Author Topic: Pigs & chickens in harmony (Read 3609 times)

craiglockwood · « **on:** May 29, 2009, 11:16:02 am »

Probably being a bit idealistic here but I am planning my little paddock and have this idea:

I have about an acre so was going to use half for veg growing and the other for a dozen chickens and 2 weaners to fatten up for slaughter.
I have read that it can be beneficial to keep hens & pigs together as the hens will eat the worms and grubs in the ground. So....

I was thinking of building a pig shed with a ladder upto a chicken area above the pigs - this would stop the pigs eating the hen food and give the hens a nice raised roosting area. Does this sound feasible?

doganjo · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2009, 11:25:52 am »

You might need a very strong ladder, you know what pigs are like! Sounds OK to me otherwise but I've never kept nor want to keep pigs.

jameslindsay · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2009, 12:02:28 pm »

Won't the hens pooh on the pigs? ha ha ha

Fluffywelshsheep · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2009, 12:17:43 pm »

it might help the pig grow , chicken poo is the best stuff for growing things lol

Linz

Mr Pig · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2009, 12:24:52 pm »

While the pigs are small, there shouldn't be a problem but be aware that pigs are naturally omniverous and have been know to catch and eat chickens, a high likelihood if the chickens start trying to share the pigs' grub.

Hilarysmum · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2009, 12:31:00 pm »

Our chickens eat the pig food and vice versa, its almost impossible to find a pig proof chicken feeder. Mind you chooks dont get squashed in the rush at mealtimes. With one very notable exception - one gilt who has long been planning a Sunday duck dinner - none of our pigs bother with the hens who stray into their fields.

Farmer · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2009, 01:48:56 pm »

Hi,
One slight drawback - whilst the pigs may not be able to get into the chicken house, the chickens will certainly get into the pig pen - I've lost more than a couple after they have gone to sleep and been squashed by a rolling pig. My chucks are free range and often join the pigs at meal times or simply perch on top of them to sunbathe; I often find eggs in the pig pens and my wife and I watched one peck a sleeping pig on the foot until it made room for her to nest between its legs - not the brightest of God's creatures but the farm wouldn't be the same without them.

Regards, Farmer

gavo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2009, 08:58:24 pm »

Hello,
We don't actively encourage our poultry to mix it with the pigs as Mr Pig says they are omnivorous creatures. We had a poor chicken stuck in the mud with Molly (a Tam sow) who took a liking to it and despite it's squawks promptly ate the whole chicken in situ.

Cheers

Gavin