Honestly, give them respect, but don't be afraid. My ex-husband and I raised some pigs, they were sweet, and very easy to manage. They played tug-a-war with me if I went in with a towel in my pocket, they'd try to grab it and play keep away with each other, then tug-a-war with me too. They were friendly and affectionate, but they do get strong and they can turn into bullies if you let them, like a big dog can! I had to leave the area at butchering time, but was able to help with the cutting and wrapping etc.
We fed em mostly commercial feed, but some scraps too, a lot like chickens, but they ate more variety. INCLUDING one silly chicken who got in there!! LIVE! So yeah, they aren't picky eaters *cough*
These guys weren't scary at all, even after the chicken incident. I don't much go along with the whole 'taste of blood' thing, but they were interested in anything that -might-possibly-resemble- food though.
All males were castrated, and the gilts, well, they never had piglets so they never got aggro, which sows DO. I'd be worried about a huge pig of any sort, but possibly more so a sow with piglets than a boar.
When you can get near them, scratch them right behind a front leg, they'll tip over like a puppy for you to scratch their tummies.
You will definately need a good sturdy pen though, and someone suggested a three sided shed, that is probably good. OR an A frame type shed for them to get in out of the sun and rain etc. Oh, and they need room for eating in one corner, sleeping in another and if they have enough room, they'll only poop in a seperate place which you can clean out easily preferably every day. Ours were very clean that way, so that whole dirty pig-pen thing is only if you let it be so.
