Farm Animals

Backyard Pig Welfare: Five Freedoms in Small-Scale Keeping

Backyard pig keeping is growing in popularity, but welfare standards vary enormously and welfare failures are common.

Key Facts

Pigs require social contact - single pig keeping causes chronic stress
Minimum outdoor space recommendations are often not met in backyard settings
Pigs are highly intelligent and suffer from boredom without enrichment
Biosecurity and disease risks from backyard pigs affect commercial herds

Welfare Considerations

Backyard pigs often live in conditions that frustrate their core behavioural needs. Access to rooting substrate, social company of their own species, adequate space, and varied enrichment are essential, not optional.

What You Can Do

Keep at least two pigs together - never keep a single pig alone
Provide rooting substrate such as straw, bark, or compost
Join a backyard pig welfare group for evidence-based husbandry guidance