No this isn’t the first season of Game of Thrones. Winter is unfortunately a couple months away. Proper planning and preparation for cold and adverse weather can make it more manageable when it arrives. Shelters are an essential part of pig production. Protection from weather – the sun in summer and cold in winter ensures the greatest welfare for you pigs. A sturdy, well constructed shelter will not only last for years but protect your pigs from the elements and save you time, money and aggravation in the long run.
Tips for Building a Shelter
- Always try and provide a dry nesting area and shade. This will minimize the impact of bad weather (rain, snow, sun).
- Shelters should be big enough to ensure all pigs have access at the same time, ensuring they are comfortable and not lying on top of one another.
- Construct separate areas or shelters for sick and quarantined animals. This prevents nose-to-nose contact with the rest of your pigs and reduces potential disease spread.
- Develop an emergency plan for poor weather, disease challenges, pigs escaping, equipment failure, or a feed or water supply issue. Proactively planning for emergency situations will be a benefit in the long run.
