Should I Raise Pigs? Bear Grease, Cellar Hatch, Tarp Shelter and Sill Log

[@kayt6262]

Good morning Shawn. We have raised kunekune pigs for several years now in upstate NY. We have had mixed success but would recommend them as a fine addition to a homestead as long as you go into it well informed. They come with a learning curve. We have raised yorkshire / crosses and other breeds seasonally, no over wintering. Kunekune will require a significantly longer period of time to get to harvest weight. Winter food storage is a challenge. They will do best with what you can grow but need a bit of pig chow as a suppliment for trace nutrients especially in winter. We were disappointed that they did not forage as much as we were led to believe. They do root. A large containment area away from your gardens with adequate shelter and good drainage is important. Letting them roam completely free is problematic as they will help themselves to anything they find. They are less dangerous than other breeds. Wish there was a way to continue the conversation. Upstate NY K

[@kayt6262]

@Cease AndDesist Great idea!

[@kayt6262]

@MAKOBITE We feel it is well worth the trouble. We are both 70 and have raised food and livestock for 20+ years. We like to know where our food comes from, what is in it and be somewhat insulated from grocery stores. It also keeps us up and moving. We also have a better appreciation for what it really takes to be more self reliant.

[@charmed2u2]

Very nice of you to give Shawn these tips.

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

@@kayt6262 Elizabeth says, Thanks so much for your comments. Boy, you're right about, it keeps us up and moving!!! I'm doing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, now a year into it, and have found it a life-saver; Praise God! Helps me to keep up and moving at age 65, better than at age 60 !!!!! I feel 10 yrs younger.

[@j.b.5230]

@@kayt6262 Can I ask how you don't get emotionally attached or how you are able to compartmentalize them as food versus pets? I think that is something I'd struggle with. Also, do you outsource culling or is it DYI?

[@JimmyDCarter]

Pigs and chickens will be a good addition to your homestead! I would love to see that happen.

[@juliajohnson5276]

I was wondering about sheep. Nothing better than a lamb chop.🐑

[@sunflowerfina1]

Good afternoon Shawn, I’ve been watching your channel for a while and has amazed me how you do what you do. However I do sense in this video that you are mentally exhausted and wish you get some well deserved rest. Don’t get any animals until you have the extra time to care for them. Don’t let anyone/money force you to do more than you can. Please take care☺️

[@merediththomas2329]

So glad to have someone so creative to watch. You're like reading a good book, also the memories of my childhood are being awakened. Thank you Sir covid is easier to contend with because of Creative You Tubers like you just sharing their lives.

[@petesontarioadventures1714]

When we think of livestock, the first thought that usually comes to our minds is a meat resource. I'm sure you've considered, however, that these pigs will end up being so much more than just food. They'll be great for waste consumption and soil enrichment. Being grazers, you'll have your own landscaping crew too :) But I predict the biggest boon for you raising kunekune pigs will be to grow your channel. Footage of these adorable creatures will draw many more viewers to your channel. Anyway, I look forward to watching whatever you decide to do, your channels have been among my favourites for years, and you continue to entertain, amaze and inspire me with every video. You're putting your best out into the world and I hope the best of the world comes back to you.

[@trh4982]

I don't think I have ever sell himself out for views. I think he is just doing it for a meat source or those other benefits they have, though not much use in tilling sand.

[@trh4982]

@@TubeMeisterJC yes, it's our entertainment or our learning experience. But it's his family retirement home, mostly paid for by him, not youtube click bait ads. If it was, I wouldn't be here. I'm here to learn skills.

[@petesontarioadventures1714]

@@trh4982 I have never thought of Shawn as a sellout. What I meant was the addition of pigs to the homestead will bring a new feature to the channel which will bring in more people to view it. More people to be inspired. More for Shawn to share his knowledge, abilities, insights, and love for the outdoors.

[@JCrook1028]

@@trh4982 I'd argue that point. His budget is far larger this build than the previous... That's YT cash in action.

[@trh4982]

@@petesontarioadventures1714 Ya I agree. Of course when it's time to have a ham sandwich, I hope people wont get disappointed=P

[@rockyworley2464]

JMO i would ask my sister if she could/would raise 2 pigs for me to have processed. I believe chickens would be a great idea. Catching and canning fish might be another idea to consider. Thanks for having this you tube channel, i can't get enough of it!

[@ikay2102]

Why every time I watch Mr Shawn I feel total sensation of peace??!!

[@tracythorn2918]

I understand how livestock can be a key component to being self-sufficient but Livestock does tie you down. Even a two day hunting trip means someone has to be there to take care of the animals.

[@karinpowers2469]

Truth.

