[Aacre]

Hi there! I just put a deposit down on two Hampsire piglets yesterday and will be getting them in a couple of weeks. I have already been doing some research on caring for them, but now that it's becoming reality, I figure it's time to dig deeper in and learn a lot more about keeping pigs. I've never owned pigs before, so I am excited to learn!
I currently live on an acre in Colorado and keep chickens. My husband and I are going to be building a pig pen/sty over the next two weeks and would appreciate any tips/ideas on how to make it better for them. Also, do they need some sort of shelter to keep out of the elements? I ideally would like to build them a small lean to at the very least..

Thanks in advance! Hope to learn what I need from fellow pig keepers!

 

[Andi]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[PigsRUsColorado]

Welcome fellow Coloradan !!!

 

[SarahBeth]

What part of Colorado are you around? I've been to that state and it's so beautiful, but the Denver area is too big for me.

I did like seeing the mountains.

 

[Aacre]

Thank you for the warm welcome! SarahBeth, I'm just outside of Grand Junction. It's the more desert part of Colorado, but it's still beautiful and has its own charm. I agree with you, Denver is too big! I love Grand Junction because it's big enough for me and it has that country feel just outside of it.

 

[SarahBeth]

I've heard of Grand Junction. That's the other side of the Rockies, right?

I would help with your questions, but I'm just learning for the "someday" farm.

 

[Aacre]

Yes, the western side. Thanks for your willingness to help me out. I'm starting to get very excited because we are going to get our piglets tomorrow. Hopefully you will get your "someday" farm sooner than later!

 

[PigsRUsColorado]

Post pics of your new piggies when you get them !!

 

[Aacre]

I'll be getting pictures hopefully this evening. They are just getting used to their surroundings now. Does anyone know if it's possible to get 3 month old piglets tame enough to pet? Right now they don't want to be anywhere near me, which is understandable. Also, what about vaccines? The lady I got them from gave them antibiotics, iron shot, and I think wormer. How often would I need to do this for them?:what:

 

[PigsRUsColorado]

We don't give any of our pigs any vaccines, and yes, with a lot of feed and patience they will get to know you and enjoy your company

 

[Aacre]

OK! So far, my piggies are doing great. The pen isn't finished yet but it's coming along. The red and white one is Rossa. She is skittish compared to her sister. She will stand as still as a statue! Nera is the black and white one. She is really laid back and mellow. She's not afraid to come right up and say hello. Today, she let me pet her snout. Probably because she knew I had a boiled egg for her! I've discovered that they absolutely love boiled eggs, especially the yolks!

 

[PigsRUsColorado]

They do look pretty good, nice and healthy

 

[stormyday]

I would worm again at 150 lbs, I don't think they need antibiotics unless it's a life or death situation. I think that iron shot is a one time deal. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but this is how I do it and it seems to work for me.

 

[PigsRUsColorado]

If the piggies are raised on dirt ( not cement ) then an iron shot isn't necessary .

 

[Aacre]

Awesome! Thank you for your advice! You guys here on the forum are my only source of knowledge, besides the breeder we got the pigs from. I am leery of giving antibiotics unless it's absolutely needed. I want to raise them as naturally as possible. I was also told that I should worm them every month, which I don't mind doing, but if 150 lbs is recommended, I'll do that. I don't think it'll be long before they reach that weight!