The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: PK on March 17, 2017, 12:31:26 pm

Title: Farrowing bar
Post by: PK on March 17, 2017, 12:31:26 pm

I'm doing the finishing touches to a small pig farrowing house I've built. I plan to put in a farrowing bar. How high should it be and how far away from the wall would people recommend?

Title: Re: Farrowing bar
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 17, 2017, 03:12:01 pm

We have purpose built farrowing sties put in by the former owner, who kept commercial sows.  They are a bit close together for our GOS sows although the gilts fit just fine.  I'd measure your sow when she's lying down and add about 20cm for the width.  Our bars are made from scaffold poles and about 23cm from the ground.

Title: Re: Farrowing bar
Post by: PK on March 17, 2017, 04:28:59 pm

Thanks MF

Title: Re: Farrowing bar
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 17, 2017, 05:33:08 pm

Measure from the top of her back at the shoulder to the bottom of her feet when she's lying on her side  She needs enough room so she doesn't get her legs caught under the bar but has to lie down slowly to fit in the space, giving the piglets a chance to squeak and let her know they're there.  I remember seeing a new commercial farrowing design which put a slope on the wall at one side, which had a similar effect - the sow had to slide down rather than just plonk herself.