After doing extensive research, I have narrowed down raising pigs to a six step process: Buying, Housing, Feeding, Cleaning, Attention, and Butchering.
Buying:
It's preferable to purchase wiener pigs from a breeder. However there are many places to purchase pigs - auctions classified ads, etc. If you can find several breeders in your area. Ensure the pigs you buy have been immunized and don't be afraid to ask the breeder questions about the different breeds of pigs, disease. Take a look at the breeders facilities and their breeding stock. If the animals and the facilities just don't look healthy avoid that breeder.Make sure there is a vet in your area that is familiar with pigs.
Housing:
The pig barn I prefer is made of mostly concrete. A sloping concrete floor is essential for ease of cleaning. It needs to drain to one corner with a grated drainage pipe. This allows all liquids to drain away. Hosing out the barn the most efficient method of cleaning. The construction should include a bed area and a feed area. If pigs are crowded, they will be stressed, resulting in decreased growth rates.
The bed area should be at least 5 feet wide by 5 feet deep and separate from the feed area, with an access door.
The feed area should be 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep to accommodate 2 pigs. The feed area should have a feed trough, a good watering system and a hose connection. The bottom 4 feet of the walls should be constructed using heavy materials, such as concrete or 2" thick wood with no gaps. (Pigs will chew on wood and it may need to be repaired or replaced occasionally.)
The ideal temperature for a feeder pig is around 70° F; the ideal temperature for a finishing swine is slightly cooler, about 60° F. If the temperature falls below this ideal zone some types of bedding, such as wood shavings, should be used to keep the sleeping area warm. When the temperature rises well above 70° F, misters of water will help to cool your pigs.
Feeding:
Although pigs are generally friendly and affectionate creatures, they can get rather aggressive when they are overly hungry. If your pigs aren't hungry they won't try to eat you.
I recommend feeding a natural grain that doesn't have a lot of additives. When finding the right grain for your pigs ask your breeders what they feed and where to get it. Too high of protein can cause problems with a pig's internal organs.
Pigs should be self-fed (given all the feed they will eat) throughout the feeding period. Self-feeding allows a pig to grow as fast as possible. The daily intake of pigs of different.
Water is the most important part of a pig's diet. One-half to two-thirds of a pig's body is made up of water. Pigs should be supplied with as much clean, fresh water as they will drink. Pigs can live longer without feed than without water.
Building a feed trough:
To build a feed trough I prefer to use three 2" x 12" x 4' boards. Cut one in half for the end pieces. Use screws to attach the other two together to make a 'V' then attach your end pieces at each end. Use two short pieces of 2" x 4" and attach them at the top to divide the trough into thirds. This will keep the pigs from rooting the food from one end of the trough to the other.
Cleaning the pigpen:
Cleaning should be done at feeding time and on a daily basis. Feeding them first will keep them occupied which makes cleaning easier.Use straw for bedding and change it regularly. Fresh water is important to the pig's health in the heat of summer pigs like to be sprayed down with a hose. Spraying the pen down will help them keep cool as well.
