Great video! I wish somebody had told me this before I had bought 3 american Guinea hog and a kune kune. Your absolutely right about the mini pigs. They aren't worthwhile for meat
I'm going to pin this Troy people need to hear it from someone else that's been there . Part of the problem is people hobby farming call themselves homesteader's and the rules are way different anything mini is a poor fit when it comes to providing food
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay absolutely. Mine are 7 months but I've only had them for 4. the biggest one is 80 pounds. What am I supposed to do with a 80 pound pig? My dog weighs more then that!
@@troybailey8113 troy I just got through dressing a 10 week pig that dressed 50lbs that I'm going to BBQ in the morning , I can't figure out why people push them so hard we go through six 250 lb tops a year just for our family if you are depending on what you grow to eat, it takes a lot . Big difference between one meal a week to put on Facebook and a thousand meals a year
When I was born my grandfather owned about 200 Acres, he was a farmer and his brother had Hogs. when I was a kid I used love to go over there, now I'm thinking of growing my own Hogs. thanks for the videos
Thanks for all the info. You really remind me of my Grandfather on my dad's side. Gonna plow my field next March with two pigs. Wish I lived closer to buy them off you. Respect from KC MO
Just wanted to say I love your videos and glad to see yens are down to earth people and seem honest about everything I just got back into farming after leaving the farm when I was 16 I am now 47 and I’m starting to raisin breed pigs again and watching yens is one of the reasons why thank you very much
I just built a pen. Too big but I think I will divide it into two for maybe a total of four pigs. I have yet to build my shelters. We kept pigs when I was young but haven’t kept pigs for decades. We eat a lot of pork and prefer the taste of home raised.
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thanks much for that advice. I think I may divide it into thirds and just rotate to the other two as needed with only two pigs. If I decide to keep more pigs I can use the other pens. This is just pork for the family use. I appreciate your channel and expertise. I am looking to get the breed you recommended from an earlier video.
Great advice Mr. Chris. Thanks for the info. Just about got the pen ready to raise 2-4 feeder pigs. I may be needing some questions answered in the future. Appreciate your input. God bless from Missouri
This would be a fantastic topic for a live discussion. What everyone is breeding age the real life results and issues we run into. Knock on wood and thanks to your videos I built my pen and over built it the way toy showed along with electric. I just started letting mine out on 1/4 acre in a 3 wire electric paddock.
I am very grateful for the "shoot from the hip" knowledge. I am in Dallas, Tx and i want to get into raising pigs to eat. I am tired of handing over my check to Wal-Mart for groceries. I just started watching and i really enjoy your content. Thanks!
We just did the math on our meat pigs last year and we were at 3.25 a lb in the freezer . That was feed , processing/ packaging and figuring 85.00 for the feeder pig ( what I could have sold them for at weaning) . Remember your going to get some cuts you might not use feet , tails , ears etc and it'll be a little cheaper if you process yourself
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay They are only raised the local way, which is a bit more harsh and rough than your good set up on your homestead. If the locals have not got much money then the pigs are not going to have too much spent on them but they are raised on pig pellet feed for rapid growth. I am no expert and rely on family members with there years of knowledge raising pigs locally. Its all in philippine peso's, so not much compared to the US with inputs and profits but filipino's love their pork and pigs. I have videos of the costs and profits on my channel. The family look after them mainly the local traditional way, to their welfare standards which is different to the west. We have ASF African Swine Flue knocking around. If the locals get a whiff its in the area they automatically slaughter all their pigs to ensure they do not completely lose there money/ investment. So lost a couple of pigs to panic killing by the family which was unfounded. We enjoy raising a few backyard pigs to see if we can make a little profit. If you go too big it can be easy to go bust. Out in the provinces here it still has a wild west feel to it. Like your accent and your informative videos. I will be watching more of them.
Good advice Chris. We’ve raised York, Hamp and Durocs which was our 3 way cross farrow-finish. Doing feeder to finish now. New to your channel from Michigan.
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay do you do the butchering yourself? We have long wait times here to get animals processed. I called first week in September and the earliest I could get hogs done is November 8. I can butcher deer, never tried a hog.
@@AnglesideFarm no they have to be USDA stamped to sell we had a little trouble with long waits last year . I still dress BBQ pigs and some of my neighbors still have hog killings mainly for tradition . It's a job especially if you're doing 15 at the time But it can be done with only hand tools saw ,grinder etc
Hey this is awesome thanks guys !! Answers a lot of the real questions. Great great content agree and do exactly what you say. I got most my info from your old videos. I love the get a real pig !! You told me that 2 months ago so that’s what I did heritage cross. I am sitting about 3:1 and getting 1.5-1.8 lbs a day. Thank you as always Minden Hills Homestead
I'm glad to help that's why I do this , I get a lot of feed back from my customers saying they felt suckered when they bought a fad breed ended up with 10 dollars a pound pork and had to wait a year for it not to mention paying an outrageous price for the pig they're like bantam chickens tbh
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I could not agree more the cheapest was to put quality pork in the freezer is the best way. I spend a bit more on a few things like adding fermented grain and some soaked corn and a scoop of field peas in the fermented grains but all in all I stick with a bulk 16-% med ground pig ration normally served moist. Bulk by the ton is the only way to buy feed or mix your own. Thanks again. Love these real live Real situation show it as it is tell it as it is videos
Always appreciate the no nonsense input from experience. I had considered the small breed but that didn’t make sense for exactly the reason stated. Picking up two Berkshire Yorkshire crosses tomorrow. Working on pen today.
