Author Topic: Pig ark from oil tank (Read 3809 times)

Olong82 · « **on:** October 04, 2017, 07:45:33 pm »

I know this has been done before but I am going to be new to pig keeping so wanted some advice. I am thinking of getting an oil tank used for domestic heating oil about a 2500 litre one and then cutting it in half to make an ark. The measurements would be about 2400mm by 1200mm and about 1000mm high. Is this big enough to grow 2 pigs in to get ready for slaughter? Also does it need some kind of insulation or is the plastic good enough? Lastly any good hints when making it.

Thanks in advance

greenbeast · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2017, 07:48:04 pm »

Quote from: Olong82 on October 04, 2017, 07:45:33 pm

I know this has been done before but I am going to be new to pig keeping so wanted some advice. I am thinking of getting an oil tank used for domestic heating oil about a 2500 litre one and then cutting it in half to make an ark. The measurements would be about 2400mm by 1200mm and about 1000mm high. Is this big enough to grow 2 pigs in to get ready for slaughter? Also does it need some kind of insulation or is the plastic good enough? Lastly any good hints when making it.

Thanks in advance

it's big enough but are you going to make sure it's sufficiently cleaned out?

Olong82 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2017, 08:00:26 pm »

Yep was going to jet it out with water and disinfectant maybe even car wash it lol. Was thinking when it is cut in half it will be easy to clean.

Marches Farmer · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2017, 11:03:59 am »

What about a base? Are you going to be able to round off the cut metal edges? I wouldn't use a low and fairly narrow metal ark in Summer, unless there was plenty of shade for the pigs to lie in elsewhere - it will turn into a tandoori oven.

Olong82 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2017, 01:55:51 pm »

I was looking at the big green plastic ones actually and then screwing a frame around the inside

Fleecewife · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2017, 12:39:10 am »

We used one of those giant black orange juice barrels (?1000 litres) cut in half with a wooden frame and slightly raised sides. Ours was about £100 at the time but I believe the price has gone up since then. Our Tamworths were not being raised for slaughter so maybe they got bigger than edible pigs, but they very soon got so they carried the thing around on their backs - great fun but not the idea. Now we use them for lamb acrobatics. An oil tank should be heftier and sturdier than the black barrel.

Cuddles · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2017, 12:56:31 pm »

I've used a 1000 litre tank for the past few years. Its had 2 100kg OSB's in last year and 4 kune kune's the year before without any problem. I just cut a door in the front and drilled a good few ventilation holes around the sides. When they are still small I usually put a square bale in the tank as well to deter them from using some of the extra space as a toilet area but other than that they always seemed happy and healthy.

congerchamp · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2017, 08:53:09 am »

I have used green heating oil storage tanks for pig arks. Try to get some with a flat base a lot of them are ribbed. I just cut a opening in one end with chainsaw or jigsaw easy. I can send you some pictures if like. You can usually get the tanks for free on preloved but often you will need to drain a couple of hundred litres of oil out and get rid of. Always handy to start a fire