[@Phuture33]

And it will invite predators to the property

[@sonnyboywannabe]

This seems like a real reasonable point. I'd be interested in his thoughts on it, but I will also ponder that dilemma

[@alethastevens6151]

Yes besides their abomination James

[@devonseamoor]

@@alethastevens6151 Abomination? Are kunekune pigs bred to change them into grazers, is that what's wrong?

[@omerthaika]

Hi Shawn. You told us in your previous videos that you love this New Homestead location because it's very quite away from any Traffic or Human noise and you like just the Natural sound of the forest. You also told us that this is precious since not many get to enjoy and live in such Natural surroundings. With raising pigs, chicken and any other Animals constant noise it creates will take away the Natural Forest Has to offer which is very very rare.. Anyway you have been a great inspiration to me and Goodluck with whatever you wish to do.

[@johngoodwin6216]

the great thing about raising pigs is you'll always get a seat on the bus :) we'll be moving back up that way in the not too distant future, excited about getting back to the lifestyle of my younger days, thanks for the vids Shawn

[@valiany]

I always see your videos as a source of inspiration for my self.

[@ryantoemmes9685]

Raise what ever you can Shawn… Take on what you can manage… Society not looking so great at the moment… My Self Reliance is what it is 👍

[@gusviera3905]

In response to your question, I would recommend putting the pen on the back side of the greenhouse dome. Keeps them far enough away (smells and squeals) without totally losing site of them. However, I wouldn't recommend starting domesticated animal raising until your major construction work is done (maybe after your garage is complete). As you know, they will be time intensive at startup and during the raising. Also, I have observed that they scare off moose, deer, etc. and they attract bears, wolves, coyotes and foxes. But, on the plus side, it is a nearly guaranteed meat source, that is able to be harvested when you want it (storing fresh meat during the late fall/early winter will keep it cold/frozen). I never tried pig lard for waterproofing...I wonder... Thanks for the update, Shawn. Here's hoping the weather holds. Cheers.

[@ladyofthemasque]

Rendered pig lard has been mixed with slaked lime powder (cement/mortar powder, also the same stuff used to preserve fresh-from-the-nest eggs) and hot water (to keep the lard in a liquid state) in order to make a water-resistant plaster/whitewash for the outsides of homes. IIRC, it's been used like that since the days of the ancient Roman Empire, and only discarded in the last 100 years by westerners.

[@mitch597]

Been watching since the first site was just that. Learned so much from you and forever grateful. As someone who had no patients in the past now has more than the commoner. I watched you build things with your hands that usually require four workers. I’m rambling and this isn’t even close to the amount of things I’d write to you. Thank you for all you have done.

[@christinebrush4399]

0630, unexpected video to have coffee with Shawn and Cali. It doesn't get any better than that on a cold, wet, morning in North Bay.

[@Tomhohenadel]

I think the Kunekune pigs will be a good fit for the cabin homestead along with chickens of course. A shelter would be required but that’s a small obstacle for you. Thanks Shawn

[@donschornak1488]

Kunr

[@Tomhohenadel]

@@donschornak1488 Kunekune pigs from New Zealand

[@bcuz2975]

Hey Shawn I would appreciate if you would try to remember to turn on English Closed Caption. I watch your show on mute with morning coffee as to not wake the Mrs. Thanks for sharing.Enjoy your day everybody.. We have wild hogs and they root up everything. I hate them.

[@Nannygoat]

My grandparents were homesteaders. They always had a variety of farm animals. They had raised hogs for meat, tallow; and smoked meats that stored long term. Vegans don't like it. It's a way of life for many still. Great video.

[@evalinawarne1337]

I am a VEGAN. I understand WHY people grow their meat/veggies. If I ate meat or dairy. I would want the same thing. I am one VEGAN That feels that animal's must live OUTSIDE and live life clean and material. I CAN'T BELIEVE how some farms mistreat their animal's. That I HATE. They should live like how they mistreat the animal's. Chicken's sitting crowded in one spot or 1/2 a spot. They sit in there and lay as many as possible and get fat. Sit in their own pee and poop. Never sleeping much, see the outside, BROKEN hips from laying to many eggs. ETC. ABUSE, TERRIBLE. BUT, THEY STILL THINK OF MONEY, PROFIT, BUY MORE ANIMAL'S. TO HARM THEM. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THAT KIND OF FARMER. I DO NOT FEEL THEY SHOULD BE CALLED A FARMER. I LOVE THE TRUE FARMERS . THEY WORK HARD AND GIVE THE ANIMAL'S A PROPER LIFE OF FREEDOM. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS. GOD BLESS YOU. I love homesteading. That is a grand GRAND LIFE for animal's. Living on the land. Eating grass and etc. Running and playing around and resting in clean warm shelters away from storms. And eating PROPER Minerals and food. CHOW

[@willsofer3679]

Most vegans that I've met don't actually object to private individuals raising livestock for food, at least in general. They object to factory farming. Commercial dairy and eggs unfortunately take a large toll in terms of animal lives, such as the culling of male calves on dairy farms, and we all know how wretched most large poultry operations are, even if the objective is to obtain eggs. But I've known a few lifelong vegans who actually became vegetarians once they found someone who runs a completely humane and organic dairy farm. The primary concern that motivates most vegans is animal welfare, not disdain for us omnivores.