The man questions I have found answers in the various videos of yours I have watch. The only real question I have left pertains to worming and if grinding grains is a good idea for small backyard farming for food. Raise small flock for eggs, 60ish meat birds per year, and now venturing into a couple feeders per year. One for freezer and hopes of barter other for beef. As for the worming I have found a variety of answers but how often should I be worming with ivermectin (most recommended via internet search)? As far as the feed question I realize the supplements are key, but if I would be buying whole grains to mill would the savings really be justified considering investing in a mill and the time it takes up? I realize you grow some of your grains is that where the savings is or the processing as well? I wrote a lot here and understand if you do not have the time to respond. That being said truly value you insights and all the knowledge that I have and still gaining from your videos.
@@ltdlawnservice4586 depends on how much you have to pay for the grain, if you can get it farmer direct say 5.00 a bushel ( 56 lbs ) you can make it for half the price of store bought . You need the pigs wormed before you put them in their permanent pen then again at 150 lbs for meat pigs . We do fecal samples but worm every thing every six months as a precaution. I worm sows two weeks before farrowing
I just wanted to reach out again and thank you for all the answers your provided. Not just in these comments, but in the hours of information I have taken in watching your videos here lately. I know that you say that you do this to help but you also inspire. I have put off trying to raise feeders for a couple years now. I can do this, but I can’t turn a field in my mind. Thank you I also would like to know how to send you and Darlene a care package from East Tennessee.
Hello Chris, I am wondering if you happen to know anyone in or near west Tennessee who might have some good feeder pigs. Thanks for taking the time to help some of us grow our own food.
I just want a day off, I've worked 7-12's this month and same last month covering vacations on top of my regular 3 and 2 shift. Another thing is an off day I'm not cleaning yard/cutiing grass. I cut 3 yards totaling about 12 acres(my house, my property and my parents). I can't do nothing but cut grass, watch it rain and work for the past couple months. Every time I get caught up it's back to the grind stone. I did manage to get me an 8N Ford side distributor and I'm going to have to rebuild it. Got it running good but it has a knock at higher rpm and smokes like a tar kettle. Hope yall are doing well, been a minute since I've watched y'all...
No it's a common belief for some reason but it doesn't work . It appears to because the fiber pushes out some of the really old worms that can't hold on . NCSU did a lot of research on " natural" dewormers none of them do much if anything
We bought breeders and plan to sell some piglets to make up the cost of keeping the breeders. We did buy kunekune, but yes. The handleable size for breeders and the relative gentleness on the ground were big benefits to us. So far, and we haven't fed through winter yet, but they have been very inexpensive to feed.
All I get is bad feed back from people that bought them to feed out and a lot of animosity and hard feelings to the people they bought them from . We've had people throw them in our hog pens when we weren't home to get rid of them, I tried to feed a couple out 6 to 1 on the feed and 3 months to 100 lbs honestly I can't recommend them to anyone for pork
We read they were a great quality dark marbled pork. We have a ton of open pasture and a lot of various food scraps, so here's to hoping they are a tasty meat that is a useful garbage disposal as they grow out. Our plan is to breed enough and staggered enough (we have 2 gilts and a boar right now) to eventually be able to butcher and sell piglets bi-annually. Will take some time to get to the first butchering but like I said, so far they've been relatively no cost to feed.
@@SageandStoneHomestead I couldn't tell any difference in the pork but I think that's a good thing and I can see the benefits of small sows if you're raising pork for your self . Just can't see buying any to feed out most old breeds hit 250 in four months after weaning on around $150.00 worth of feed so you have 2.00 a lb in the pork processing included give or take
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay makes total sense. We thought about buying feeders but decided we preferred to be able to ensure we would always (God Willing) have access to pigs. Very excited to have them. They are by far one of the easiest livestock animals we have raised far.
That's about the same experience we had , I wonder if it has something to do with a particular blood line because I have seen some grow out pretty good
Chris, your videos are always helpful. Obviously this will vary depending on where you're at but what are feeders going for in NC? I want to feed out three or four this coming year. I know of some purebred Herefords. Barrows are priced at $120. Just trying to get a feel if that's a little high or not.
I sell meat pigs for around 80.00 ish at weaning . That's anything that doesn't make the breeding stock or show pig cut for color etc. . I see low quality pigs online here all the time from 20.00 to 40.00 but I think 80 to 100.00 is probably fair and purebred should bring more
@@georgefarris4915 I will say that's a lot for a barrow in my opinion unless they're show quality . Purebred doesn't matter much on a pig you can't breed but I understand prices are different in other places
Some they aren't bad just grow a little slower than I like and suffer in our summers . I've been told they're great for cross breeding to add cold tolerance
Hi Chris i enjoy watching yalls videos. Its nice to watch a real country person. Ive raised a few butcher hogs all different sizes and when i get the meat back its usually pretty tough. My latest one was a 375lb Hamp gilt and we ate some chops the other night and they were tough. Im now feeding 3 large blacks to try them out also may switch to a different butcher. Any thoughts ?
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay No sir theyre in a decent sized pen and i feed about 3 - 4 lbs per head per day. Where you're from do they hang a hog any length of time or butcher quick?
@@robertbeggs8945 I think that might be the problem feeding them out too slow try putting them on a feeder you want them about 250 in about 4 months add a month for 350 . Over night is about as long as I've ever seen anyone hang a hog just long enough to get all the heat out of the meat , pen them a little tighter and at least triple the feed and I think you'll see a big difference
@@robertbeggs8945 I should warn you those large blacks grow pretty slow anyway , the big black sows you see in my videos are Hamp / Duroc cross they'll go ahead and grow
Thanks for your honesty, I almost pulled the trigger on some IPP's and strait up kune kune's. I found a guy who has some full Berkshires with good lines. I'm now thinking of getting 2-3 from him. I'm thinking of two 16x24 pens and rotating them if it gets too bad and nasty in the one. Also, how much lime? Do you do this before you even get the pigs or after it starts to stink?
