Recommended Outdoor Space Size for Mini Pigs
Mini pigs require an adequate amount of space for exercise, mental stimulation or enrichment, potty time, and limited munching on grass, bugs, and creepy crawlies. Pigs are natural foragers that love outdoor time in moderation. Some pet pigs require more space than others based on size and activity level. Mini pigs love talking walks on harness and leash and that can be an added source of enrichment and exercise as well as indoor activities if yard space is limited, or the mini pig is more active.
Primarily indoor 1-2 mini pig(s) need a minimum required space of 5,663 square foot or .13 acre. Primarily outdoor 1-2 mini pig(s) would need a minimum required space of 10,890 square foot or .25 acre. Pigs love the companionship of another pig. They often do better in pairs.
The outdoor space should be securely fenced to protect the mini pig(s) from escape or unwelcome visits from predators or neighboring animals. Shelter should be provided for a primarily outdoor pig. Fresh water should be made available. Waste should be cleaned regularly. A yard odor remover or stall freshener can be used for odor removal.
Fencing Materials
There are many materials that can be used when building your enclosures or pens that house your pigs. Depending on your budget, area/terrain, climate, creativeness, goals, space, experience, and material availability some materials may work better for you. Below are some examples that can be used:
* Hog/Cattle panels
* Pallets
* Wood fencing
* Cattle Gates
*T-post, 4x4s, trees or general fence posts can be used for your posts to attach fencing material.
Building Pens
Your pens should be large enough that your pig/pigs have plenty of area to walk freely, and co-habitate if housed in multiples. Your pens should include an area in which they are protected from the elements. You can add things such as umbrellas or tarps to create shade if necessary. Enclosures should be free from any debris or garbage, as well as sharp edges to prevent injury to your pigs. It is recommended that your boar pens are separated by at least two foot of space or a solid barrier is implemented between your sows to prevent unplanned pregnancies or accidental breeding through fencing.
Enclosures should also be tight and be free of holes, gaps, or rust. Weak areas in your fencing should be reinforced or replaced. Since a pig’s natural instinct is to root it is important that the bottom of your fencing is secured; materials such a wooden boards or railroad ties can be placed along the perimeter to prevent escape. Fencing should also be tall enough that your pigs can not climb or jump over.
As important as it is to keep your pigs from escaping, it is equally important to protect them from predators penetrating into their areas. To keep predators out, you can build and implement things such as fencing aprons, or build trenches underneath your fencing to prevent animals such as fox, wolves, coyotes or domesticated dogs from digging into your pig pens. You may also create a secondary security fence around your housing units.
Shelter or House Options
There are also many options that you can chose to use for shelter. There is no specific item that you must use. Shelters should be free from extreme drafts and protect from rain and sun. They should allow enough space for your pig/pigs to turn around and comfortably stretch if necessary. If pigs are housed in multiples, you should have enough shelters for each individual pig or the shelter used should be large enough for multiple pigs needs. Below are some examples you can use:
* Dog Houses
* Little Tikes Play Houses
* Barn Stalls
* Shed Like buildings
* Pallet Shelters
* Water Tanks- holes cut for door openings
* Plywood Arks
Resources-
Below you can find examples and step by step guides on how to build different pen and shelters
http://thehomesteadingboards.com/simple-pig-pen-design/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/build-a-pigpen-zmaz76ndztak.aspx
http://thefreerangelife.com/how-to-make-a-shelter-out-of-pallets/
http://www.briercreekfamilyfarm.com/five_on_the_farm.cfm?view=details&autoNumber=7
http://animals.pawnation.com/build-pig-pen-housing-9501.html
http://animals.pawnation.com/stop-pigs-going-under-fence-11079.html