Piggery
Feeder Pigs for Sale: What to Look for Before You Buy
Oct
If you’re searching for feeder pigs for sale, you’re probably planning to raise pork for your own freezer or for local customers. Buying the right pig makes the whole project easier. Buying a weak, undersized one means extra feed, vet bills, and disappointment at slaughter time. This guide covers what a feeder pig is, what a healthy one looks like, current prices from our farm, and what it costs to raise one to market weight.
Quick Answer: Feeder Pig Prices and What to Expect
At Reichert’s Farmstead, pigs are priced from $70 to $300, and most breeds fall between $70 and $210 depending on age and size. A good feeder pig is a weaned piglet, usually around 40 pounds, and it needs roughly four to six months of feeding to reach market weight. Browse everything on our pigs for sale page.
Feeder Pigs for Sale at Reichert’s Farmstead
These are the price ranges currently listed on our site. Prices change with availability and size, so check each page before you order.
| Breed | Known For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Duroc | Fast growth, hardy | $70 – $150 |
| Yorkshire | Lean meat, good growth | $70 – $150 |
| Landrace | Long body, lean meat | $70 – $150 |
| Pietrain | Heavy muscling | $75 – $210 |
| Hampshire | Lean, muscular, hardy | $80 – $190 |
| Berkshire | Heritage, flavorful meat | $80 – $170 |
| Chester White | Calm, good mothers | $250 |
| Pure Tamworth | Heritage, strong foragers | $300 |
What Is a Feeder Pig?
A feeder pig is a young pig bought to be raised to market weight. University of New Hampshire Extension advises buying weaned piglets at six to eight weeks old, which then reach market weight of 200 to 250 pounds at about six months of age. They are different from breeding stock, which are kept long term to produce piglets. thepigsitethepigsite
What to Look for When Buying Feeder Pigs
Use this checklist whenever you buy, from us or anyone else:
- Healthy appearance. Look for a smooth hair coat, pink skin color, and alertness. Avoid pigs that look dull, hairy, coughing, or sitting apart from the group. thepigsite
- Good size for age. Missouri Extension says an ideal feeder pig weighs 35 to 40 pounds at eight weeks. Under 30 pounds at that age is considered lightweight and may grow slowly. missouri
- The biggest in the litter. Extension advice is to select one that is larger than its litter mates. thepigsite
- Muscle and frame. Oklahoma State Extension recommends pigs showing evidence of muscling and a large frame. okstate
- A trusted source. The same guide recommends buying direct from producers who maintain a sound health program. okstate
- Clear paperwork. Ask for the breed, age, and health history in writing.
Which Breed Is Best for Meat?
- Duroc, Yorkshire, and Landrace are the most common choices for fast growth and efficient pork production, and all start at $70 on our farm.
- Hampshire pigs are lean and muscular, a good pick if you want less fat.
- Berkshire and Tamworth are heritage breeds, popular with homesteaders and buyers who care about flavor and pasture-raised pork.
- Pietrain pigs are very muscular, but they suit experienced keepers better than first-timers.
- Chester White pigs are known for calm temperaments.
Still deciding? Our best livestock for beginners guide compares pigs with cattle, goats, and sheep.
How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Feeder Pig?
The purchase price is only part of the cost. Feed is the biggest expense:
- A pig needs about 3.5 pounds of feed for every pound of gain when growing from 40 to 240 pounds. That means about 700 pounds of feed per pig (200 pounds of gain × 3.5). okstate
- A well-cared-for pig gains a pound to a pound-and-a-half per day. thepigsite
- Multiply 700 pounds by your local feed price to estimate your feed cost per pig. Prices differ by region, so check with your feed store.
Other costs include fencing, shelter, waterers, deworming, and processing fees. A simple budget formula: purchase price + feed + processing = your cost per pig. If that number is lower than the pork you’d otherwise buy, raising your own makes sense.
Space, Fencing and Housing
Pigs need less room than most people expect, but they need strong fences. UNH Extension recommends four to six square feet per pig at 50 pounds, and 10 to 12 square feet per pig at market weight. Use sturdy hog panels or electric fencing, provide shade and a dry shelter, and keep clean water available at all times. thepigsite
Your First Weeks with New Feeder Pigs
- Keep the feed the same at first. Experts suggest giving the feed they are used to from their previous home for a few weeks, then mixing in the new feed slowly. thepigsite
- Isolate new pigs from other pigs for at least three weeks if you already keep any. okstate
- Plan to deworm. Oklahoma State Extension suggests worming approximately two weeks after arrival. Ask your vet for a product and schedule. okstate
- Watch them daily. Check feed, water, and behavior. A pig that stops eating is a warning sign. Call your vet early.
Common Mistakes When Buying Feeder Pigs
- Choosing the cheapest pig without checking health or size
- Buying from a seller who can’t show breed or age details
- Not building proper fencing before the pigs arrive
- Mixing new pigs straight into an existing herd
- Keeping pigs well past market weight, which costs more feed per pound of gain and increases fat. thepigsite
Buy Pigs from Reichert’s Farmstead
At Reichert’s Farmstead, our pigs are raised in a clean, natural environment with proper nutrition and attentive care. We provide clear information about each animal and help our customers choose pigs that fit their goals. We serve customers nationwide and can assist with arranging safe transportation. Orders over $300 ship free (our minimum order is $150). Not sure which breed to choose? Contact us and we’ll help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do feeder pigs cost?
On our farm, pigs start at $70 for breeds like Duroc, Yorkshire, and Landrace. Heritage breeds like Tamworth cost more.
How old are feeder pigs when you buy them?
Usually six to eight weeks old, just after weaning, weighing around 40 pounds.
How long does it take to raise a feeder pig?
Roughly four to six months from purchase to a market weight of 200 to 250 pounds, depending on breed, feed, and weather.
How many feeder pigs should I buy?
Pigs do better in groups, so two or more is better than one. Beginners often start with two to four.
How much feed does a pig eat?
About 700 pounds of feed to grow from 40 to 240 pounds, based on typical feed conversion figures.
Do you ship pigs?
We serve customers nationwide and can help arrange safe transportation. Contact us before ordering so we can plan it with you.
Ready to Buy?
Browse our feeder pigs for sale and pick the breed that fits your farm. Stock changes often, so reach out early.