I can't recommend deep bedding, it doesn't work anything like people say . The smell and upkeep is terrible. Just a roof normally isn't enough protection from the weather. A concrete floor is fine you'll just have to wash or scrape the floor once a week
They are one of the oldest English breeds the growth rate and feed conversion is a little behind something like a Hamp or Duroc but they are great foragers ( good and bad ,can really destroy a pasture ) and good mothers and do really well in a cross breeding program . They are a true lard type so they work good putting some fat back on this newer line stock.
Chris I’ve got a 12x12 pole barn that I was wanting to raise a hog in do you think 2 topping out hogs would be to much in that area ? Or should I just do 1 at a time . I’ve just always heard old timers say it’s better to grow 2 at the time . Thanks for the videos
What's up Chris? Thanks for all your video's we just got our first feeder pigs we bought 2 this is our first time raising pigs we want to be self sufficient and not buy store meat ect. I know you use ivermectin. I'm just asking if you know any other methods that your dad or grandpaw used we're trying to go natural as possible I saw you video this morning saying don't use de ect. And if there's nothing else I appericate if you get back w me thank for your video's. Don't worry about what people say so much if they don't like what you do they don't have to watch!!
Ivermectin is the only safe way to worm a pig I know of really . Granddaddy used lye mixed in soaked corn it works but it's a fine line on the mix and I'm scared to try, the same with arsenic that daddy had to use in the 50s . Don't be scared of using products that will help just use the only when needed and correctly you would be amazed at how much of the organic stuff is pure crap mainly marketing especially with GMOs most people preaching about it don't know anything about them or anything about agriculture in general most of the time it's just for views or to sell a book
Diatomaceous earth do almost nothing and can be harmful , it only an abrasive . None of the other " natural " do much either , vinegar can help with something's mainly stomach trouble but not parisites I see dead animals daily because some dummy read a book and see people fail at this thinking it's their fault when the way they were doing just doesn't work
What do you think about Tamworth pigs? I got two Duroc mangalica cross sows I'd like to cross to a Tamworth down the road to increase bacon quality would that be worth it in your opinion?
I'm new to your videos, do you still sell piglets? I'll be moving to NC within a year and I'll be doing farming, I appreciate your advice and experience, I've watched a million videos of different people and I've learned more in one of your videos than all the others combined, I look forward to doing business with you one day, thanks a bunch.
How you finding in with your channel, have you monetised or just doing it as a hobby? Are you retired/ just working on your homestead/ farm or do you have another job/ career/ employment? Just asking out of interest. To see if your homestead/ farm can support you and your family. Maybe you have covered it in another video and I have not seen it yet.
We're monetized but the reason we do the channel is to help people. I run a equipment repair shop here on the farm and my wife's a school teacher but the farms not a hobby it has to make a profit or I couldn't do it . I sell produce, pork , beef and chicken. I make a few thousand dollars a year off the farm but it wouldn't be enough to live on
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay You are right, 99% of people don't become millionaires doing You Tube. You must enjoy doing it and looks like you enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping people. But any income from You Tube of course is welcome. Its good your farm is a small profitable business and your not doing it just as a hobby like a lot of people because its failed as a business. You are right the way forward today is multiple diversified sources of income for the family. There is the advantage today of working off the farm and on the internet remotely which is an advantage from the generations before of farmers who could only rely on growing crops and raising livestock. Who where at the mercy of market prices, weather and disease. I still getting through your videos, I enjoy watching them all. I like how you don't take any BS and have a thick hide for the trolls and animal activists which you tuber creators have to endure. I enjoy your informal chatty style and your interaction with your camera women, your wife. Don't worry about production values, you have got it right. Many thanks for your videos, I enjoy watching them.
Duroc/Hampshire heavy on the Duroc is the best all around cross but remember there's a LOT of difference between lines in the same breed so picking pigs for the type and traits you want is more important than breed . Most of the time a 4 way cross will out grow and out mama a purebred
When I build the shelter for my pigs if I just want to feed them out through spring to fall can I get away with just have a roof and no side walls. So they can get out of the sun but still have good airflow?
Check your local regulations to make sure you don't have to have three sides but yes the pigs are happy with just a roof . Just build it low 3 ft in the front 2.5 in the back and in the shade if possible
Depends on the parasite load in your pens . If it's light at weaning and around 100 lbs for meat pigs , every four months for breeding stock . If it's heavy every other month for everything. The goal is to break the life cycle
We used to put up one strand of electric wire about a foot off the ground and it kinda worked , don't know if I can recommend it now. People used to help you get your stuff in if it got out now they call the law . Might be better to go with hog wire and and the electric
We did two lines. One low enough to stop going under. And one about eye height. Joel salatin vids show similar. We have land were slowly clearly to turn into sheep yards
I just separated two beautiful Duroc cross guilts red with white socks and white tips on their tails and I have one or two Duroc/Tamsworth guilts that we couldn't get shiped
Two do better that's true , one just won't grow as fast and normally tries to get out more ,might get sick easier but that's not guaranteed some do fine alone
Where do you get your feed from? I know I watched one video where you made your own feed where do you get your supplements? I found I can get a ton of fines from coker's Mill and add supplement to and is much cheaper then just corn because it is already about 12% without the alfalfa pellets corn sorghum oats as well as all kinds of grain as well as ddgs and some roasted soybeans. But with the price of corn unless you grow it yourself it's just as cheap to buy it , unless you buy the fines and make it from that . and it will top a pig out fast if mixed right.
