Fencing
Stock Proof Fencing
Pigs can be escape artists so a secure perimeter is an absolute must. Stock proof fencing is the best way to create your piggy enclosure. However, it must be correctly installed; posts should be dug to the correct depth and secured with concrete and the wire mesh should be suitably tense. The following PDF is an excellent resource for installing stock proof fencing.
When your pigs first arrive they will likely start investigating the fence, testing for any weak spots. Check your fencing often in the weeks following their arrival and at regular intervals from then on.
Even people who have cared for pigs for many years find that containing them is an ongoing process. Pigs are incredibly intelligent and many of them will find it a fun game to work out which bit of their fence you need to repair or reinforce this time!
We are happy to discuss all types of piggy fencing and containment. You can send us over photos or videos of any areas you are unsure about and we can recommend any adjustments you may to need make to pig-proof them.
Electric Fencing
We have heard everything from; electric fencing is the only thing that will keep the pigs in, to, they will barge straight through it like it is nothing. Obviously, with such a wide spectrum of reported reliability, electric fencing alone is not something we recommend when discussing the ideal set up, although some people do choose to use it to reinforce stock fencing.
It is often the case that if pigs have been taught to respect electric fencing from a young age, then it will be effective for the rest of their lives. If they encounter it for the first time as a large, determined adult pig, the chances are they will be through it before the shock even registers. We would rather not have them learn to respect electric fencing by repeatedly hurting themselves and potentially escaping.
We may have some pigs on our caseload who are already used to electric fencing, so if that is all you are able to use, there may be pigs who are suitable. However, you will certainly have a greater choice of piggies with stock fencing.
Hedges
Hedges alone are not suitable for keeping pigs contained. Pigs cans squeeze through existing gaps or rip apart the plants to create their own. People will often introduce pigs to a patch of land specifically to have them clear the thickets and brambles from it. Hedges may grow around existing fencing which can be a double-edged sword. While hedging may help to reinforce fencing, it can also obscure any points of weakness from view and make access for repairs tricky.
Dry Stone Wall
Dry stone walls will generally not provide reliable containment of pigs. You will be amazed how clever they are, testing the wall for points of weakness then pushing and nudging to induce a collapse and taking themselves off for a cheeky wander. Even when intact, dry stone walls can often lean, giving pigs the foothold they need to climb over.
Other types of flat-facing wall may provide a decent, solid barrier for pigs. You may want to build part of your perimeter encompassing the sides of buildings or incorporating already existing walls.
Heras/Builders Fencing
Sometimes people use heras/builders fencing or crowd control barriers to create temporary containment areas for pigs. These may work for a very short period of time, but we strongly advise against relying on them to create a long-term/permanent perimeter. Both types of fencing have significant points of weakness.
The space between the bottom of the barrier and the ground is just the kind of gap that a strong piggy snout will exploit to lift and tip the fencing. Consider affixing wooden planks along the bottom to close the gap and/or using sand bags to add extra weight to the fencing. The clips used to connect the fences will likely be unable to withstand a determined piggy charge, particularly after repeated use. Several cable ties can be used to reinforce the clips and reduce the points of weakness where the fences attach.