The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Clive on April 22, 2013, 06:47:44 pm

Title: barrier for piglets
Post by: Clive on April 22, 2013, 06:47:44 pm

Hi all,
Strudel, our OSB gilt is due to farrow in a couple of weeks. She is accommodated in an ark, with constant access to her paddock. We are modifying the Ark to add removable creep bars and are pretty confident that our preparations are about right, except for one thing. I have been advised to form a small area outside the ark with a short fence that strudel can step over but the piglets can't. I know many people don't worry about this but I wondered if you had any thoughts, either about the necessity for the barrier or for its construction. After the wet spring, the ground outside the ark is pretty rough so it might be possible for a piglet to wander off and get lost.

Thanks in advance

Title: Re: barrier for piglets
Post by: Hassle on April 22, 2013, 07:17:58 pm

Cut off from a scaffolding plank with some angle iron in the corners bolted to the front of the ark?

Title: Re: barrier for piglets
Post by: hughesy on April 22, 2013, 10:46:54 pm

We've never used anything like that. Ours are free to come out as soon as they're ready and none have ever come to any harm.

Title: Re: barrier for piglets
Post by: Fowgill Farm on April 23, 2013, 09:59:21 am

google farrowing ark fenders
mandy :pig:

Title: Re: barrier for piglets
Post by: Clive on May 08, 2013, 09:27:27 pm

Thanks for your replies. Decided not to bother with the barrier. They are two days old and they have already ventured just outside, but only when mum is nearby and we are not!

Title: Re: barrier for piglets
Post by: Berkshire Boy on May 09, 2013, 09:45:44 am

I don't bother with anything, mum will always be keeping a watchful eye on the little ones.