I make most of it and get the rest from Coker's I've tried that exact thing with the fines and still feed some to cows hogs didn't take to it and had a little trouble with stomach problems in tops just too much powder
I'll do it that I've been getting lately isn't that powdery thank goodness and has big chunks of molasses in it but about 5 lb of dry roasted peanuts per 100 and it cuts the dust and powder right out
@@stevenjohnson3565 I've just been mixing in wet molasses in the cow feed to knock it down and I use some corn oil in the hog feed anyway . I haven't gotten any in a long time they don't have it but every so often my customers are funny about what I feed anyway and I am too tbh, I keep records on feed conversion for breeding . Tops are the only thing I can really get off script with the feed on and of course the sows but I'm really particular about what they get
I understand that. I've just been lucky to get the good badges I guess that are mostly corn and small grain and such works good for me for the pig's and chickens. And I have gotten a pallet that had 20 bags of corn on it
Large breeds are as if not more cold tolerant. Small breeds are more of a hobby livestock not what you need if pork is the goal . We've kept track of feed conversion on some kunekune and it was in the 6.5/7 to 1 range vs 3 to 1 on a good traditional breed so you end up with half the pork in twice the time for the same amount of feed . It's just streached out
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I finally got through some of the older videos and omg I’m glad. I haven’t purchased my feeder hogs yet but I hope to soon. I am getting my pen built this weekend and following your instructions/recommendations to do so. Any way you have or could make a video for new farmers starting out with pigs? Everything you’ve done here has really been helpful
@@EmptyCup_Empowerment I've covered a lot in videos but I tend to talk about several things in each one . If you have questions you can email me homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
@@lamarrichardson8865 hold on I didn't explain that properly. Feed per day starts at two lbs and goes up to ten , if you want to grow them slow you can feed 5 until they're topped take about 6 months . That's how I do breeding stock and they'll be 400 ish at 10 months
I have done that too boost up some cheaper bag feed in the past just be careful you can go too heavy on protein. In the old days they didn't supliment the protein at all just corn and minerals but it took 7 months to top out a hog
Great video! I wish somebody had told me this before I had bought 3 american Guinea hog and a kune kune. Your absolutely right about the mini pigs. They aren't worthwhile for meat
I'm going to pin this Troy people need to hear it from someone else that's been there . Part of the problem is people hobby farming call themselves homesteader's and the rules are way different anything mini is a poor fit when it comes to providing food
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay absolutely. Mine are 7 months but I've only had them for 4. the biggest one is 80 pounds. What am I supposed to do with a 80 pound pig? My dog weighs more then that!
@@troybailey8113 troy I just got through dressing a 10 week pig that dressed 50lbs that I'm going to BBQ in the morning , I can't figure out why people push them so hard we go through six 250 lb tops a year just for our family if you are depending on what you grow to eat, it takes a lot . Big difference between one meal a week to put on Facebook and a thousand meals a year
When I was born my grandfather owned about 200 Acres, he was a farmer and his brother had Hogs. when I was a kid I used love to go over there, now I'm thinking of growing my own Hogs. thanks for the videos
They're not to much trouble if you only have a few , glad to help
Chris you are spot on. Love the channel.. I live here in the very southwestern tip of virginia.
Thanks for all the info. You really remind me of my Grandfather on my dad's side. Gonna plow my field next March with two pigs. Wish I lived closer to buy them off you.
Respect from KC MO
Glad to help , thank you I take being compared to the old folks as high praise
Just wanted to say I love your videos and glad to see yens are down to earth people and seem honest about everything I just got back into farming after leaving the farm when I was 16 I am now 47 and I’m starting to raisin breed pigs again and watching yens is one of the reasons why thank you very much
You are doing a great service with honest, informative videos.
Thank you , I'm glad to help
I just built a pen. Too big but I think I will divide it into two for maybe a total of four pigs. I have yet to build my shelters. We kept pigs when I was young but haven’t kept pigs for decades. We eat a lot of pork and prefer the taste of home raised.
It doesn't hurt to have an extra pen and move them so it can dry out .
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thanks much for that advice. I think I may divide it into thirds and just rotate to the other two as needed with only two pigs. If I decide to keep more pigs I can use the other pens. This is just pork for the family use. I appreciate your channel and expertise. I am looking to get the breed you recommended from an earlier video.
Thanks Chris & Darlene! That's just the info I need for when I start out.
That days getting closer isn't it ?
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I hope I can get out of here next year if I can get my house fixed up and the virus doesn't make things difficult
Great video Chris. You hit all points. Take it easy .
I usually forget something important Brian
I have 5 Berkshire coming in January. Like your videos. Real advice wih no bs.
Hope they help a little
Great advice Mr. Chris. Thanks for the info. Just about got the pen ready to raise 2-4 feeder pigs. I may be needing some questions answered in the future. Appreciate your input. God bless from Missouri
Glad to help !
This would be a fantastic topic for a live discussion. What everyone is breeding age the real life results and issues we run into.
Knock on wood and thanks to your videos I built my pen and over built it the way toy showed along with electric.
I just started letting mine out on 1/4 acre in a 3 wire electric paddock.
I am very grateful for the "shoot from the hip" knowledge. I am in Dallas, Tx and i want to get into raising pigs to eat. I am tired of handing over my check to Wal-Mart for groceries. I just started watching and i really enjoy your content. Thanks!
We just did the math on our meat pigs last year and we were at 3.25 a lb in the freezer . That was feed , processing/ packaging and figuring 85.00 for the feeder pig ( what I could have sold them for at weaning) . Remember your going to get some cuts you might not use feet , tails , ears etc and it'll be a little cheaper if you process yourself
Another great vid, your very knowledgable and a joy to watch.
