Last Updated on May 10, 2021
Loading pigs doesn’t have to be difficult. Today, I want to show you the easiest method I know of on how to load pigs into a trailer.
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Introduction
If you found this article you’re probably looking for an easy way to load your pigs into a livestock trailer. Maybe you don’t have a pig chute or other pig loading facilities.
Don’t worry, you won’t need those if you follow the method I’m about to show you. This is how I load my pigs and it’s really simple. It hasn’t let me down yet and I don’t think it will let you down with a little careful planning. And it makes raising pigs on pasture a lot easier.
So let’s get to it.
Step 1: Putting the Trailer in With the Pigs
The first thing that I do is I back the trailer into the paddock itself with the pigs and then I’ll put some poly wire up around the sides with step-in posts to keep the pigs from chewing on it or rubbing up against it.
Step 2: Feeding the Pigs in the Trailer
Next, I leave the trailer in here for about three days. This is the most important part.
During those three days, I feed the pigs inside the trailer. I always leave the back of the trailer open so, even when I’m not there, the pigs can go in and out as much as they want.
This gets the pigs really comfortable with the trailer which is what you want.
Step 3: Hauling The Pigs Off
On that third day when I’m ready to haul them off, I can just simply walk into the back with feed and, by this point, they’ll easily follow me in because they are used to it.
Then, I’ll feed them in the trailer, walk out, shut the door, take my poly wire and step-in posts down, hook up the trailer to my truck, and I’m ready to go.
It really is that easy.
A Few More Considerations
While loading pigs, here are a few other things to consider.
First, if your pigs are not trained to an electric fence like mine are, you’re probably going to want to put something else up against the sides of the trailer to keep them from rubbing or chewing on it. Maybe use some pallets, hog panels, or something else.
Whatever it is, make sure that it’s secure so they don’t knock it down or push it out of the way.
Also, during this entire process, I highly recommend only putting the pigs in the paddock with the trailer that you’re wanting to haul off. Otherwise, when the day comes to load them up and take them off, you’re gonna be inside the trailer trying to get the ones out that you don’t want to take and keep the ones in that you do and it’s gonna be very difficult.
So, there you have it. That is my easy method for loading pigs into a livestock trailer when I’m ready to haul them off. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below. I’m always happy to help.
Video Instructions
Hi Casey, i’m newbie at pigs. I have three Guinea hogs about three months old. I have had them in an old duck pen and am getting ready to try the rotational grazing, your article was very helpful. My question is how do I train them to use the electric fence, they are in a fenced in area at this time? Also our pasture is about ready to cut, very high grass, should i cut it before i put them in or do they like the “jungle” feel.. Thanks for all your pig posts, I appreciate the knowledge you are sharing.
Amy
Hi Amy, I train new pigs to electric by keeping them in a electric pig netting or electric poultry netting paddock at first. After they learn not to touch the wires I will move them into my regular paddock system with polywire electric fence. Also, pigs like to be together so once the older pigs are used to my regular paddock system then the new ones will want to stay with them. As far as the pastures go, I don’t cut them. I let the pigs eat them down. It may be like a jungle at times but they don’t mind. Hope this helps.