[P6te]

In preparation for farrowing for the first time I am considering constructing a crèche area outside the ark. What are your views on a crèche?  What height should it be to keep piglets in but allow mum to get out without a problem?

[Fowgill Farm]

They won't use a creche outside the ark, as they will always go for the warmest spot which will be inside the ark normally in one corner or the back of it. Best way is to put a scaffold pole across the back of the ark at about 6 - 8 inches off the floor so piglets acan get under but mum can't.
When they're older and going on to hard food you could probably build a solid strong feeding creche but it has to be unable to be lifted by mum.
HTH
mandy 

[P6te]

Thanks Mandy,

I have a scaffold bar / farrowing bar in place already inside the ark.  I'm thinking ahead and had read / been told about constructing an area outside so when they do start to venture out, they don't go too far away from mum!

...... or are you saying that this really isn't necessary / needed?

Pete

[dixie]

Ive never had a crèche, mostly mine farrow in a converted stable in the barn, then depending on weather, temperature they go outside at a week or so. We have farrowing rails and a creep area with a heat lamp in the stable, but once outside just an ark and a large pen. We have auto drinkers which they can't reach when tiny so I put a heavy dog bowl of water down for them. They don't stray too far from mum, and soon come back when she calls them. My friend farrows them all outside all year round, no rails, no crèche in a massive field, it's quite funny watching 2-3 week old piglets charging around then realising mums about an acre away! But they soon run back! Good luck.

[Berkshire Boy]

Hi Pete,

Pretty much as Mandy and Dixie say. Mine come into stables this time of year to farrow, one of the places I use has a five bar gate which they all nip through and run around on the yard, they always seem to know where mum is.
I have 1 sow who caught me out the other week and farrowed in her ark in my muddiest pen and as Mandy says they stayed inside until about 2 or 3 weeks and they now play hunt the dry patch in the pen quite happily.

[LOCHBYRE]

We farrow outside all year round, piglets are very adventurous but also very clever, ours quiet often sneak under the electric line to go visit their neighbouring piglets and their Mum but always come back when hungry or Mum calls, so funny to watch them, they can go at some pace 
Lovely stage when they reach 2-3 weeks and chase and play like we puppies, as soon as they spot you they give a little grunt and take off sometimes to the arc and hide their heads in the straw as though if they can't see you , you can't see them.......they are great timewasters 

[P6te]

Thank you .... its sounding unnecessary, the run is secure ... although I suspect a weaner could get through the smaller holes at the base of pig netting!! Ummmmm .... can't wait!! 

[HappyHippy]

Our Kunekune piglets all manage to squeeze through the netting, on such a regular basis that Boris is a pig babysitter and 'guards' them when they're out. (They're only 'out' in an enclosed bit of land between the shed and the paddocks though  ) The good thing is that when they are so little the slightest grunt from mum brings them back to her double quick and by the time they're more confident and independant (older) they're too big to get through.......mostly  (there's always one  )
Karen