Hampshire

Pen + wallow + 3-sided shelter

≥ 50 sq ft per pig in pen, hog-rated fencing

A bare-minimum pen with ≥ 50 sq ft per pig, a wallow for thermoregulation, a 3-sided shelter, and hog-rated fencing (woven wire or hot wire). Pigs are herd animals — solo housing is poor welfare, keep at least a pair.

Rotated paddock with shelter

1/8–1/4 acre per pig, rotated

Rotated paddocks of 1/8–1/4 acre per pig with a wallow, a barn or sturdy shelter, sturdy fencing, and a farrowing crate option for sows. Rotation prevents parasite build-up and gives fresh rooting ground.

Managed pasture + woodland

Multi-acre rotation, woodland + wallow, herd of 4+

Managed pasture rotation with access to woodland for natural rooting, a wallow, shade, and a herd of 4+ for social structure. Heritage breeds in this setup preserve genetic diversity and express the full pig behavioural repertoire.

Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).

After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.

Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.

Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.