Pigs are very susceptible to arthritis and joint problems, so it's very important that they have a shelter accessible that is cosy and free from draughts. Traditional metal pig arcs are not recommended because of this and also because metal tends to be cold in winter and too hot in summer. If your shelter has a metal roof on it, make sure that it is heat reflective or that it is placed in good shade. We recommend wooden shelters reinforced with extra pannelling inside and you can either buy purpose-built ones, use a summerhouse/shed or build one yourself (check out our Facebook and Instagram posts for shelters we've built).

 

Make sure it is strong because pigs aren't known for being gentle when they move around. There should be a gap just under the roof to allow for air circulation, a floor off the ground, and a windbreak across the doorway, which could simply be a flap made from plastic sheeting. Other great options are stables and barns.

 

Whichever you use, put a nice deep layer of straw in, enough that the pigs can bury themselves in and under it if they want. The shelter should be big enough for the pigs to move comfortably around in, obviously that will depend on the size of the pigs!

 

In addition, for the summer, because pigs are prone to sunburn and heatstroke, they need some sort of shelter from the sun. Ideally this would be a wooded area, but you can easily create something with tarpaulin, rope and poles. Their water can then be placed in that area too. And pigs also need a wallow as they don't sweat so they use water and mud to keep cool. You can dig an area out and fill it with water and keep topping up, or if your pigs are small enough, use a robust paddling pool! It's great to give them with options so even better if you can provide both.