The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: rhinorhino on September 27, 2017, 09:10:35 pm

Title: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: rhinorhino on September 27, 2017, 09:10:35 pm
As the title says, we have a riding arena that we don't really know what do do with yet. If we get our pigs this side of Christmas would they be fine on the surface of gravel and shredded rubber?
Newbie so all help is welcome.
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: greenbeast on September 28, 2017, 09:39:52 am
Not sure I'd want my pigs on bitesize bits of plastic!
When we hire micros to schools we deliberately avoid their rubberised surfaces and those surfaces are not even usually loose
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: harmony on September 28, 2017, 10:35:13 am
It should have good drainage and they will root through to the membrane and wreck it which would be a waste really. Also if the surface is good it will have a second hand value so you might want to turn it into cash.
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: landroverroy on September 28, 2017, 11:03:08 am
Quote from: rhinorhino on September 27, 2017, 09:10:35 pm
As the title says, we have a riding arena that we don't really know what do do with yet. If we get our pigs this side of Christmas would they be fine on the surface of gravel and shredded rubber?
Newbie so all help is welcome.


 :roflanim: :roflanim:  I wouldn't. :idea:
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: bj_cardiff on September 28, 2017, 12:57:50 pm
They'll delight in pulling up and ripping the membrane..
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 28, 2017, 01:06:23 pm
What pigs can eat pigs will eat. 
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: Steph Hen on September 28, 2017, 07:28:32 pm
You would probably be able to sell the rubber. Where in the country are you?
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: rhinorhino on September 29, 2017, 01:16:19 am
South Lanarkshire, not too bothered about the damage they would/could do more if they are gravel/rubber would they croak it. It seems to be a hardcore base with a few inches of light rubber and gravel. They can go in a paddock but this time or year I'd imagine they'll destroy it.
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 29, 2017, 01:02:53 pm
Rubber, being indigestible, will impact in the gut and kill 'em.  They will turn ground into muddy slurry within a few days.  A good idea to have at least a concrete pad for feeding, preferably in front of their ark to stop mud being tracked inside.
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: harmony on September 29, 2017, 02:05:07 pm
They will trash land if it is wet at any time of year. Either fence them a small area you don't mind trashing that you can reseed or wait until Spring before you get them. Don't get any animal until you are ready for them you will only make it hard work for yourself and potentially miserable for them
Title: Re: Wintering pigs on riding arena??
Post by: rhinorhino on September 29, 2017, 07:46:00 pm
Sound advice Harmony, thanks.