[@papajeff5486]

Shawn, my Uncle used to raise pigs on a mountain in East Tennessee. He would allow them to run loose to feed on acorns and roots and such. He’d also feed them slop and some corn he’d grow, to keep ‘em close. When time was right he’d cut a long switch and go bring ‘em to pen and maybe fatten them up a little while. Usually it was just two or three. Butcher time was a big deal, of course you know that. It was always winter. No bugs. Had a big tripod, with a swing arm. He’d use a big 50 gallon steel barrel, fired up to boil the dip water. Then scrape them, butcher for the smoke/salt house. He’d spend some time to render the fat/lard. He would let me help with the salting. I was a little boy, with little soft hands, more in the way than help. But I thought I was big stuff, helping Uncle Lake salt the meat. Texas

[@papajeff5486]

Don’t give ‘em names. It’s harder to kill and butcher pets. We named a bull one time. Texas

[@garymackey850]

What a nice surprise on a Tuesday morning!!!!

[@lynbrown4054]

Good Morning Shawn! You asked about Pigs. Now is not the time. Most farmers and off grid are sending their pigs to the processor by Nov. No one starts them to spring. You'll need an area for them to root with shelter. You'll need pond where they can cool off. How about predators? You'll need a electric fence(solar powered), to keep them in and predators out. Plus dewormers to be given. I would suggest you wait till you have your home up first. Then tackle the pig idea. Food for thought!

[@PavlovsBob]

Fantastic, Shawn. The place, the plan, the progress. Outstanding. Yes to the pigs. Pigs and chickens and the gardens/orchards are the backbone. With elk, moose and venison available you've got what it takes to thrive. If you could add a dairy cow that would be great but of course that presents the need for feed and such. Goats can provide milk, cheese and meat without requiring as much infrastructure. All the best to you my friend. It's such a pleasure to watch your homestead taking shape.

[@haywoodjablome6645]

What a wonderful morning surprise Shawn. Thank you. And yes, I would raise some pigs.

[@murrayandru7527]

Raising animals is a big commitment ties you down to the property 24-7 !! Ultimately the choice is yours , nothing ventured nothing gained. Living Traditions Homestead raise some sweet little pigs ( Idaho pasture pigs ) Take care , Thanks for sharing !

[@maryannselstad9072]

Didn't read this before I made my comment about the pigs, glad to see someone else watches "Living Traditions".

[@bedongskifrombedongdesign1062]

Yeah pigs you described that don’t do a mess sounds really good, some talk about chickens as well and I agree and I’m worrying about predators as well.

[@Nannygoat]

Shawn has kids that can help and a future, potential soon to be larger family.

[@ApocalypseNowWithEli]

Up super early this morning, glad to see this upload on my feed. Coffee and Canada. Can’t beat it.

[@kellymulderino7156]

for gods sake enough with the coffee comments

[@lisechartrand6863]

You have it all in nature. Moose, pheasants, deer, fish, etc etc. No need to keep animal in captivity. You and your family can be well fed with your surroundings. God bless you and yours!!

[@loismcbride3389]

The pigs will be a nice addition to your homestead. Chickens would be good as well. I can't wait to see what comes next. Thanks for your videos they are awesome.

[@samuelloftheim967]

Always glad to see new videos! So excited to see your progress on the cabin and project in general.

[@robertbarrett3122]

My Daughter had two kune kune pigs and they rooted and wallowed just as much as normal breeds. I would still go ahead if I were you though. Keep at it Shawn!

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth says, From one of the commenter's, they said if not given sufficient grazing pasture, they will root.

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

Pigs are meant to have a varied diet, Kunekune won't root provided they're given more than just grass to eat, food scraps will sort them out.

[@elizabethpodesta9554]

Hello Shawn stay dry interesting about the pigs stay dry and warm 😀

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Tuesday Shawn & Cali🐕! 👍🏞🏡🐖🐔🐐

[@charliefryer5184]

I would recommend waiting on all livestock until you have completed your home, kitchen and garage/tool shed. It's incredible how much building time is lost when there is livestock to tend. My experience at least. Charlie

[@jmar5787]

Good morning Shawn, I don't think introducing pigs to that environment would be of benefit. Only lead to more issues with unwanted predators! Enjoy the rest of your week! Just more work for you but more self reliant for sure!