That's a nice hog setup you have over there . Has it worked out to be profitable?
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay They are only raised the local way, which is a bit more harsh and rough than your good set up on your homestead. If the locals have not got much money then the pigs are not going to have too much spent on them but they are raised on pig pellet feed for rapid growth. I am no expert and rely on family members with there years of knowledge raising pigs locally. Its all in philippine peso's, so not much compared to the US with inputs and profits but filipino's love their pork and pigs. I have videos of the costs and profits on my channel. The family look after them mainly the local traditional way, to their welfare standards which is different to the west. We have ASF African Swine Flue knocking around. If the locals get a whiff its in the area they automatically slaughter all their pigs to ensure they do not completely lose there money/ investment. So lost a couple of pigs to panic killing by the family which was unfounded. We enjoy raising a few backyard pigs to see if we can make a little profit. If you go too big it can be easy to go bust. Out in the provinces here it still has a wild west feel to it. Like your accent and your informative videos. I will be watching more of them.
Great tips, Chris. Thanks
I hope it helps someone !
That corner post in that pen behind you chris looks seroiuse. Lol
Real talk Great video. I 100% Agree
Good advice Chris. We’ve raised York, Hamp and Durocs which was our 3 way cross farrow-finish.
Doing feeder to finish now.
New to your channel from Michigan.
Trying to help folks hard as I can
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay it’s all you can do sir.....
@@AnglesideFarm I reckon we're doing farrow to freezer now I'm selling our finished hogs dressed
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay do you do the butchering yourself?
We have long wait times here to get animals processed. I called first week in September and the earliest I could get hogs done is November 8. I can butcher deer, never tried a hog.
@@AnglesideFarm no they have to be USDA stamped to sell we had a little trouble with long waits last year . I still dress BBQ pigs and some of my neighbors still have hog killings mainly for tradition . It's a job especially if you're doing 15 at the time But it can be done with only hand tools saw ,grinder etc
Good info Great to see you my friend
Thanks preacher
Hey this is awesome thanks guys !! Answers a lot of the real questions.
Great great content agree and do exactly what you say. I got most my info from your old videos.
I love the get a real pig !!
You told me that 2 months ago so that’s what I did heritage cross. I am sitting about 3:1 and getting 1.5-1.8 lbs a day.
Thank you as always
Minden Hills Homestead
I'm glad to help that's why I do this , I get a lot of feed back from my customers saying they felt suckered when they bought a fad breed ended up with 10 dollars a pound pork and had to wait a year for it not to mention paying an outrageous price for the pig they're like bantam chickens tbh
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I could not agree more the cheapest was to put quality pork in the freezer is the best way.
I spend a bit more on a few things like adding fermented grain and some soaked corn and a scoop of field peas in the fermented grains but all in all I stick with a bulk 16-% med ground pig ration normally served moist. Bulk by the ton is the only way to buy feed or mix your own.
Thanks again. Love these real live Real situation show it as it is tell it as it is videos
@@mindenhillshomesteadyukefa8091 feed cost are only going to go up for the foreseeable future , I'm so glad we set up years ago to make our own feed
Great advice, thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Great information, thank you very much!
Thank you for watching , glad to help
Love your videos.
Thank you
Thanks for your information
Always appreciate the no nonsense input from experience. I had considered the small breed but that didn’t make sense for exactly the reason stated. Picking up two Berkshire Yorkshire crosses tomorrow. Working on pen today.
If you have any questions let me know
The man questions I have found answers in the various videos of yours I have watch. The only real question I have left pertains to worming and if grinding grains is a good idea for small backyard farming for food. Raise small flock for eggs, 60ish meat birds per year, and now venturing into a couple feeders per year. One for freezer and hopes of barter other for beef. As for the worming I have found a variety of answers but how often should I be worming with ivermectin (most recommended via internet search)? As far as the feed question I realize the supplements are key, but if I would be buying whole grains to mill would the savings really be justified considering investing in a mill and the time it takes up? I realize you grow some of your grains is that where the savings is or the processing as well? I wrote a lot here and understand if you do not have the time to respond. That being said truly value you insights and all the knowledge that I have and still gaining from your videos.
@@ltdlawnservice4586 depends on how much you have to pay for the grain, if you can get it farmer direct say 5.00 a bushel ( 56 lbs ) you can make it for half the price of store bought . You need the pigs wormed before you put them in their permanent pen then again at 150 lbs for meat pigs . We do fecal samples but worm every thing every six months as a precaution. I worm sows two weeks before farrowing
I just wanted to reach out again and thank you for all the answers your provided. Not just in these comments, but in the hours of information I have taken in watching your videos here lately. I know that you say that you do this to help but you also inspire. I have put off trying to raise feeders for a couple years now. I can do this, but I can’t turn a field in my mind. Thank you
I also would like to know how to send you and Darlene a care package from East Tennessee.
@@ltdlawnservice4586 you don't have to send us anything I appreciate it though. I'm here to help if you need it
Good point that larger areas burn off weight.
It makes a big difference
Cool video! We have a small farm and I really enjoy it. God bless you.
Thank you
Thanks for the no bs info brother.
Glad to help
Wow well educated and informative thanks for having super quality content
Just trying to help people out , thanks for the encouragement
Hello Chris, I am wondering if you happen to know anyone in or near west Tennessee who might have some good feeder pigs. Thanks for taking the time to help some of us grow our own food.
I might I'll check for you , I'm glad to help if I can
Great video as always
Thank you Kevin
WOW, great video, great information. Honest Man
Hope it helps
Those are some tight looking fences looks good
Thanks Mike , a lot of work in them
I just want a day off, I've worked 7-12's this month and same last month covering vacations on top of my regular 3 and 2 shift. Another thing is an off day I'm not cleaning yard/cutiing grass. I cut 3 yards totaling about 12 acres(my house, my property and my parents). I can't do nothing but cut grass, watch it rain and work for the past couple months. Every time I get caught up it's back to the grind stone. I did manage to get me an 8N Ford side distributor and I'm going to have to rebuild it. Got it running good but it has a knock at higher rpm and smokes like a tar kettle. Hope yall are doing well, been a minute since I've watched y'all...
I was in that boat until last week 3 months of going wide open now I'm laid up sick and wishing I could get back to work !
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay hope you're feeling better by now... and really appreciate your videos
@@FITZIEBLUE had a pacemaker put in Monday , I seem to be a lot better
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay good lord, just saw this...prayers and good wishes to you and your Mrs.
I would love to come help you work just to learn more
I've been joking about getting some interns . It's been suggested to teach some classes up here too
Good info as usual Chris. Sure wish I could raise my own pork.
One day geeky we'll get you out of town
Love and light
Thanks thrifty
Hi Chris. Did I understand that right, pumpkin can deworm a hog? Thanks
No it's a common belief for some reason but it doesn't work . It appears to because the fiber pushes out some of the really old worms that can't hold on . NCSU did a lot of research on " natural" dewormers none of them do much if anything
Chris good video. Have you ever done a video about how you worm your pigs? Thank you for all you videos.
We have it covered in a couple, have one where we have the country agent with us
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay
I found it thank you. Do you give the injunction? Thank you
@@larrymorris9834 yes if possible and oral paste on the bigger hogs . Pour on doesn't work on swine
Finally someone who tells it how it is
Amen 💯
We bought breeders and plan to sell some piglets to make up the cost of keeping the breeders.
We did buy kunekune, but yes. The handleable size for breeders and the relative gentleness on the ground were big benefits to us. So far, and we haven't fed through winter yet, but they have been very inexpensive to feed.
All I get is bad feed back from people that bought them to feed out and a lot of animosity and hard feelings to the people they bought them from . We've had people throw them in our hog pens when we weren't home to get rid of them, I tried to feed a couple out 6 to 1 on the feed and 3 months to 100 lbs honestly I can't recommend them to anyone for pork
We read they were a great quality dark marbled pork. We have a ton of open pasture and a lot of various food scraps, so here's to hoping they are a tasty meat that is a useful garbage disposal as they grow out. Our plan is to breed enough and staggered enough (we have 2 gilts and a boar right now) to eventually be able to butcher and sell piglets bi-annually. Will take some time to get to the first butchering but like I said, so far they've been relatively no cost to feed.
Also as a little pig person I'm not offended at all. It's all on preference and goals. Valuable information thank you.
@@SageandStoneHomestead I couldn't tell any difference in the pork but I think that's a good thing and I can see the benefits of small sows if you're raising pork for your self . Just can't see buying any to feed out most old breeds hit 250 in four months after weaning on around $150.00 worth of feed so you have 2.00 a lb in the pork processing included give or take
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay makes total sense. We thought about buying feeders but decided we preferred to be able to ensure we would always (God Willing) have access to pigs. Very excited to have them. They are by far one of the easiest livestock animals we have raised far.
Great video!, did I hear a siren going off in the background? lol
Yes that was the fire alarm calling in the volunteer fire department
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay Oh! I thought it was a Tornado alarm and you were just way to calm! lol
Had a similar experience with mangalitsa. Hardy but just grow too slow.
That's about the same experience we had , I wonder if it has something to do with a particular blood line because I have seen some grow out pretty good
Chris, your videos are always helpful. Obviously this will vary depending on where you're at but what are feeders going for in NC? I want to feed out three or four this coming year. I know of some purebred Herefords. Barrows are priced at $120. Just trying to get a feel if that's a little high or not.
I sell meat pigs for around 80.00 ish at weaning . That's anything that doesn't make the breeding stock or show pig cut for color etc. . I see low quality pigs online here all the time from 20.00 to 40.00 but I think 80 to 100.00 is probably fair and purebred should bring more
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I appreciate the reply! These are purebred Herefords so maybe that's part of the price.
@@georgefarris4915 I will say that's a lot for a barrow in my opinion unless they're show quality . Purebred doesn't matter much on a pig you can't breed but I understand prices are different in other places
Man I enjoy the videos. I have two mangalitsa pigs I invested in as a breeding pair do you have any experience with this Hungarian breed?
Some they aren't bad just grow a little slower than I like and suffer in our summers . I've been told they're great for cross breeding to add cold tolerance
Hi Chris i enjoy watching yalls videos. Its nice to watch a real country person.
Ive raised a few butcher hogs all different sizes and when i get the meat back its usually pretty tough. My latest one was a 375lb Hamp gilt and we ate some chops the other night and they were tough.
Im now feeding 3 large blacks to try them out also may switch to a different butcher. Any thoughts ?
Robert are they on a big pasture ? If they move too much it can make the meat tough so can feeding them out too slow
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay No sir theyre in a decent sized pen and i feed about 3 - 4 lbs per head per day.
Where you're from do they hang a hog any length of time or butcher quick?
@@robertbeggs8945 I think that might be the problem feeding them out too slow try putting them on a feeder you want them about 250 in about 4 months add a month for 350 . Over night is about as long as I've ever seen anyone hang a hog just long enough to get all the heat out of the meat , pen them a little tighter and at least triple the feed and I think you'll see a big difference
@@robertbeggs8945 I should warn you those large blacks grow pretty slow anyway , the big black sows you see in my videos are Hamp / Duroc cross they'll go ahead and grow
Thanks for the replies Chris, I will increase feed and see how it goes.
