need pig info too -- good livestock supply source

[meganwf]

I'm hoping to raise two feeder pigs this year. Have source for pigs, have butcher lined up, have overgrown with brambles meadow (about an acre) with split rail and wire fencing, have electric poultry netting, have charger and tractor batteries, have calf-hutch and an empty hoop coop, have read lots of books... but I'm stumped when it comes to what to expect as far as pig behavior (if they escape the electric netting will they charge through the split rail / wire?) and a good source for store-bought waterer and feeders. I understand they are like ducks and I want to make sure they have clean water and that I can feed and water them from outside the fencing for when they get big. I have a barrel and I understand I can put a nipple waterer in it somehow and fill the barrel with water from the hose making sure the nipper waterer is gravity fed not pressure but am not handy at all. Can someone show me a product I can buy that will do the job of giving two pigs clean water and a feeder I can fill from outside the electric fence?

I think I need a pig consultant! Will trade homemade food and eggs!

[piglady]

We raise pigs but don't use anything fancy. It's true you need to have clean water but these are pigs and a pig is only happy if it has a mud hole. We just go to the local feed store and get those big flexible rubber tubs to water in because they are going to tear up anything else. They turn this over to get water to make a mud hole. If they don't have one, they will over heat in the summer. So, they are going to drink from the mud hole no matter how often you provide "clean" water. As for a feeder, we use the same type tub. When you get your pigs, keep them up in a real pen which they cannot excape. Give them a week or two to learn they are home and get used to a schedule of feeding and learn you are the source. After that, even if they get out, they will be back at the feed tub like clock work. To train them to electric, put it inside the real pen so they will touch it but can't get out even if they go crazy and run all over. Once they feel it, they will respect it and then when you put them out on pasture, they will not try to break through. Hope this helps.

[meganwf]

Thank you so much! I wasn't sure if I could go so low tech. I figured pigs would drink out of a mud hole if it was there -- I know my chickens do, especially when I give them fresh water!

But I would need to make sure they had a full tub a few times a day, right? I do have the smallest sized stock tank. I guess that would work too but I have also read that I need to be able to service the water from outside the fence for once the pigs are bigger. Do folks cut a hole in a hog panel for that kind of purpose so the pigs can stick their heads in the tank but you can dump / drain and refill it from the outside? I know... I think about things too much! I just don't have any experience. Thanks!

[tyusclan]

Here's a link if you want to check them out:

http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/

They have quality products at a reasonable price.

Edited to add: They have products for all livestock, not just pigs.