The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Penygroes Farm on April 03, 2014, 06:39:03 pm

Title: Can pigs jump ditches.
Post by: Penygroes Farm on April 03, 2014, 06:39:03 pm

We are getting our first two gilts soon and have a overgrown wooded / conservation area with a lake and two ditches. The area is about 1/2 acre and is completely fenced in. We have supplied housing etc.
My questions are will the weaners be at risk from the lake? It does get about 8ft deep in the middle. Also will they be able to jump or cross the irrigation ditches?
The area has been left to become overgrown in the last two years or so and the hope is that the two pigs will earn their keep by clearing a lot of the undergrowth for us.
regards
Penygroes Farm  :pig: :pig:

Title: Re: Can pigs jump ditches.
Post by: oaklandspigs on April 03, 2014, 10:08:39 pm

Pigs of all sizes and ages can swim very well, from little 6 week old piglets to the largest sow or boar !

Swimming Pigs in the crystal clear sea of the Bahamas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVcKglSuGe8#)

so crossing the lake will be no problem.

The risk would be from leaf litter/mud in the lake trapping them before they could get far enough in to swim.

They'll have no problem crossing the irrigation ditches either, they can climb steep slopes with ease !

I would also worry about the polluting both ditches and lake.

Title: Re: Can pigs jump ditches.
Post by: Berkshire Boy on April 03, 2014, 10:09:52 pm

You will soon find that not many places are out of bounds to inquisitive pigs .  Mine like a good swim

Title: Re: Can pigs jump ditches.
Post by: hughesy on April 04, 2014, 07:44:27 am

A strand of electric fence will keep them out of trouble.

Title: Re: Can pigs jump ditches.
Post by: Possum on April 05, 2014, 08:47:11 pm

Love the video :pig: !