Thanks for your honesty, I almost pulled the trigger on some IPP's and strait up kune kune's. I found a guy who has some full Berkshires with good lines. I'm now thinking of getting 2-3 from him. I'm thinking of two 16x24 pens and rotating them if it gets too bad and nasty in the one. Also, how much lime? Do you do this before you even get the pigs or after it starts to stink?
About once a month scatter a little pelletized lime over the area they poop in and any wet spots
What's your opinion on using a carport with a concrete pad and deep bedding as a pig shelter?
I can't recommend deep bedding, it doesn't work anything like people say . The smell and upkeep is terrible. Just a roof normally isn't enough protection from the weather. A concrete floor is fine you'll just have to wash or scrape the floor once a week
Opinions on old spots? We picked up a breeding set to grow out and with research we’ve read they’re fantastic so I’m hoping it’s true
They are one of the oldest English breeds the growth rate and feed conversion is a little behind something like a Hamp or Duroc but they are great foragers ( good and bad ,can really destroy a pasture ) and good mothers and do really well in a cross breeding program . They are a true lard type so they work good putting some fat back on this newer line stock.
No the rye is field rye like wheat
Chris I’ve got a 12x12 pole barn that I was wanting to raise a hog in do you think 2 topping out hogs would be to much in that area ? Or should I just do 1 at a time . I’ve just always heard old timers say it’s better to grow 2 at the time . Thanks for the videos
Three do the best for some reason to be honest . Could you give them a little room outside?
👍🏽
What's up Chris? Thanks for all your video's we just got our first feeder pigs we bought 2 this is our first time raising pigs we want to be self sufficient and not buy store meat ect. I know you use ivermectin. I'm just asking if you know any other methods that your dad or grandpaw used we're trying to go natural as possible I saw you video this morning saying don't use de ect. And if there's nothing else I appericate if you get back w me thank for your video's. Don't worry about what people say so much if they don't like what you do they don't have to watch!!
Ivermectin is the only safe way to worm a pig I know of really . Granddaddy used lye mixed in soaked corn it works but it's a fine line on the mix and I'm scared to try, the same with arsenic that daddy had to use in the 50s . Don't be scared of using products that will help just use the only when needed and correctly you would be amazed at how much of the organic stuff is pure crap mainly marketing especially with GMOs most people preaching about it don't know anything about them or anything about agriculture in general most of the time it's just for views or to sell a book
Diatomaceous earth do almost nothing and can be harmful , it only an abrasive . None of the other " natural " do much either , vinegar can help with something's mainly stomach trouble but not parisites I see dead animals daily because some dummy read a book and see people fail at this thinking it's their fault when the way they were doing just doesn't work
What do you think about Tamworth pigs?
I got two Duroc mangalica cross sows I'd like to cross to a Tamworth down the road to increase bacon quality would that be worth it in your opinion?
I like them , have some F1 Tamsworth/durocs now . I'd definitely add some to the mix
PS what your drinking in your plastic red cup, just out of interest. Great vids, Love to hear your opinions in them.
I'd like to know what is in the red cup?
I'm new to your videos, do you still sell piglets? I'll be moving to NC within a year and I'll be doing farming, I appreciate your advice and experience, I've watched a million videos of different people and I've learned more in one of your videos than all the others combined, I look forward to doing business with you one day, thanks a bunch.
You're welcome to just come by anytime. homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thanks, I will ask soon as I can, right now I live in northeast Ohio unfortunately
what was the thing for odor control that you put behind your hog pen? I couldn't understand what you said
Lime , pelletized lawn lime works the fastest
How you finding in with your channel, have you monetised or just doing it as a hobby?
Are you retired/ just working on your homestead/ farm or do you have another job/ career/ employment?
Just asking out of interest. To see if your homestead/ farm can support you and your family.
Maybe you have covered it in another video and I have not seen it yet.
We're monetized but the reason we do the channel is to help people. I run a equipment repair shop here on the farm and my wife's a school teacher but the farms not a hobby it has to make a profit or I couldn't do it . I sell produce, pork , beef and chicken. I make a few thousand dollars a year off the farm but it wouldn't be enough to live on
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay You are right, 99% of people don't become millionaires doing You Tube. You must enjoy doing it and looks like you enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping people. But any income from You Tube of course is welcome. Its good your farm is a small profitable business and your not doing it just as a hobby like a lot of people because its failed as a business. You are right the way forward today is multiple diversified sources of income for the family. There is the advantage today of working off the farm and on the internet remotely which is an advantage from the generations before of farmers who could only rely on growing crops and raising livestock. Who where at the mercy of market prices, weather and disease.
I still getting through your videos, I enjoy watching them all. I like how you don't take any BS and have a thick hide for the trolls and animal activists which you tuber creators have to endure. I enjoy your informal chatty style and your interaction with your camera women, your wife. Don't worry about production values, you have got it right. Many thanks for your videos, I enjoy watching them.
And you're honest opinion what is two of the best cross breed that you can have
Duroc/Hampshire heavy on the Duroc is the best all around cross but remember there's a LOT of difference between lines in the same breed so picking pigs for the type and traits you want is more important than breed . Most of the time a 4 way cross will out grow and out mama a purebred
When I build the shelter for my pigs if I just want to feed them out through spring to fall can I get away with just have a roof and no side walls. So they can get out of the sun but still have good airflow?
Check your local regulations to make sure you don't have to have three sides but yes the pigs are happy with just a roof . Just build it low 3 ft in the front 2.5 in the back and in the shade if possible
When and how often should you deworm pigs ?
