The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: MiriMaran on April 10, 2009, 09:26:32 pm
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I have a corrugated iron horse shelter that easily fits 2 donkeys, but would be a squeeze for more than one 16hh horse. Its approx 12ftx15ft and 7ft high. It leaks a little bit in very bad weather and has rubber matting on the floor.
Would this shelter be suitable for weaners if we piled loads of straw in one corner or would it be too big and chilly for them? My OH has been planning to build a plywood box (with roof) about a 1/4 of the size of the shelter to put inside the shelter so that the pigs can be kept a bit warmer. The straw will go in the box and the pigs can use the rest of the shelter for staying inside without having to go to bed.
Is all of this necessary or would straw in one corner suffice. We will NOT be keeping pigs over winter. Any advice would be great - thank you!
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Hello,
They'll be grateful for anything that keeps them dry and out of draughts, the box inside the shelter would be a good idea (until they out grow it). For bedding our pigs would use rushes (they pick their own) or straw that we would give them.
Cheers
Gavin
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Thanks
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Could you also fix up the leaky bits with some corrugate, or aluminium sheeting and some hexagonal 'self tapping' washered screws (in your hardware store or co-operative mart)
Morgan
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Does the shelter have a front to it, so they can get out of the wind? If you can then find a dry area in that part then should be fine. Otherrwise the box sounds better. Although might be a bit wary of rubber matting. One of ours would make a great job of chewing it up.
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As long as they have shelter from the sun, wind etc that should be fine, I have rubber matting in my stable for my sow and piglets, they havent chewed it but have lifted it and put the bedding underneath! then its fun pulling it all out again!! We had the same for our weaners when we brought them into the barn for the winter, they didn't destroy it but again lifted it, so we took it out!!
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have you seen billy b's post re cheap arcs? he is not a million miles from derby.
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Yes they can escape the weather and yes we can patch it and I've also emailed Billy about the cheap arks. I think we will build a temporary box to put in the shelter until they get bigger.
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OK we have a definite plan now. The corner at the back of the shelter opposite the door never gets wet, but is open to strong wind. So, we are going to make a half wall half way to the back of the shelter sticking out into the middle. The pigs come through the door (wiping their feet on the doormat ;D), go behind the wall to find a lovely sheltered, straw filled bed.
I had this idea at about 3am last night! I'm in such a state of excitement and nervousness about getting the pigs. I desperately want to do it all right!
What's really going to happen is the pigs will drag mud into the shelter scratch their bums on the wall until it collapses! ;D
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Sounds like you are going to have some really happy pigs.
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I'm glad to hear you're looking forward to them, thery're great craic. As with all best laid plans you'll have to improvise and adapt as you go, but then again thats half the fun!
Morgan
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Thanks for the support! Will let you know when we get the little hoodlums.
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Cant wait... ;D