American Guinea Hogs are an excellent choice for the homestead or small farm. Full grown, they are much smaller than other hog breeds and so overall much easier to handle. With regular daily attention and interaction, they can be socialized quite easily, another plus for seniors or families with small children.

Hogs like to root and forage in wooded areas, and/or graze in pasture. They tend to dig large holes to reach cooler soil on a hot day, and especially enjoy wallowing in mud. A sunken kiddie pool full of mud is ideal.

Hog panels (16ft) make an excellent pen for American Guinea Hogs, although regular field fencing can be used as well, because of their smaller size. They can be successfully included in rotational grazing using electric fence, but electric fence alone will not contain them adequately.

Females (called gilts before birthing their first litter) are smaller than males. Bred females (sows) should be separated from males and given hay for nest building. Gestation is 3-3-3, that is 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. Sows are very protective of their young and can become agitated if approached, or if they fear for their own or another female’s piglets. Pure bred American Guinea Hog piglets are either black, blue (grayish), or red, the latter being a pink color with black spots.

Happy Homesteading,
T.