[patchy1990]

Although i have bred pigs before, i'm a little concerned this time around that when the time comes to breed my pigs and for them to give birth that they will squash them!

I previously bred pot bellies and we had no fatalities, they were born outside in a pig ark and were fine with no intervening.

However this was a few years ago, and was just wondering how you prevent your pigs from rolling onto the piglets etc.. as these pigs will probably be brought inside to have their piglets.

Many Thanks! 

[JulieS]

I breed GOS and they farrow outside in pig arks all year round.  No fatalities because of squashing up to date.

The arks I use for farrowing have bars (similar in size and look to scaffold poles) along each side and along the back about 12 inches in (sorry not sure how many cms that is...I'm old! lol)   I did have a surprise farrowing in a normal 8'x8' ark that didn't have farrowing bars and no squashed piglets then either.    I suppose it's just having enough space around Mum to allow the piglets to get out of the way when she is on the move or lying down.

I think others who farrow indoors also use similar bar systems along the walls.  These create a space that the piglets can get to and the Mum can't roll on top. 

[Fowgill Farm]

if you go to the GOS website and their forum read the article on Farrowing and there are some pictures of the rail set up we have in a stable. It doesn't completely stop fatalities (we had one squashed in this latest litter) but it certainly helps.
http://www.oldspots.org.uk/getting_started6.asp
Hope this link works
best Mandy

[patchy1990]

Thankyou thats great