[Baswold]

Just wondering whether to build a farrowing shed with heated creep area. Do you feel this would be worthwhile.
Thanks Bas

[HappyHippy]

In a word - yes !
Unless you have an existing building you could convert ? or even a corner of it.
There are many, many people who's pigs farrow alone, outdoors and do fine - losses are to be expected in every case (inddors or out), but I feel with an indoor area where you can get up close to watch/assist there are fewer losses, (especially if it's winter - you can't get a heated creep into an arc very easily) and it's easier if you have to intervene. Unless you think you'd like to share an arc with a farrowing pig ? (I wouldn't lol!)
HTH
Karen

[oaklandspigs]

Agree with HH, if you have the option, and can create a heated creep area - your piglets will benefit.

However if you don't, then many people farrow quite happily outside in arks - some only do the summer, some all year round

[JulieS]

I farrow all year round in outside arks.  The arks have floors and are really cosy.....Yes, I'm one of those mad women who have slept in with gilts and sows who are due to farrow, and of course stay with them when they are farrowing.

Love the idea of having cctv - might have to work on that one 

[Fowgill Farm]

We have a converted stable, with creep area and rails made from old scaffold poles, it has electric for heat lamps and light and a plunbed in drinker. We keep the top stable door closed and use sacking across the bottom door area once the piglets are about a week old.
You can see some pics on GOS website http://www.oldspots.org.uk/getting_started6.asp
HTH
Mandy

[Helencus]

Wow fowgill just what I needed! My gilt is 2 days over and I was panicing.. Lots of really helpful advice here thanks 
Ive converted our barn into seperate farrowing pens with a creep area, no rails though thinking maybe I should've done that.. If she doesn't deliver today might get hubby to pop one in later how far off the wall should they be?

[Fowgill Farm]

Our rails are 8 inches off ground and about 91/2 inches off wall. This leaves plenty of room for eacape. We hang the heat lamp over the creche area on a chain and shorten or lengthen as required to keep the babies warm, warning when you make the creche bars make sure your sow cannot get her head thro the gaps (tape measure the depth of her head and make the gaps smaller!! )
HTH
Ps i have a gilt due to farrow trouble is i'm not sure of her dates, think first date is 18th Jan but i don't think she looks big enough, + in dog house with eversuffering as he is slack at work and wants to go away for a week but i daren't leave my girls so he is not amused, bloody pigs or word sto that effect were uttered!!

[Helencus]

Will have to forget the rails this time she's started... Fingers crossed for safe delivery today or tonight.

[Fowgill Farm]

Good luck
From your other post sounds like she's well on her way so it will be in the next few hours.
Best mandy x

[Helencus]

Scary!!!!! Hope to god I'm up to the job of helping her..  Will post later to let folks know

[Helencus]

My hubby is the best he came home and fitted a farrowing rail while she ate her tea.. He didn't want me to fret any more than I already am :-))

[Eastling]

Thinking of you, fingers crossed all goes well xx