There are many options when it comes to the way that you house your pigs. There is no right way or specific materials that you must use. You can be as creative as you imagine or as simple as you wish. Be sure to incorporate things such as toys or other items for enrichment to ensure happy and active pigs.
Materials For Fencing-
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:
* Welded wire
* Hog/Cattle panels
* Pallets
* Wood fencing
* Chain link
* Woven Wire
* Cattle Gates
*T-post, 4x4s, trees or general fence posts can be used for your posts to attach fencing material.
Building Your Pens-
There are no requirements for space. 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