A Backyard Guide to Swine for the Homesteader at Heart
There’s a certain kind of magic to June. The dew hangs longer on the pasture, the feed bins grow lighter quicker, and the hogs start packing on weight like they’ve been reading the fair catalog themselves. Whether you’re raising pigs for 4-H, the freezer, or future self-reliance, it’s a season that hums with purpose, and the steady rhythm of rural living.
If you’re just getting started or thinking of adding pigs to your backyard setup, you’re in good company. Pigs are smart, hearty, and (when raised right) they’ll fill your freezer with some of the best meat money can’t buy.
This isn’t about show barns or pedigrees. This is about honest swine on honest ground: feeding families, teaching kids, and building something real right out back.
Meet Shelly: Backyard Breeder with Heart
Before we get into the how-to, meet Shelly, one of our own at Elston Hay and Grain. She’s been raising pigs since 2019. For her, what began as a 4-H project with her son turned into a dedicated breeding program grounded in care and commitment.
Her first pig, Thelma, gave four healthy litters before retiring. From Thelma came Penelope, now a key part of Shelly’s herd. She also added gilts Megatron and No Name.
Her feed program is simple and solid: Kelley’s Pig Starter for young pigs, transitioning to Kelley’s Pig Grower at about 75 pounds. “I’ve tried other brands,” Shelly says, “but Kelley’s is by far the best. My pigs are healthy, happy, and the meat quality speaks for itself.” She also adds in scraps like bread, fruit, and garden leftovers, to keep things interesting and nutrient-rich.
Know What You’re Getting Into
Pigs are not pets. They’re livestock. They root, they grunt, and they don’t care about your landscaping. But if you respect them, provide for them, and stay one step ahead of their clever snouts, they’ll return the favor tenfold.
Expect daily work: feeding, watering, cleaning, and checking. This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. It’s hands-on, sometimes muddy, and absolutely worth it.
Choose the Right Pig
For most backyard raisers, you’re looking at two main types:
- Feeder Pigs: Weaned around 6–8 weeks, raised for meat.
- Breeding Stock: Gilts (young females) and boars (intact males) for folks ready to farrow their own litters. This is a longer-term commitment and best tackled after you’ve raised a few feeders.
Good Starter Breeds for Meat:
- Berkshire: Rich flavor, calm demeanor.
- Duroc: Fast growers with strong muscle.
- Yorkshire or Hampshire crosses: Hardy, widely available, often more affordable.
Buy from a trusted source. Look for healthy, alert pigs that are full of curiosity – and maybe just a little mischief.
Build a Swine-Tight Pen
A pig only respects a fence if it has to. That means:
- Boards or Hog Panels: Strong, sturdy, and close to the ground.
- Electric Wire: One strand, 6-8 inches off the ground, works wonders to keep rooting noses in check.
- Dry Bedding Area: Pigs need a place to lay that’s dry, especially in rainy weather. Shelter is critical. Have shade in summer and a windbreak in winter.
Pro Tip: Don’t fight the mud, just manage it. Give them a wallow when it’s hot and slope your pens to direct runoff away from bedding areas.
Feed Right, Grow Right
Feed is the backbone of your swine operation. It’s where the majority of your investment goes, and it’s also where the biggest returns or setbacks can come from. You can have the best genetics, the sturdiest pen, and the cleanest waterers, but if your feed program isn’t dialed in, your pigs won’t thrive.
Feeding basics:
- Starter pigs need about 18% protein.
- As they grow, gradually reduce to 14-16% protein.
- Feed 2-4 lbs per pig per day, adjusting as they grow.
Don’t underfeed and don’t overdo it: Overfat pigs waste feed, and underfed pigs won’t fill out right. Scraps are great additions – just skip raw meat, moldy food, or anything spoiled.
Clean water is non-negotiable. They’ll drink gallons a day. Automatic waterers can be a big help. Whatever system you use, keep all above-ground water sources out of direct sunlight. Hot water can deter pigs from drinking, leading to dehydration and, in severe cases, death.
Keep ‘Em Healthy
Keep pigs clean, dry, and well-fed and most pigs will do just fine. Still, stay alert:
- Deworming: Every 4-6 weeks is ideal to keep pigs healthy. We recommend Merck Safe-Guard Medicated Dewormer Pellets for effective worm control.
- These vary by region, so it’s best to check with your local vet. At Elston’s, we stock vaccines seasonally to ensure freshness and effectiveness. Not sure what your pigs need or what we carry? Just give us a call, we’re happy to help.
- Watch for scours (diarrhea), coughing, or limping to catch problems early.
- A pig off its feed is a pig in trouble. Trust your gut: If something looks wrong or feels off, it probably is. Act fast.
Timing the Finish
Feeder pigs hit butcher weight around 250-300 lbs by 5-6 months. When they stop gaining fast and start putting on fat, it’s time.
Whether you’re processing on-farm or through a local butcher, have your plan ready: freezer space, transport, and help all lined up.
You’ll taste the difference with homegrown pork.
Fair Season at Your Back
Swine fair season in San Diego usually kicks off in June, and there’s no time for second-guessing. Your gilt or barrow should be hitting their prime with tight skin, full barrels, and level tops. Feeding twice a day with steady effort shows true work ethic, turning these hogs into real proof of hard work, dedication, and skill beyond any textbook.
Why It’s All Worth It
Raising pigs isn’t easy, but it’s worth every early morning and bent nail.
It’s full freezers. It’s kids showing up proud at the fair. It’s knowing exactly what’s on your table and how it got there.
Out here, we measure success in pounds gained, feed scooped, and lessons learned. If you’re serious about taking control of your food and building something real: Pigs are a great place to start.
Raise them right. Feed them well. And when you take that first bite of homegrown pork, you’ll know. It’ll all be worth it.
Ready to get started or level up your swine game? We’re here for you.
Elston Hay and Grain has the quality feed, real-world advice, and supplies to help you raise them right, from weaning to freezer, and every stage between.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/