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

Good point, they would definitely attract that attention of Bears...

[@disco4535]

@@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla Good. More bear meat, grease and fur.

[@ricobarenschee4369]

That's what I'm thinking as well.

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

@@disco4535 I mean, yes, but Shawn's not allowed to shoot as many as he wants / as many as come his way. I'm not exactly sure of the regulations but I think it's only 1 a year kind of thing.

[@marygordon3032]

Hey Shawn l haven’t seen anything yet that you couldn’t handle, go for it and may God’s blessings be upon you and your family! 🤩🤩🤩👏👏👏👍👍👍💯💯💯😎

[@mariedmitrieff6829]

I think it's a great idea to raise pigs. You're gardens are huge and you will have plenty to share with the piglets. Your channels are interesting and fun to watch. I think you should do what you want to do.

[@visnjapintaric4420]

Shawn you have so many dreams ,planing to build so many things.I have not seen where are you going to stay this winter.They say we will have very bad winter with lot of snow.I hope you have plan for that.Stay safe and good luck.

[@mariawillzniriosbruno1430]

Good afternoom Shawn. It is wonderful to see all that work with a plan and care

[@randallvaughan7337]

When designing a habitat for pigs remember that pigs are curious and smart. That can present as much of a challenge as predators. Best of luck.

[@FreeCanadian76]

the food cost, as mentioned by several people, is the big challenge. If you are lucky enough to get food scraps from a restaurant, you're golden!! No restaurants in NB will do it unless you know someone, which is so wasteful. Good luck sir, can't wait to see the finished cabin!!

[@maryillinski3487]

What a beautiful place.

[@clydemorris3927]

Well 🤠 Shawn... 🐖 Pigs sounds great. Smoking bacon 🥓 and ham, sausages sounds yummy. Hope 🐕Cali enjoys the pigs 🐖. Have fun with your Land, 🤠 Shawn. ... Arkansas Clyde 🇺🇸👍❤️🌲

[@angelitaabrematea3013]

Looking forward to your upcoming another plan of raising livestock which everyone knows will be perfected like you did your gardening. Cali will always peacefully busy wagging tails while watching those livestock.

[@craig5477]

I enjoy hearing Shawn as he mentally works his way through the project & sometimes as he says it he stops & reconsiders; changes his mind & moves on. That is what I have always done ( I suppose we all do). But following that thought process is more than hearing only the final result of the process. It tells me why he chose not to do it another way & why. Valuable info since it can sometimes be applied to my project on a non-related topic.

[@MrMatto84]

Yeah a pig will get rid off all your waste or maybe some chickens not sure how they would go with predators where you are tho

[@Gator-fromOZ]

😅NO PROBLEM , U JUST SHOOT THE PREDATOR & ADD HIM to the food supply & the STEW😉… Think of the PIGS as sort of a BIG WORM that U bait the hook with when Fishing🐟🐟🐟, and then WAIT for the BIG ONE to come and bite the hook😁 👍 ; Problem Solved❗️ ( Just make sure U do your best to save the WORM for the next time😂❗️)

[@pta8734]

Anything you do is an education for all of us, 1 more vote for yes, please.

[@marilynwogahn5428]

Shawn I have been following a few folks for about three years learning every thing I can about survival in Homesteading. I am in the city raised four chicken "Simple Living Alaska"her video on her chickens in the snow has great ideas to pull from. It helped me when my chicken coup got flooded out during a down pour. This time I had what I needed and was prepared for this oct,25/21 a degree better. Her husband Eric built their shead which I call," Stranger Things" It was amazing watching there team effort and we all seem to be racing with weather time. Justin Rhodes is where I go to learn about pig raising and type and harvesting, so far I haven't heard about the Kunekune but when you do I will love to learn from you. What Kayl said I had that with chickens I now grow what they eat and when there are hungry they will wake up the whole neighborhood. NOW things are peaceful. Meaning I learned how to keep the cost down and not totaly depend on feed. My chickens will always love freedom and real worms/ I also had to learn from them. Thank You for very bit you share.

[@_Durkzilla_]

Personally for me, I wouldn’t raise pigs out in the wilderness of Canada. Although it will sustain you with a good food supply and cause you to take less from the land, if the pigs somehow got out of containment and became feral (ie. a bear or wolves breaking into the fence), it wouldn’t be good for the local wildlife. Pigs are omnivorous and will eat almost anything. This makes them more destructive to wildlife. They also take up quite a bit of space to raise. However this decision is up to you. If you feel comfortable knowing you can take care of these pigs without messing with the local biodiversity, then by all means go for it. I'm just providing a warning for what risks may come if you should fail. Anyways, thank you for the content, I've been watching for over a year and you still reel in my attention with you kind nature and captivating videos. I hope my advice served some importance.

