The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Mel on February 09, 2011, 05:16:23 pm

Title: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: Mel on February 09, 2011, 05:16:23 pm

Hi,
I am sure I have spoken of this subject before but I have now decided to buy an 8 x 6 galvanised ark,I found this place on the web and wondered if you all think this is a reasonable price for one?www.animalarks.co.uk

I was going to have one without a floor only we have some hardstanding down there anyway and felt that we could just put it on the grass and keep moving it around,surely this would suffice ok?

Any advice really appreciated!

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: waterboy on February 09, 2011, 05:54:11 pm

Hi, no idea about price Ive gone the home made route to pig arks. I have found after making a couple that the pigs prefer the arks with a wooden floor as they tend to be warmer, also i found that i used a lot less straw as it wasn't churned into the ground when the weather was wet. I also found that putting a 4inch step in the entrance to the ark stopped the pigs dragging out the straw and the came and went. My pigs enjoy using their arks as a scratching post so be aware that you pigs could move the ark on their own if its too easy to move round.

Rob

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: JulieS on February 09, 2011, 05:57:03 pm

I get my arks from Animal Arks, they have all been really good.

I do have the floors, for all the reasons waterboy says.

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: HappyHippy on February 09, 2011, 06:17:08 pm

I'd say go for floors too - definately better for all the reasons mentioned.
But you could construct your own floor from heavy pallets screwed together and covered with some 18mm OSB board (or marine ply if you've got plenty cash) and just attach your arc to it if/when you feel a floor would be needed. That's what I'm doing (well, hubby is ;)) at the moment - I'll have photo's on in a couple of days hopefully !
HTH
Karen x

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: waterboy on February 09, 2011, 06:31:06 pm

I forgot to mention,

 Ive used a couple of different ideas for floors depending on what ive got hanging around at the time but i did one using a number of old scaffolding boards on a wooden frame and another using 3/4 plywood. I found marine ply very slippery as a base surface for the pigs

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: The Woodsiders on February 09, 2011, 08:52:08 pm

Give Ardingly Arks a call, great quality, good service. 01444 891145 they will email all specifications and prices

Title: Re: Ok,we are getting ready for some pigs,Ark advice please.
Post by: Mel on February 10, 2011, 11:16:14 pm

Thanks everyone for you input,I guess I shall have a floor after all,can't wait for one to arrive,shall let you know the outcome soon!