Depends on the parasite load in your pens . If it's light at weaning and around 100 lbs for meat pigs , every four months for breeding stock . If it's heavy every other month for everything. The goal is to break the life cycle
What about there manure,? Can you compost for a garden ? Or clean out of there pen ?
If you add lime to the pen every few weeks it just rots and goes away . You can compost it if you want
What about using pigs to clear land? Any advice for fencing?
We used to put up one strand of electric wire about a foot off the ground and it kinda worked , don't know if I can recommend it now. People used to help you get your stuff in if it got out now they call the law . Might be better to go with hog wire and and the electric
We did two lines. One low enough to stop going under. And one about eye height. Joel salatin vids show similar. We have land were slowly clearly to turn into sheep yards
Thank you
Where are you located? Looking to get me some pigs.
Eastern NC
Can you add the lime with the pigs in the pen?
Yes, it's not toxic in any way
What do you think about big black breed
Are you talking about a large Black?
I’d love to get some breeders from you I’m about 3 hrs away
I just separated two beautiful Duroc cross guilts red with white socks and white tips on their tails and I have one or two Duroc/Tamsworth guilts that we couldn't get shiped
What can I expect when raising 1 hog. I have always raised 2 because that is what I have been told to do. 2 has been to much for me. Thank you
Two do better that's true , one just won't grow as fast and normally tries to get out more ,might get sick easier but that's not guaranteed some do fine alone
Thank you for your time. It's hard to find pigs in San Diego county and even harder to find good information as you have given.
@@roncap5818 glad to help , I'm supposed to be shipping some pigs to southern California but it's proving difficult
What was it for odor control?
Keep the pens drained best you can and spread pelletized lime ( lawn lime ) a few times a year .
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay thank you very much appreciate your time and the videos.
Can you tell what type this piglet is she is all black no spots or color at all and has pointed eats. I rescued her. She is only about 3 weeks old.
Can't promise I can but email me a picture and I'll try homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
She looks like a small breed by shape . You should be able to get her to drink milk out of a pan
Where do you get your feed from? I know I watched one video where you made your own feed where do you get your supplements? I found I can get a ton of fines from coker's Mill and add supplement to and is much cheaper then just corn because it is already about 12% without the alfalfa pellets corn sorghum oats as well as all kinds of grain as well as ddgs and some roasted soybeans. But with the price of corn unless you grow it yourself it's just as cheap to buy it , unless you buy the fines and make it from that . and it will top a pig out fast if mixed right.
I make most of it and get the rest from Coker's I've tried that exact thing with the fines and still feed some to cows hogs didn't take to it and had a little trouble with stomach problems in tops just too much powder
Next time you go up there stop by here its 8 miles even
I'll do it that I've been getting lately isn't that powdery thank goodness and has big chunks of molasses in it but about 5 lb of dry roasted peanuts per 100 and it cuts the dust and powder right out
@@stevenjohnson3565 I've just been mixing in wet molasses in the cow feed to knock it down and I use some corn oil in the hog feed anyway . I haven't gotten any in a long time they don't have it but every so often my customers are funny about what I feed anyway and I am too tbh, I keep records on feed conversion for breeding . Tops are the only thing I can really get off script with the feed on and of course the sows but I'm really particular about what they get
I understand that. I've just been lucky to get the good badges I guess that are mostly corn and small grain and such works good for me for the pig's and chickens. And I have gotten a pallet that had 20 bags of corn on it
Where you located?
Eastern NC
What about a kunekune for having them in the winter?
Large breeds are as if not more cold tolerant. Small breeds are more of a hobby livestock not what you need if pork is the goal . We've kept track of feed conversion on some kunekune and it was in the 6.5/7 to 1 range vs 3 to 1 on a good traditional breed so you end up with half the pork in twice the time for the same amount of feed . It's just streached out
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay I finally got through some of the older videos and omg I’m glad. I haven’t purchased my feeder hogs yet but I hope to soon. I am getting my pen built this weekend and following your instructions/recommendations to do so.
Any way you have or could make a video for new farmers starting out with pigs?
Everything you’ve done here has really been helpful
@@EmptyCup_Empowerment I've covered a lot in videos but I tend to talk about several things in each one . If you have questions you can email me homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
how can I buy a male pig uncut from you? I have Hampshire Berkshire mix sows and need a stud
Just email me I have a couple of really nice high percentage Duroc boars that will be ready next week
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay whats your email address
@@vincentacunto6777 homesteadingthehardway@gmail.com
How long should it take to feed one out feeding twice a day
Depends on the pig and how much you feed him . Most of mine take 4 months and 5 or 6 hundred pounds of feed that at 5 lbs twice a day and up
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay 4 months from birth or from when?
@@rbama3536 from weaning 6 weeks that's to 250 - 270 lbs we found you get to much waste feeding them over 300 and quality goes down a little
Thank you for replying
@@lamarrichardson8865 hold on I didn't explain that properly. Feed per day starts at two lbs and goes up to ten , if you want to grow them slow you can feed 5 until they're topped take about 6 months . That's how I do breeding stock and they'll be 400 ish at 10 months
They love fish scrapes
They do but it makes terrible tasting pork . In the old days a lot of pigs were fed by catch
I feed one of my pigs soybean meal mixed with pig feed
I have done that too boost up some cheaper bag feed in the past just be careful you can go too heavy on protein. In the old days they didn't supliment the protein at all just corn and minerals but it took 7 months to top out a hog
@@HomesteadingtheHardWay o ok good to know thanks
Do you have any pigs for sale
We have a few , most are spoke for before they're born
first
I kill mine at 250 or 260