[@masterofthehiten]

I don't even think the pigs fit into that desire for sustainable food and taking less from the land. Shawn will have to grow almost a thousand pounds of vegetation just to raise one pig for slaughter, and he has to do that in a region with poor farming soil and short grow seasons.

[@susanbarbar1557]

Well,those two answers are enough to put Shawn off now 😂🤣

[@markrtoffeeman]

@Shawn 100% this. Pigs are deceptively destructive.

[@ginj5375]

Not to mention they unclean for food!

[@willsofer3679]

There are far better options for livestock that would fit into this ecological niche. Dwarf goats, for example. Perfectly manageable, and they eat almost anything as well. They can be about as independent as pigs, in terms of foraging. Plus, you get dairy as an added bonus!

[@rollotomassi7437]

Interesting considerations Shawn, have no experience in this area so can’t provide value to your decision. However, I would think Chicken’s/Hen’s, Rabbits or even Turkeys would be a great start. Chickens offer two food options and I think can be reasonably managed. Also, how would Goats fare? Wonderful food source and great at land management with plenty of natural food supply. My only concern would be attracting hungry undesirable neighbors. All in all, seems like more pluses than minuses. Stay safe.

[@kendaum102]

Something to think about. If you raise livestock you will be obligated to take care of them all day every day. You wouldn’t be able to just go on an quick trip anytime you want to.

[@cee8mee]

I'm sure he's taking that into consideration.

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

True, chickens however are pretty good at taking care of themselves, especially if you automate their water / feed systems. Pigs / larger livestock would be harder for sure

[@willsofer3679]

@@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla You can put pigs out to pannage in forested areas for half the year, and they'll live. That's the way pigs were traditionally raised until the 18th century. But you need a large enclosed space, so they have enough food, and so they don't escape (and go feral).

[@jacquesrosondil]

A youtube creator called “Mossy Bottom” has a small holding in Ireland where they use permaculture principles. They have kunekune pigs who are used to turn the earth-so they do root under some conditions. They have videos about their experience with the pigs. They aren’t being raised for harvesting-rather as companion working animals. It’s a bit different when it comes to the climate and space. The youtuber suggested that kunekune’s are known for not rooting, but will do so it if the space given to them is limited. But it was more of a guess on his part. I recommend visiting the channel in general, the creator behind it is authentic and entertaining. The subject matters also overlap with this channel.

[@maureenmcgrath4664]

I follow Mossy Bottoms channel also.

[@blubyu1100]

Bless you Shawn, as always you stimulate good thinking and hard work. I am recuperating and must rest so your efforts encourage and calm me. Thanks for all you do. dp

[@andrikii]

livestock would be great idea! Getting meat, milk, dairy, cheese, eggs, even maybe wool, feathers, leather from your own farm, sounds great. Seeing that side of a homestead growing, too, would be really cool

[@DansBackcountry]

If you're going to have livestock, keeping them warm in the winter will likely be the greatest challenge. There's also the costs of antibiotics and livestock vaccines that you'll have to consider. In addition to having adequate protection from predatory animals, disease will also be of concern if you have a large number of livestock to attend to. You'll also need to keep in mind how close you have them to a water source because the area the livestock are in can contaminate the drinking water if it's not a running source; and make sure your personal water source is not located downstream of the livestock. Chickens are easier to raise than anything else. Best of luck, I know you got this!

[@Nannygoat]

There are pig farms in Ontario.

[@leeprism9564]

Glad you are safe and intact. I was appalled when I heard your idea to raise hogs. Next to rotten eggs, they smell worse than anything on the planet. As a widow, decades ago, I decided to raise hogs, as I had a hog house, and if I raise anything, I try to raise the best, so talked a purebred Yorkshire breeder to sell me ten female piglets. Then when they were old enough, I talked to a purebred Yorkshire farmer 80 miles away about getting a boar, and my teenage daughter and I put cattle panels around my 1950 Chevy pickup back, and drove into this guys lane. He was in the yard on his cellphone, and I overheard him closing a deal to ship 300 boars to Taiwan. I felt like I was bothering him for only one boar, but he was really nice, and I picked out one, and he loaded it, and off we went. About Five miles down the road, my daughter screamed that he’d jumped over the cattle panel. My first thought was that I had 300 pounds of bacon on this two lane highway, with constant though not heavy traffic. I pulled over, jumped out, and saw a pickup swing off the other side of the road, and he hollered they’d drive him to his farm down the road a piece and reload him. Thank God! Talk about perfect timing! So they reloaded him at his farm, and he was a little gimpy, but ok, and the guy tied him in with a lotttt of baling wire, and we got back, put him in with the females, and never heard another peep out of him. We named him Prince Charles. We had over 100 piglets, after we got some old pig crates and put them into the hog house, and later sold them, but the stench was toooooooo much. I’d go with geese, as they don’t get the diseases of chickens, some Appleyard ducks, which lay prolifically and are good foragers, and some Saanen goats for your wife’s cheese venture, as they are the Holsteins of goat breeds, and their kids are super cute. A friend of mine decades ago, who was 3 rd in the USA in barebronc riding told me his top two favorite smells were horse hockey and gun powder. The good thing about horse hockey too, is that its hot, so u can use it in cold frames in the spring, then after composting, it’s great fertilizer. That’s just my 2 cents though. I worry about you being down under with 4 ft of snow on your hinged flip up door. Take care.

