Why would Marguerite consider feeding the pigs one of the worst chores?

Marguerite considers feeding the pigs one of the worst chores because it is a dirty and often foul-smelling task.

First, Marguerite and her brother, Bailey, have to mix together a mash of sorts for the hogs. This unappealing concoction involves mixing sour, dry mash with soiled dish water and leftover food. It is likely a smelly and pungent mixture, unlikely to recommend itself to young children. However, it is Bailey and Marguerite's job to mix up this mash as part of their evening chores.

After mixing up the mash, the siblings have to march down to the hog pens, where they will pour down the whole unappealing concoction to the "grateful hogs." The pigs relish the slop they are given, but Marguerite and Bailey do not relish the fact that the "evil-smelling swill" often splatters onto their "shoes, stockings, feet, and hands."