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RE: My meat has a name.
One thing we ALWAYS do first is put a solid physical barrier immediately behind the electric fence. If they go through the fence, get burned, they are NOT going to go back. There's no way we can chase pigs. Photos to show how we set up fencing.
We have 2 on a 1/4 acre turnout and it's fine for them. We do not feed supermarket waste, only organic feed. A good source of lysine is going to be the limiting factor on how well and quickly they grow.
The barrier outside the fence (white stakes to anchor it to ground, not for wire...):
Wire set at pig nose height:
Quarter acre turnout and they don't ruin the space with overgrazing? That's super encouraging! I've got a bit in the back yard inside an existing fence that could probably do well with that.
Do they smell? Are they like chickens, where if it starts smelling funny, just add carbon? Pigs won't jump a low fence? Do you need two like with goats or chooks, or will they do okay alone?
I'm considering pigs because chicken and beef are usually more readily available with grass fed, pastured, organic, etc, but good pork is harder to come by. And because I can't pasture a beef cow on a quarter acre lol.
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This was last year after 4 complete months. They still had over 2 more months to go, before we had Freezer camp. (Note we had taken down the black barrier. We only leave it up for 2 weeks, then store it for next year.)
Our pigs have never smelled. But yes, if there's odor, add carbon.
Our fences were set up for horses/cows, so there are upper strands and always was. But the most important one is the one at nose height. It MUST be kept HOT at all times. Ours test it nearly daily; we know because we hear the squeals when they hit it! You must also check the entire thing daily, as they do root in places and can cover it with soil.
Yes, you should have 2 as they are a herd animal and do better with companionship.
The quality of your meat will depend entirely on how they are fed. Junk from the supermarket (bread, vegs, etc) will affect the flavor and composition of the meat. How fast they grow will depend on the quality and amount of lysine in their food. We count on ours reaching the optimal butchering weight of 200 - 225 lbs in 6 months, no later than October here. That's why we had no pigs this year, they would not have finished by then, but in February instead.
Nice setup! Having 8 week old piglets tossing dirt on the bottom wire can be a thing yes. We raise it as they get a little older but I agree all fences should be checked as part of a daily routine. We use the Gallagher S10 solar panel for years now and even though it should not have a very strong spark we did not have any breakouts. I love these little mobile things. We also have a mobile pig shelter. I still need to put gutters on there to collect rainwater. Winter project.
One thing to add is that pigs can't take heat so they need shade and a mud bath (keeps their skin in good condition). If you pour water somewhere they will dig the hole themselfs but some people use kiddie pools. Note that they will flip over any sort of container even if you put a brick or something heavy in it so make sure to secure whatever you are using.
Oh, yes! I intended to mention the mud necessity and forgot. Thanks for covering it!