fattening pigs outside?

[Suffolk Serf]

Why do boars have to be left entire. From what you say, won't constant riding increase boar taint and also cause welfare issues These would both be reduced by castration.

In the same vein, hens kept in good indoor housing have a happier life than hens on industrial free range - especially in inclement weather,

Castration of boars is against Red Tractor rules.

 

[Agrivator]

Castration of boars is against Red Tractor rules.

Yes, I know. But why?

 

[Lowland1]

Yes, I know. But why?

Because it's cruel. Best thing ever was when we stopped doing it.

 

[Suffolk Serf]

Because it's cruel. Best thing ever was when we stopped doing it.

Agreed. It was a nightmare outdoors with some quite "maternal" sows. Dangerous in fact.

 

[delilah]

Would you be happy letting a sow farrow in this ? Would the recesses be a refuge for the piglets ? Or are we trying to be too clever ?

 

[Suffolk Serf]

Would you be happy letting a sow farrow in this ? Would the recesses be a refuge for the piglets ? Or are we trying to be too clever ?

View attachment 1101137

Looks a pretty good idea to me. Okay for occasional use, generally though, for farrowing huts that are repeatedly used, a floor is a bad idea, for hygiene reasons, unless on very wet ground. We found that piglet mortality reduces as hut size increases. Its amazing what a sow can do with a bit of tin and plenty of straw.

 

[delilah]

We found that piglet mortality reduces as hut size increases.

Yes that would be my main concern, it's on the narrow side...will a sow happily reverse in/out or will she try and turn round inside ?

 

[Greenbeast]

I think she needs to be able to turn, she won't be able to nest otherwise, she may disregard it and try to nest outside

 

[Suffolk Serf]

Yes that would be my main concern, it's on the narrow side...will a sow happily reverse in/out or will she try and turn round inside ?

That sounds too narrow to be honest, as above, she'll end up farrowing outside.

 

[Chieftain]

Would you be happy letting a sow farrow in this ? Would the recesses be a refuge for the piglets ? Or are we trying to be too clever ?

View attachment 1101137

Not sure the image shows the true scale but, as others have said, it's likely too narrow. So either you'll end up with a pile of dead pigs that have frozen to death outside or a pile of dead pigs that she's laid on trying to maneuver around in there. There will be plenty of near scrap farrowing arcs about in the country that should do if it's not a regular thing.

 

[JP1]

Why do boars have to be left entire. From what you say, won't constant riding increase boar taint and also cause welfare issues These would both be reduced by castration.

In the same vein, hens kept in good indoor housing have a happier life than hens on industrial free range - especially in inclement weather,

"Welfare rules" innit

 

[Wink]

Still some sizeable herds castrating and selling through butchers rather than supermarkets.

@delilah - you might be better off finding a proper arc. Usually a load on Facebook marketplace, so might be something suitable if you have the gear to collect. I was selling dry sow arcs for approx £50, so not expensive and would likely suit your sow/s better.