Why Good Housing Is Non-Negotiable
The environment you provide for your pigs has a direct impact on their health, growth rate, behaviour, and welfare. Poor housing leads to respiratory disease, foot problems, stress-related behaviour issues, and reduced productivity. Whether you're housing a single pet pig or a small herd, getting the basics right from the start will save you considerable trouble down the line.
Core Principles of Good Pig Housing
Good pig accommodation should provide:
- Protection from the elements — rain, wind, extreme cold, and direct summer sun
- Good ventilation without cold draughts at pig level
- Adequate space for natural behaviour including rooting, socialising, and resting
- Separation of lying, dunging, and feeding areas
- Easy access for the keeper — for feeding, observation, and mucking out
Space Requirements
Minimum space recommendations vary by breed, age, and country regulations. As a general guide for outdoor housing and runs:
| Pig Type | Minimum Indoor Space | Recommended Outdoor Run |
|---|---|---|
| Mini / pet pig (adult) | 3–4 m² | 20–40 m² |
| Store pig / grower | 0.6–1.0 m² per pig | 5–10 m² per pig |
| Adult sow | 2.5 m² | 20+ m² |
| Sow with piglets | 5–6 m² | Separate farrowing area |
Note: Always check local and national regulations, which may specify legal minimums.
Shelter Design Options
Arcs and Huts (Outdoor Systems)
For pigs kept outdoors, a simple pig arc — a rounded metal or timber shelter open at one end — is a cost-effective and practical solution. They are portable, allowing you to rotate pigs across pasture and avoid land poaching. Arcs should be bedded deeply with straw, especially in winter, to maintain warmth.
Concrete Block or Timber Sheds (Indoor/Mixed Systems)
A more permanent structure suits those keeping pigs long-term. Key features to include:
- Solid or slatted flooring: Fully slatted floors allow waste to fall through, reducing labour, but can cause foot issues. Solid floors with adequate bedding and drainage channels are often a better welfare choice for small setups.
- Ventilation: Natural ventilation through ridge vents and adjustable inlets is ideal. Avoid sealed, poorly ventilated buildings — ammonia and moisture build-up cause serious respiratory disease.
- Insulation: In cold climates, insulate the roof to reduce condensation and maintain warmth in the sleeping area.
- Drainage: A slight floor slope (around 1:20) towards a drainage channel keeps the sleeping area dry.
Bedding Choices
Pigs love to root and nest in bedding material. Good options include:
- Straw: The gold standard — warm, absorbent, and pigs love to manipulate it. Barley straw is generally softer than wheat straw.
- Wood shavings: More absorbent than straw but less suitable for rooting behaviour. Avoid treated or fine sawdust, which can cause respiratory irritation.
- Hemp bedding: Highly absorbent and dust-free, though more expensive.
Avoid using newspaper, hay (mould risk), or anything treated with pesticides.
Fencing: Keeping Pigs In (and Predators Out)
Pigs are escape artists and are surprisingly powerful for their size. Effective fencing is essential:
- Electric fencing: Highly effective for pigs once they have been trained to it. Two strands — one at snout height (~20 cm) and one at shoulder height (~50 cm) — will contain most pigs reliably.
- Post and rail with wire: A more permanent option; use stock netting with a strand of electric wire inside at snout height to prevent pushing.
- Metal hurdle panels: Useful for creating temporary pens, farrowing areas, or handling facilities.
Wallows and Enrichment
Pigs cannot sweat, so they rely on wallowing in mud or water to regulate body temperature. Provide a wallow area or access to shade and cool water during warm weather — overheating (heat stress) is a serious welfare and health risk. Enrichment items such as rooting logs, hanging chains, or straw bales also reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviour.