Pig housing provides shelter, feeding areas, and waste management for domestic swine. The housing system must accommodate pigs' natural behaviors, including rooting, nesting, and social interaction, while maintaining cleanliness and health. Housing options range from simple hut structures to fully enclosed barns, with the choice depending on climate, herd size, and management philosophy.
Pasture-based housing uses portable huts or A-frames that are moved regularly to fresh ground. These huts are typically 1.5 by 2.4 meters (5 by 8 feet) and accommodate 2 to 4 weaned pigs or one sow with a litter. The huts are moved every 1 to 4 weeks depending on stocking density and pasture growth. This system provides pigs with access to fresh forage and reduces Composting concentration.
Hoop structures are large, tent-like buildings made of galvanized steel hoops covered with polyethylene fabric. They provide semi-permanent shelter on a concrete or gravel pad and can house 20 to 50 pigs. The open ends provide natural ventilation. Hoop structures are used for grow-finish operations and farrowing.
Confined barns provide the most controlled environment, with slatted floors, mechanical ventilation, and temperature control. These are common in commercial operations but less common on homesteads.
Nesting areas for sows require a warm, draft-free zone of 1.5 by 1.5 meters (5 by 5 feet) with deep Bedding. Farrowing huts include a rail around the perimeter to prevent the sow from crushing piglets. A creep area for piglets, separated by a small barrier, provides a heat source and exclusive feeding space. All pig housing requires a feeding area with a trough or self-feeder and a Livestock Wateringing system with nipples or bowls.
Pasture-based systems distribute manure naturally across the land. Deep litter bedding in hoop barns absorbs waste and produces compost. In confined systems, a manure management plan must address storage, handling, and field application. Composting of pig manure requires careful management of carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and moisture.