Easy Way To Raise A Few Hogs

Easy Way To Raise A Few Hogs LIVESTOCK Hogs (33) 27-5-16 Putting hogs on leashes is an inexpensive way to keep a couple of animals around for butchering without the need for housing or fences, says Mose D. Gingerich, Smiths Grove, Ky., who has successfully leash-trained five pigs. He starts to break them when they weigh about 50 lbs., and eventually grows them out to anywhere from 350 to 500 lbs. "Most people find it hard to believe when they see a hog wearing a loose fitting collar around the neck with no problem," he says. "It's a cost-effective option for those who don't raise enough to justify fencing." Leashed hogs can be staked out on pasture and moved often to new ground. "I don't have proof that grass-fed pork has any health benefits, but it's a known fact that they clean up better when butchered. Lard from hogs raised on pasture stays fresh longer than lard from commercially produced hogs," Gingerich says. Gingerich started collar-breaking hogs because it's hard to keep a hog inside a fence and difficult to get them back if they escape. He sets up a hutch and water trough in the shade. He supplements the grass diet with shelled corn. He says two or three rings in the nose will keep a pig from rooting the grass up too much. He starts the collar training with a 1-in. wide, single ply collar made from harness leather. The holes are spaced about 1/2 in. apart because a perfect fit is required to keep the animal from slipping the collar. "To properly adjust the collar on a pig, it should be done while the hog's nose is on the ground, and the collar should be somewhat loose. On a pig weighing 200 pounds or more, there should be room to easily fit your hand under the collar on the top of the pig's neck. Smaller pigs may need to be fitted a little tighter. If the collar is snugged up while the pig has its nose to the ground, it will be too tight when it raises its head," he explains. Gingerich uses a 10-ft. long, 3/16-in. welded link chain with a swivel snap at each end to tether each animal. A ring hooked to the swivel snap can either be slipped over over a stake driven into the ground for a circular grazing pattern, or a cable stretching between two stakes, lengthening the grazing area. "At first, the pig will pull back and slip the collar unless it's tight. In about two days the collar can be loosened some. In seven to 10 days the pig will be broke and the collar needs to be loosened enough to prevent collar sores," he says "Once a hog is used to the collar, it will not pull back on it so it can be worn very loose." A two-ply collar is necessary once the hog reaches 150 lbs. or more. The two-ply restraint is made by continuing to use the original 1-in. wide strap as the main collar, but adding a 2 1/2-in. wide "padding collar" underneath. Also made from harness leather, it can either be stitched on or slotted and slipped on. Gingerich says it keeps the 1-in. collar from digging in and causing sores. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mose D. Gingerich, 717 Young Rd., Smiths Grove, Ky. 42171.

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