Gothic Arch Farrowing Hut
The purpose is to construct a hut for winter farrowing that requires no additional heat yet be entirely comfortable for the sow and her litter.
A hut that can be relied upon to deliver that comfort, even on a sub-zero degree night with a howling wind and driving snow.
My thought is that if you yourself couldn't stay overnight in the hut on a cold night and be reasonably comfortable, it seems inhumane to expect a newborn piglet to suffer the same cold environment you are unwilling to endure.
On the web you see and hear of all kinds of winter farrowing strategies, most are downright inhumane.
One fellow from a very cold New York State for example, demonstrates how build a winter farrowing hut from concrete reinforcing wire and plastic film, seems like an engraved invitation in iambic pentameter to the Humane Society to please come visit.
Another intrepid newbie "farmer" actually posted this inhumane photo, as this is just something notable in his personal adventures in swine husbandry.
Cost is estimated to be approx. $800.00
That seems high for a hut, but consider just what the management advantages and peace of mind on a bitter cold night mean to you, to say nothing of the likely increased weaned litter size and weight.
Save a just dozen or so piglets over the lifetime of this hut and it easily pays for itself.
To present a general idea of the hut being designed, the image below represents the basic gothic arch roof hut design.
The design being considered however has an approximately 7 foot peak featuring a center door above the sow's entrance that facilitates more comfortable service of the litter, make observations easier and to clean the hut or provide additional bedding material.
Since the plan is to construct the backside of the hut tightly without any opening at all, this door may possibly be utilized as a ventilation device should the weather become unseasonably warm.
Update: November 1st 2015
Conditions have changed.
The Gothic Arch Hut project is temporarily on hold.Am presently constructing a conventional roofed double insulated farrowing hut.
Will detail this double hut's construction here:
Deck - 2x6 treated over 4x6 treated skids fastened with 16d spiral hot dipped galvanized nails.
Wall - 2x6 treated sill, 2x4 studs, 22.5° beveled 2x4 header, 1/2 BC 4 ply plywood fastened with 2 inch exterior deck screws.
Right Click, open in new window for a full size image.
More to come .......
