The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Twin on November 12, 2014, 09:31:31 pm

Title: Ark recommendations!
Post by: Twin on November 12, 2014, 09:31:31 pm

We're looking for a new ark and would like Some recommends, we seen the ad in the mag for the recycled plastic ark and want to know if there's any other suppliers out there?

Thanks in advance

G&S

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: Tamsaddle on November 12, 2014, 11:00:52 pm

Where do you live?

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: Marches Farmer on November 13, 2014, 08:26:13 am

Beware of eco-board.  We have an animal shelter that we use for poultry but the board is compressed plastic waste rather than a rolled sheet and the roof is disintegrating, allowing rain to permeate through.  Still works with plastic feed sacks weighted down with rocks on top of the roof, but not what we were hoping for!

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: devonlady on November 13, 2014, 09:11:13 am

Contact your local agriculture supplier and they may do sections of metal arks. Also, a friend made me a lovely pig house from solid pallets. The pallets cost £100, it is roofed with second hand galvanised tin sheets.

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: Azzdodd on November 13, 2014, 03:57:50 pm

I've just made new ones with of cuts of tree Slabs but depends if you want the ark to be mobile.....

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: CharingPorkPantry on November 13, 2014, 05:00:39 pm

Hiya,

Depends on what breed you are containing. I have LB's and one of my sows in particular has destroyed everything put in her pen! She still sleeps in them but they have no back or front...and they are somewhat more mobile than we planned for  ::)

I have just custom fabricated a steel framed house with removable doors, and human height roof which I really think will withstand the biggest bottom scratching! Having said that my little boar has your standard tin roofer and he hasn't tried anything.

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: Twin on November 13, 2014, 08:54:01 pm

Quote from: Tamsaddle on November 12, 2014, 11:00:52 pm

Where do you live?

North west lakes, and the local farm suppliers don't do any  >:(

Title: Re: Ark recommendations!
Post by: TheSmilingSheep on November 20, 2014, 04:32:46 pm

Well, I wont pretend that we went 'economy', but we bought a recycled plastic ark from 'Arkus'.  A bit of a palaver to put together the first time, but after our weaners went off, we dismantled it, pressure hosed it all down, and it was easy to put back together for the next year.  Feels like a clean way of doing things (when we bring new weaners onto the land each year)...  Also bought their chicken coop, similarly easy to clean, less prone to red mite...

We got an ark with a floor - which in retrospect was a good idea ..... not sure why we felt we needed a little door too though!!!!! (Beginners!)