Hog Raising - Backyard Style

By Lianne Derocco


While you probably knew that there are hog farms around the United States, you probably didn't know that many of them are small-scale operations and not the big factory farms that you hear so much about. Not only are many pig farms small, many people embracing the back-to-the-land movement have taken to raising their own backyard pig.

Obviously taking care of a pig is a bit more time consuming than caring for a dog or cat, especially since this is animal that will be eventually slaughtered and consumed. Before you buy a hog, do a good deal of research about types of hogs, housing, health, feeding and other elements of care.

First thing to note is that housing should be set up before the hog you bought is brought home. There should be housing which will provide for protection for your pig from the outside elements and it is also where food and water can be easily accessed to. Know that it would take about 170 days before a pig is ready to be slaughtered requiring you to provide a large of amount of daily food and water.

Pigs produce a great deal of waste and even just one pig produces more waste per day than a domestic dog. So you will need to create a waste containment area, such as a hog waste pit. Not only will you need to keep the waste here, you will need to treat the waste so that will not become extremely smelly. Odors are not only unpleasant; they are toxic and attract flies which can spread disease.

There can be ease in treatment of agricultural waste because products such as AgraSphere are available. What this agricultural waste product does is that it breaks down waste solids by use of a mix of helpful bacteria which can then reduce sludge, foaming as well as crusting. You simply toss this product into the waste pit for solids to start being eaten away.

Since this sphere is biodegradable, tossing it into the waste pit gives you with treatment that is "toss and go." And because this product comes without chemicals added, you can be sure that it will not add to the waste toxicity, in fact it can convert the waste into becoming a better source of fertilizer as the bacteria enhances its nutrient value.




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