.

Feed needs

Grower pigs eat about 4 lb of feed per day on average. Over 6 months to a market weight of 280 lb, expect 650–700 lb of total feed per pig.

Space requirements

Each pig needs at least 8 sq ft of shelter and 50–100 sq ft of outdoor space. Two pigs on a quarter-acre paddock with rotation is a good starter size.

Water needs

Pigs drink about 4 gal per day. They also need a wallow or shade structure in summer — pigs cannot sweat and rely on mud or water to thermoregulate.

Tips for success

• Always raise pigs in pairs or groups — single pigs are stressed and destructive.
• Use electric netting or stout hog panels — pigs will test and root under weak fencing daily.
• Supplement pasture pigs with complete feed; forage alone cannot support growth to market weight on schedule.

Common mistakes

• Feeding raw meat or food scraps containing meat, which risks disease and is illegal in many states.
• Underestimating rooting damage — pigs will destroy a lawn or garden overnight without proper rotation.

Estimates only — consult your local extension office for advice specific to your land and animals.