[@darlenekozlovskis6907]

Morning Shawn, we are expecting 5 plus inches of rain today. Love your videos, raising pigs is a great idea, maybe 🐔 too.

[@robertweldon7909]

I saw a man's videos, Don Von Gun, about building a wilderness style shelter. He used a slightly different method of pegging his structure. He put a small wedge on both ends of a peg and then pounded them into place, locking down both ends. This did a great job locking things together. A bit more work, but a very strong binding. ;-)

[@JP-bv7bf]

I love the idea raising the pigs, chickens etc, of course as you know as a hunter they will need to be extra protected from your wild life. Looking forward to the development of your new homestead. BC Canada 🇨🇦

[@kensmith5579]

Pigs and chickens at least Shawn. I think those with the most beneficial output and volume along with the easiest of feeding routine. Love what you're doing, keep on my friend!

[@zachlambert6422]

I would love to see you raise some pigs/chickens. That would be an awesome addition to the homestead. Yes yes yes

[@Asituation-zen]

Chicken’s are quite easy, when let free, they learn to stay safe and they are wonderful safety advisors since they scream when they see a danger, if you give them a space to hide safely they all run to safety, free they feed the ground and it cost nothing to feed when they are free. A great addition « if one likes eggs » and chicken! Orpington are dual breeds, and big chicken, Ameraucana very smart and their blue eggs delicious, star’s they are very résistent! Rhode Island chicken too very very curious. All good year round. Lots of fun and they do well with dogs if we let them learn progressively they will just not pay attention to each other or like each other a lot. I live in the wood and they surprised me a lot. 🐓🐥And the garden is amazingly beautiful!

[@genewileyopa]

Are those pigs hardy for winter time, cold? I think that would be a great idea, some goats, chickens. Would give Cali some friends :) That's just me rambling on. Thanks for sharing Shawn.

[@OdeeOz]

Nope. Not for the kind of winters they get up in Canada. He's going to need a shelter for them. But on the plus side, he can heat it with the manure the make.

[@gilliantempleton3253]

Definitely not. They are a new Zealand breed. We are lucky to get two to three inches of snow for a couple of days. They aren't really considered a meat animal here, most are pets who tend to be very dog like and will for instance lie in front of the log burner and sit on the couch and we'll watch the TV with you.

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

@@gilliantempleton3253 great sausages though, but definitely more of a pet that you eventually eat. Handy for getting rid of vegetable scraps and weeds which would in turn provide natural fertiliser for his vegetables.

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

If his friend nearby has them then I'm guessing it's a manageable issue.

[@beverleyspugsandhomestead.]

Trouble is with them is they take 18 months to mature enough to eat. The other one is the Idaho pasture pig, apparently they don’t root too much. Couple of goats might do well, but thy will debark all the trees lol. You need pasture for cows, but I fed my pigs goats and calves on sprouted barley. I put it under glass and sprayed the kernels with water daily, they sprout and make a mat, the animals all went mad for it as it releases the sugars more easily and converts them to carbohydrates. Simple or complex ones I can’t remember lol.

[@ryanmcn1]

Pigs would be a wonderful addition to your homestead Shawn. No animal is better at turning garden refuse into protein. Have a great day!

[@johncourtneidge]

Thank-you and very best wishes to you all.

[@jimmysquires5093]

You might want to check out the Idaho Pasture Pigs. They are very gentle and have Kunekune in their mix.

[@gondalorber1795]

Hi Shawn, you may want to consider a Garage-in-a-Box to keep you and your equipment dry for the time being until you build a permanent shed. Wonderful shows, thank you.

[@ronwatson4902]

Thanks for keeping us informed about what you are doing.

[@lauriereber8939]

You may want to check out Idaho Pasture Pigs. I believe that they "graze" as well. I have enjoyed both of your channels for some years now and have been inspired to continue my own "improvements" around my land. Thank you for your videos.

