We probably have every type of pig ark.
For weaners to fattening - most will do the job fine, even the cheaper ones.
For breeding sows, farrowing and boars, strength is everything :
- 3 sows trying to come out of an ark for food at the same time can easily remove the front.
- Sows rubbing on the edges to itch that scratch can pull out ply quite easily
- That urge to chew can easily decimate 6*1 flooring if they find an edge free !
Of all our arks:
The Carbery ark has been the most resilient - two here are as good as the day they arrived but around £500 each with no base.
Pig Paradise - good quality ark if you keep it proofed. Ours are now wearing out but have been here 13 years !
Golden river - great for sow and litters, not so good for lots of sows, front have been taken off by sows
Half round tin with wood ends (bought second hand from lots of places) - last well if you like doing regular repairs (and if you are not after something looking pristine, easy to maintain just by adding bits of wood when they break.)
Home made bale arks – easy to make, maintain but need regular small attention as they chew their way through
Tin, wood and string – the real bodger’s effort – 6 upright posts, tin on 3 sides and roof, lasted 1st season, rebuilt each year, costs nothing but effort to repair !