How Big Should A Pig Pen Be For Two Pigs? - ZooNerdy (2024)
Introduction: Raising Pigs
Raising pigs can be a rewarding experience, whether for personal consumption or commercial purposes. However, it is important to ensure that the pigs are housed in adequate living conditions. One of the most critical factors to consider is the size of the pig pen. In this article, we will discuss how big a pig pen should be for two pigs.
Table of Contents
Minimum Space Requirements for Pigs
Before diving into the ideal pen size for two pigs, it is important to note the minimum space requirements for pigs. According to industry standards, a pig should have at least 8 square feet of space in a pen. However, this is the bare minimum and should be considered as a starting point for determining the pen size.
Two Pigs in One Pen: Factors to Consider
When it comes to housing two pigs in one pen, there are several factors to consider. These include the size of the pigs, their behavior, feeding and watering considerations, shelter and bedding needs, outdoor space requirements, health considerations, and legal requirements.
Size of the Pigs: How It Affects Pen Size
The size of the pigs is a crucial factor in determining the pen size. Larger pigs require more space than smaller pigs. For two pigs, a pen size of at least 16-20 square feet is recommended for smaller breeds, while larger breeds may require up to 40 square feet.
Behavior of Pigs: How It Affects Pen Size
Pigs are social animals and prefer to live in pairs or groups. However, they also need their own personal space within the pen. It is important to observe the behavior of the pigs and make sure that they have enough space to move around comfortably. If they are constantly fighting or showing signs of aggression, it may be an indication that the pen is too small.
Feeding and Watering Considerations
Pigs require access to clean water and a balanced diet to thrive. The location of the feeders and waterers should be considered when determining the pen size. Ideally, they should be placed in an area that is easily accessible to both pigs, but not too close to the sleeping area to avoid contamination.
Shelter and Bedding: How Much Space Is Needed?
Pigs need a clean and dry shelter to protect them from the elements. The size of the shelter should be large enough to accommodate both pigs comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 8 square feet of indoor space per pig. Bedding should also be provided and changed regularly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Outdoor Space: How Much Is Required?
Pigs also require access to outdoor space for exercise and to engage in natural behaviors such as rooting and grazing. Outdoor space requirements vary depending on the size of the pigs and the type of breed. A minimum of 50 square feet per pig is recommended for outdoor space.
Health Considerations: The Importance of Cleanliness
Cleanliness is essential to maintain the health and well-being of the pigs. The pen should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of feces, urine, and other waste materials. A dirty pen can lead to the spread of diseases and parasites, which can have serious consequences for the pigs.
Legal Requirements for Pig Pens
It is important to check with local authorities regarding the legal requirements for pig pens. Some jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding the size and location of pig pens, as well as regulations regarding waste disposal and odor control.
Conclusion: Optimal Pen Size for Two Pigs
In conclusion, the optimal pen size for two pigs depends on several factors including the size of the pigs, their behavior, feeding and watering considerations, shelter and bedding needs, outdoor space requirements, health considerations, and legal requirements. A minimum of 16-20 square feet of space per pig is recommended for smaller breeds, while larger breeds may require up to 40 square feet.
Additional Tips for Raising Pigs
Other tips for raising pigs include providing them with enrichment activities such as toys and treats, monitoring their weight and health regularly, and providing them with veterinary care when needed. With proper care and attention, pigs can be happy and healthy in their living environment.
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Inside a barn or shed, plan for at least 50 square feet per pig. Ideally, your pig pen would be twice as long as it is wide. An 8- by 16-foot pen would be enough so two feeder pigs could stretch their legs. Pigs kept indoors should be protected from drafts but must also have good ventilation.
Since we will most likely keep a boar from our spring litter, I wanted to make a shelter big enough for two pigs. I've been told that you should allow 25 square feet for one pig and 10 square feet for each additional. So I built ours to be 36 square feet – plenty of space for Churchill and a future buddy.
For growing pigs, it is recommended that you plan for around 8 square feet of space per pig. While this may seem like a small amount of space, pigs are not terribly active animals. Rather, their behaviors of choice are sleeping, eating, and rooting; they leave the running to horses.
For DIY pig pens, a popular solution is a shelter with walls made of a layer of wire mesh, then plywood, then fiberglass insulation, then another layer of plywood, and then a final layer of wire mesh. Finally, the structure is topped with an ONDULINE® roof.
Therefore you want to give your pigs an outdoor area where they can do so. Secondly you want to be sure the pen location has areas of shade provided by trees or other structures. It is very important that your pig be able to get out of the direct sunlight when they choose.
The waiting area is cleaned approximately every 115 days, the farrowing area every 32 days, the rearing pen approximately every 50 days and the fattening pen approximately every 90 to 100 days. Once the herd has left the pigsty, cleaning should ideally begin immediately.
A solid or drained surface also minimizes the risk of shoulder wounds. Alternatively, the pen can be fitted with a fully slatted floor in combination with plastic and cast iron slats. The slatted floor has an opening width of max.
A pickup cap can make a great piglet shelter! Plywood across the front of a pallet shelter, deep hay bedding. Pallets are a must-have on the farm. Plywood across front of hoop shelter, with quick & dirty door cut out.
Take a tour of Marshall's Piggy Paradise, and with very few exceptions you'll see pigs living happily together, either in a pair or in a group of pigs. It's no coincidence. Like people, most pigs are happier and healthier when they have good, stable friendships and time to socialize with their own kind.
In order to feed pigs cheaply, you put them on pasture so that they can eat grass and bugs and roots as well as their normal grain ration. You also get the pig feed as cheaply as you can.
You can expect to spend about $250-$300 per pig on organic feed to raise them to finish weight, and in the range of $100-$150 at the abattoir for kill cut and wrap, depending on the cuts. At a hanging weight of 160 lbs., this brings your cost per pound to about $2.50-$3.00.
The general rule of thumb is to build an 8' x 16' space per animal (16' x 16' for two animals, and so on), though this will vary depending on the animal's breed and the size they'll be before they are sold or butchered, if applicable. Pens must be made very sturdy to stand up to the wear and tear of keeping pigs in.
You'll need to give your pigs warm, dry, draught-free, straw-bedded housing, as they easily get cold. Make sure it's well ventilated, and give them enough room to make separate areas for dunging, exploring and sleeping.
Your pigs will need somewhere dry to lie down, and a minimum area of 36 square metres (6 x 6 metres) per pig (ideally a larger space). You'll need to clean the house and everything inside it frequently and disinfect it to remove parasites.
Trials have shown that a group size of 15-25 pigs per pen is ideal and it also coincides with the capacity of most feeders on the market. An extra water source apart from that supplied via the feeder should be provided.
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