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

They're descended from Kunekune pigs

[@kerra3699]

A couple of pigs, goats, ducks and chooks. The goats will help keep the scrub down around the homestead, amazing how easy to move a mobile electric fence to a car battery is and how effective the goats are in cleaning up their patch. Ducks to clean up the orchard, fruit and all, the chooks to clean up the dormant veg patch and help fertilise it with used straw from chook house. All giving manure to build up the Sandy soil within the compost. All contributing to the larder. Pigs to start with.

[@dawnahuggett377]

I think pigs are a great fit! I'm learning about them now so I can have 2 a year to butcher when we get our property and this breed may be perfect!

[@000scubasteve]

Pigs would be a great idea. Invested the extra time in building a pen with covered ceiling protection as well. You know Bears will stop at nothing to get what they want

[@HaroldReece]

Greetings from Colorado. Pigs are an excellent idea, we used to have a pig farm. We started with four little pigs and eventually we had over 800. If I was in your situation I don't think I would mess with farrowing. Instead, I would buy a couple of weaned pigs in the spring and raise them over the summer. Two hogs will provide you with all the pork products that you will need, you'll probably have enough to share with friends. Your garden will provide most of the feed. Winter feed could be a challenge. Thanks for sharing with us, looking forward to watching your homestead grow.

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth says, I've heard that giant mangle beets, which are grown in summer are great as fodder for winter time. Though would have to grow a lot for large livestock.

[@TJMiller86]

The piggy's are too cute! I would end up with pets, rather than food.😂Guess I'm too soft for homesteading. But love watching you do it!

[@maggiesue4825]

My great-grandparents kept their pigs in a covered, log pen, to keep the bears out. Free-range during the day. Appalachians in Virginia = no power, no phones, everything hand-built. I think they would identify with a lot that you do.

[@sovertiginous3297]

I think a few videos ago you said you were a sheet metal worker? I'm a sheet metal worker in the PNW. I admire what you're doing. I often wonder if I have the strength to do what you're doing by myself. I don't think I could. Not without God's grace and the sacrifice of Yeshua. God bless you. And maybe reconsider the idea of pigs. Chickens are far cleaner, full of protein, and arguably easier than pigs.

[@richardgrimm7503]

Amazing workload, looks like the man has energy for days😁

[@pamelajnerren]

Have you considered Idaho pasture pigs? I saw several videos on another channel I watch regularly and they have done a lot of research and they seem to be doing well with them. I don’t know how well they would do that far north but it might be worth the time to check into it. I can’t wait to see the cabin finished. Keep up the good work! ❤️

[@Hungrybird474]

A horse and chickens and another dog to keep Cali company . She would love to have a puppy for Christmas . She’s such a good girl .

[@gilsaxton7351]

Thinking of a raising a few hogs too. I love pork, there’s no waste in a pig, except the squeal. Lol

[@DrumminDoc]

Videos are getting much more cinematic. Lighting, angles, content. Nice job.

[@edtomorrow]

I love the ASMR value of that blue paper siding. I guess crinkling paper sounds is a trigger for me. 💥🦻👍

[@heatherkennedy9973]

i have also been following another guy building a scribed log cabin (Nik Rijavec) he uses a chain saw a lot --but he also uses many hand tools --i find that i love the things that both of you do!! hand made!! wish i was 45 yrs younger and know what i know now!!! but at 63 i do not think i will be moving anywhere --just going to start a garden and teach my self to can. i might see if it is still legal to have a few chickens here as my sister did many years ago-- they can't be any louder then all the dogs!! love your channels-- watch them all!! can't wait to see the cabin fully built!!! keep on keeping on!! i would get some pigs and maybe a couple of goats to help you clear out some stuff. you could also get milk from the goats!!! you need some chickens too!!! any way long rant bless you and yours!!!

[@alshirley3444]

I think pigs are adorable, goats are also good and llamas do well in that climate. I have not tasted llama but I imagine they taste good or you could just get them for their wool. Llamas & alpacas are also like geese in there incredibly protective.

[@robertshinazy3055]

QUESTION ❓❓❓ How did you determine the strength of your foundation for the amount of weight that's going to be on it with all the logs. Thanks. Really enjoy watching your videos. Henderson, Nevada. U.S.A🇺🇸

[@leeh9420]

It seems like pigs would be a beacon for larger predators, and hard to incorporate into the atmosphere you're trying to create at the cabin. You understand far more about the intersection of the ecosystem you have, of course.

[@GeorgeWMays]

I wish that I could sit off to the side in a lawn chair and a box of dog biscuits. A solar generator, a laptop, and a StarLink connection would be nice. I promise to keep my mouth shut and just watch.

