They will turn a pasture into a waste land in short order. They root continuously until the vegetation is gone unless you put rings in their nose which is kind of cruel and very unpleasant. That leads to severe topsoil erosion. Then you will need to feed them daily. I've yet to see a fence that would contain them for any length of time-especially the litters who are coyote and hawk magnets. The sow will suffocate the piglets when she lays down to nurse. Some will struggle free. Others won't make it and she will eat the dead ones. If they are born outside in cold weather piglets get chilled to the bone and die. The smell is horrendous and doesn't wash off easily. A boar is a big ole teddy bear until a sow is in heat and then he's more like a grizzly bear. They are parasite magnets. You have to treat them regularly if you want them to gain weight. Castrating a pig without anesthesia is the loudest thing you will ever experience. EVER. Other that that raising hogs was an amazingly rewarding experience. Sam's had center cut bone-in chops for $1.79 per lb the other day. Aldi will have spiral sliced sugar cured ham for around $1.59 per lb in a month or so. I bought a couple of Boston butts the other day for $1.49 per lb.