How long does it take to roast a pig?

Answer 1

The length of roasting time would depend on the size of the pig, whether or not you stuffed it, your coal load and the type of cooker. These comments concern a cooker with cover rather than open pit style.

Most 275 gallon oil drum type of cookers are long enough for a 60-75 lb pig if part of the legs are removed to fit.

7 hours is probably the outside length of time and would likely be a stuffed pig. If the pig is stuffed with fruit, veggies, sausages, poultry, etc. you will need to cook until they are done. If the cavity is open to the heat, the pig will cook from inside and outside but exposing the inside will cook it faster as the heat does not have to penetrate the thick skin and fat layer beneath it.

BEST practice is to use a thermometer and occasionally stick it into the rump to check to see if it hit 140+ When the rump hits that, give it no more than 1 hour. Tend your coal and try not to open it up too often. Remember if it is enclosed, it is an oven and you are letting the heat out.