TanksHill...Roll on!!

[TanksHill]

Thanks, yes it helps. I guess I just need to go down to the coop when it's really dark. Kinda scary for me. I will let you know how it goes. gina

 

[TanksHill]

Ok I went down to my little coop last night at dusk. Managed to check all the eggs. The hen was not to happy with me but she survived.

I pulled 6 that were clear. Then I had another 6 or 7 that had dark masses that occupied at least half the egg. Which would be chicks, right? There were a few green eggs I just could not see through at all.

Not sure what to do about those.

I am very eggsited.

 

[freemotion]

I had the same issue with my colored eggs. But a bunch of them hatched!

 

[TanksHill]

Ok,since my dh shot down the idea of me getting goats because of the commitment. I have been rolling around the idea of a pig for the freezer. I think if I picked one up in May if would be finished before our really hot Sept started.

Anyways, I just came across this add on Craig's list for livestock pens. Now keep in mind this is ready made pen and the cost reflects that convenience. But, I am starting from scratch. So if I do this I want something strong and easy. The area code is the same as mine. Not sure if I can pick it up or what shipping would cost. I know that will be another deciding factor.

What do you think? Is the construction to much for a pig? Is the cost crazy high?
http://lbarmranch.com/10pigkewsh.html

They actually have one without the shade panel for about 90 bucks less. But I figured I would need shade. I have no trees. But I am sure we could rig a corrugated panel over one side as well.

Ok so tell me your thoughts. gina

 

[freemotion]

OK, I know nothing....ok, less than nothing....about hog pens, but wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to set a few posts, attach hog panels from TSC or similar, and a gate? Attach a tarp over part of the top? 8x8 seems tiny to me, more like industrial pig housing. But again....pignorant, here! But wanting pigs come spring!

And if you make it taller, it can accomodate goats eventually....you can make an electric fenced in area that is bigger, and use the smaller, sturdier area for night-time and when you are not around.

 

[Blackbird]

I agree with Monique.

We used cattle panels and steel fence posts. Fence posts run about $2 each up here, and 16 foot long cattle panels $20 each, a lot cheaper and larger. We only used cattle panels because we knew we'd eventually use them for the goats.

We had our pen under some medium sized trees, the pigs didn't harm them and they provided shade.

 

[TanksHill]

See I didn't even think of using it for goats in the future. That is a great idea. So yes I need to go taller. I guess maybe I should get some prices on cattle panels in my area. I have a couple but their bent. Not sure why I got them that way. Kinda an "L" shape. Maybe if I invert them with the l at the top it would help contain the goaties. Hummmm!!!

BB if I am only going to get one pig how large does the area really need to be? In your pen made of 16 foot panels how many did your raise?

 

[unclejoe]

I agree with free. Around here, hog panels are about $30 each for a 16'x3', metal posts, $2-$3 each, then you can use your corrugated panel for shade. You just doubled the size of your pen for less than half the price. Just a little more work to do.

 

[Blackbird]

We had two pigs, Porky(Porket) and Wilbur. Yes we had three panels and the side of our shed served as the other. We did cut a hole in the shed and had an area in there for them during winter but in the warmer months they never stayed inside.
Since that was all the space we could give them and they were Yorkshires we did feed then grain, aside from table scraps and plant material we gave them.

If your handy with a post hole pounder you could get 7 panels and just add three more in a square on the side of the original four, making a rotating or 'moving' pen, if you have enough land.

I really want to get some pigs suitable for grazing and put them in the back pasture, but I'm not sure when that would happen, if ever.

We really did enjoy them though, it was a lot of fun having them, and they had such curious and cute faces! It was hard to see them go.

 

[freemotion]

If your handy with a post hole pounder you could get 7 panels and just add three more in a square on the side of the original four, making a rotating or 'moving' pen, if you have enough land.

Please explain a rotating or moving pen!!! And it sounds like you are talking about simple t-posts....?