[@perkar49]

Hi mate, we raise Kunekune pigs here in New Zealand and have to say they are amazing animal for land care help. I am a butcher by trade so we raise some for meat, ( slow growing ) bacon made with Canadian Maple syrup/salt cure, Our pigs are not fed scraps only grass & windfall fruit n nuts..the pigs keep our paradise looking like a parkland..at the moment we have 7 pigs mowing grass on 5 acres..2 storey straw bale with an earth roof sitting on a river bank, the river full of fish...living the dream...you will never regret getting Kunekune pig's..very people friendly..and so smart. my Bacon seeds...

[@davemurray9533]

Having been raised on a hog farm, I'm very familiar with the smell of hog manure. There's no way I would introduce that odor into the pristine wilderness you get to enjoy around you! I know the meat would be great to have, but I'd opt for hunting wild game to fill my meat needs instead of hogs.

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

I heard that wood chips are like a carbonaceous diaper-No Smell.

[@hejdingamleraev]

You could probably do 2 logs a day, but remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time you need.

[@Blacktulipphotos]

Hi Shawn I am unable to give you advice from experience. From watching oodles of KZbin videos, most Homesteaders have started out raising chickens first. All animals need housing in the winter time, just like us. So building up housing for any animals is a priority before you buy any. Love your channel and keep on producing 💕👍🦘

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth says, Yes, they need buildings especially for winter. I think in the middle of wilderness he's going to have to build a log-cabin secure coral for any large livestock and for small from predators.

[@kurtz260]

The pigs would be a hard no for me, lol. Unless you are going to raise them for food they are going to tie up way too much time and resources and bring in bears and wolves, just my opinion. Rabbits, quail, chicken, turkey, ducks, geese, Guineafowls, maybe some goats (at least the wool would be useful, lol). Whatever you decide you will make it work for you, i have zero doubt in your abilities.

[@jodejekab]

Shawn the cabin that your building now is this going to be you and your wife's forever home

[@SirBloodaxe]

I think raising pigs is a great idea, as to other breeds being destructive by their rooting, if you do a weekly move, they can be used to change forest into pasture, check out Justine Rhodes channel, he does that using old spots. Of course you can get all that info from his mentor, Joe Staltin. Anyway, love your channel, looking forward to seeing your homestead grow!

[@maurademarco988]

Living Traditions also.

[@GinaKayLandis]

Justin Rhodes and Living Traditions Homestead. Joe Salatin.

[@eugeneoz]

In permaculture systems, ducks and goats are most common. It's good to keep animals that provide more than just meat, Ducks eat pests like snails and are good for eggs, goats mow grass, clear weeds and provide milk (cheese) and wool. Quail are a great option too as they breed quickly, provide good eggs and are super quick and easy to process for meat, on top of being very cute and interesting birds. Each quail has it's own unique egg pattern. You keep the males with the females, they don't crow like Roosters

[@indoorsandout3022]

Shawn, I would highly recommend chickens to prep the area for pigs and cattle. They produce just enough disturbance in a site with their scratching to promote grass growth, and they habitually increase plant diversity by spreading seeds. I intentionally fed mine strawberries that were unfit for the table but had good ripe seeds on them, and now there are wild strawberries on my land. You want to move them through an area and follow up with scattering pasture grass seed that has some clover and alfalfa in it. They will make pasture so you can raise cattle. If you can get them, highlands are among the best breeds that can mostly take care of themselves. They are browsers more than grazers, so they don't just eat grass.

[@Flowergurl2000]

Yes to pigs. That breed will love acorns and apples!! So smart in your area!

[@celettakatski9536]

My dad built our pig house on runners and the pen was made of panels that quickly broke down and re assembled. When a crop was finished (we had 20 acres in mixed veg) He would pull the house to that section and let them forage and deposit fertilizer. That might adapt to your situation. Set it up under and oak tree for acorns and when they finish that tree, move them to the next. It really cuts down on the amount of manure and feed you have to shovel.

[@Rags2Itches]

I'm glad you have a way to get some kunekune pigs. A breed I never heard of before until now. One couple who has them said they need to be cooled down in the heat of Summer. (Pigs do not sweat). With those thick coats I can see why that would be an issue. I don't know if ticks would be a problem in your area, but de ticking a pig could be some thing to think about. Pigs are naturally house broken and when interacted with (as a piglet) can become like a dog that wants to follow you around. Similar to goats in that aspect. I've owned and raised both. As cute looking as kunekune are, pound for pound, I'd still go with a couple of pigs that have a quicker weight gain. More bang for your buck and effort, Rooting pigs could turn a garden area over in no time and fertilize it too. I wanted to say that Wyandotte chickens are very winter hardy and Sussex chickens as well, both with good winter egg production. Sussex chickens are a heavier bird for eating. Wyandotte chickens come in some spectacular colors. Sussex are mainly while with a black neck collar and black tail feathers. Good luck in what you choose to do with pigs!

[@laruedouglas7972]

Good Morning Shawn. Just do what you have to. 😉