The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Bionic on April 13, 2012, 10:08:42 am
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I need to buy a pig ark any recommendations?
The ark is going to be for 2 weaners upto pork weight. What size will I need?
If I limit myself to the size of ark to fit the weaners am I going to regret it in a year or two if I decide I want to breed and then need to get something bigger?
thanks
Sally
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start out with a straw shelter that way you are not left with an expensive shed should you decide pigs are not for you
it is amazing how folk will willingly spend hundreds on arks just because that seams the done thing then argue over the cost of weaners
make a shelter far more satisfaction in that and cheaper there are lots of posts and suggestions for varying ideas
in the wild they make do with a hole in the ground and lined with what ever is available :farmer:
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If you do decide to go for an arc - buy the biggest you can afford ;)
8 x 10 will happily accomodate a sow and litter or up to about 10-12 weaners to pork size.
When using it with less pigs just block some of it off with bales ;)
Always better to go for one with a floor too if you can - enables year round pig keeping in comfort (for the pigs ;D)
Ooooo exciting for you ! Can't wait to see the photos ;D :thumbsup:
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Mine haven't got floors but I put stable mats in them in cool or cold weather and take them out in hot weather.
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2nd what HH says about floors especially if you live in a wet part of the world(think Sylv lives in devon??) and as Robert says if you keep summer pigs eg may - sept/oct you can usually get away with a sturdy kirsty one from posts pallets and straw. Otherwise check out local ag sales/merchants for 2nd hand ones as the moment loads of people seem to be giving up pigs for one reason or another.
Mandy :pig: