The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: gavin davies on February 04, 2013, 06:56:23 pm

Title: straw for pigs
Post by: gavin davies on February 04, 2013, 06:56:23 pm

Hi everyone I am new here I am having two pigs this weekend as I am sorting out the sleeping area for them most of the people I have spoke to have said that I need barley straw for them but I have tried a load of places near wear I live but I can't find  any where that has is available they have all said about 2 -3 weeks. My local feed store has what they called normal straw and they have said this would be fine just want another opinion on this as at the end of the day he could say anything to me and I will by it. Would this be ok until I can get some barley straw fot the little pigs

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: Rosemary on February 04, 2013, 07:21:33 pm

Normal straw may well be barley straw. I'm sure it will be fine and certainly better than any alternative that I can think of  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: oaklandspigs on February 04, 2013, 07:24:34 pm

Any type of straw will do - basically you are giving them an area to create a nest that does three things :
 
1. allows them to a warm material to sleep on
2. Creates a barrier between them and damp/wet areas beneath
3. creates a nest that reduces draughts
 
We have always used "normal " (wheat) straw, and if the sleeping area is dry also use hay, which doesn't provide damp protection (hay wicks mositure) but does also give them edible bedding which they love!
 
 

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: kja on February 04, 2013, 07:31:50 pm

we use wheat straw too after a bout of barley mite in the barley straw.

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: Beewyched on February 04, 2013, 07:35:20 pm

My KKs are quite happy eating their straw bedding too - not fussy what type  ::)
 :love: :pig: :love:

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: Hassle on February 04, 2013, 08:02:34 pm

I find with mine they eat less of the barley straw than wheat straw so when i do have to use wheat straw i take it into consideration with the amount of feed I give.  :farmer:

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: gavin davies on February 04, 2013, 08:11:34 pm

Thank you everyone for the reply very helpfull . :excited:

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: Fowgill Farm on February 04, 2013, 08:29:32 pm

People like barley straw because its softer than wheat and alledgedly more absorbent, i bed mine on wheat and they're fine, and as oaklands has already said so long as they can get snuggy in it they'll be fine, sure you've done loads of reading up Gav but have a look at http://www.oldspots.org.uk/getting_started.asp (http://www.oldspots.org.uk/getting_started.asp) for a few tips on your new pigs
hth
mandy :pig:

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: scarlettoara on February 05, 2013, 10:02:49 pm

i found barley straw is golden, longer stranded so you can fluff it up better whereas wheat straw is paler, shorter and flatter.
i prefer wheat straw for mucking out as it tangles less. iv never used oat straw.
barley straw is often sprayed but i cant remember if this is winter barley or spring barley, but apparently not both, its worth avoiding sprayed barley straw if using as fodder for cattle etc.

Title: Re: straw for pigs
Post by: MAK on February 06, 2013, 09:19:16 am

As the pigs grew I kept adding straw of course and the 2 had a great snug bed in the barn. I cleared it out the other day ( bit of a task) and it made me realise just how much straw we get through. You may have to budget for it !
Fortunateley I do not pay for my straw but do give my neighbour the odd rabbit or duck for his trouble.