Customer Reviews

Storey's Guide to Raising Pigs: Care, Facilities, Management, Breed Selection

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a must for pig raisers! I should know, I raise 5 breeding sows and write my own farm books, and I even mention this book in my resources section! It's that much of a needed book for pig farmers. Every subject you want to know about pigs is found in this book, from showing at the fair, breeding the pigs, to the business aspect of running a farm...

My husband and I were thinking about raising pigs and bought this book. We read it cover to cover and found a lot of valuable information. We raised two pigs last summer and referenced this book constantly; it is always close at hand. If you are considering raising 1 pig or 50 this book will come in handy.

Overall, I would consider this a good but not great book. I was left with a vague feeling of incompleteness after reading it.

For example, it had several pictures of pigs with 'good muscling' (or 'nice topline' or 'great frame' or whatever). Granted, I'm a novice at pigs but it would be nice if it had pictures (preferably side-by-side) of an example of 'poor muscling' (or whatever) so I can see the difference.

I also found the 'butchering' section to be lacking. For example, when 'scalding' a carcass, it only talks about dipping the entire carcass into the hot water. Nowhere does it even mention dipping out the hot water and pouring it over the carcass (which is more manageable for a large pig). And the actual butchering (cutting up) part is minimal ('separate the carcass into the larger primal cuts with a butcher's knife').

My impression is that this book is geared more toward a small farmer wanting to raise a small herd for profit as opposed to a homesteader wanting to raise 1-3 pigs as food. It's just a different mindset. So - if you're a farmer - I would rate this book a '5'. A homesteader would still find it useful but not complete.

(I can't believe that pot-bellied pigs aren't even mentioned anywhere.)

I bought this just after deciding with my son that we would keep his agriculture project(a nice spot gilt) and raise a litter of pigs for the next year. I have read the book from cover to cover and feel confident that I will be able to raise healthier happier pigs because I have this book. I had this guide and used it as my bible during the farrowing and it was VERY, VERY, VERY helpful. I had all of the supplies and knowledge that I needed to help with the birth of the pigs and it kept me from having to have a vet come out when the sow was having trouble with the last few pigs. A MUST HAVE if your planning on raising pigs for stock shows and don't have a clue!!! Good luck, and I hope you have as much fun raising pigs as we do!!!
-Mel

My wife and I obtained a couple of piglets to help out a friend. That said, I found I actually enjoyed them and wanted to consider keeping them and breeding them. As a result, I knew I needed a whole lot more knowledge than I had. Talking to people who raised them helped, but I wanted to get a sense that I really understood the comprehensive aspects of what I was considering getting myself into (in a very small way.) Storey's Guide to Raising Pigs was just what the doctor ordered! It is outstanding: full of practical information, sage advice, and guidance, as well as welcome warnings (e.g., start small and inch up a little at a time; keep it within your abilities and resources.) A great resource. I have my copy highlighted and refer back to it as situations arise.

Anyone familiar with the Storey's line of books already knows this book is worth buying. I have this series for a variety of barnyard critters and find them all to be a complete resource on raising and caring for my animals.

I purchased this book last year when my children decided that they wanted to take market hogs as their 4-H projects. I had no idea of how to raise a pig. This book was my saving grace. It had all the answers that I needed to help my children with their projects. Wonderful resource for kids and adults.

I bought this book for a young teen with his first livestock project. I was surprised to see his grandfather and uncle who are both experienced with farm animals, poring over the book and talking about information in it that they did not know. The pigs are healthy and growing and the book is becoming well-worn. I recommend the book.

If your raising pigs or just want to know about them, this is the best book you can get. All "Storey" books are excellent. It has all you need to know in order to raise the best pigs. Very complete and informative.

I learned some about pigs in this book but... have you ever tried to render your own lard??
This book says just to boil pig fat in water for awhile
That won't make lard
Took me four tries to finally get it right
Practical experience taught me more than this book