answersLogoWhite

0

Pigs are kept in as many types of housing as farmers can come up with. The old method was in a barn, with a pen which was called a sty. Barns are still used, but with everything else modifications and modernization came along. Farmers began using what is known as "confinement" operations or some would call them factories. These type of farms are not as common now as farmers are moving to a more animal friendly system using bedding and more room. In colder climates, you can imagine confinement is more popular as pigs can be kept warmer inside. In southern states, pasture raising can occur, where pigs have shelter but can spend more time outdoors in warmer weather. I have seen a broad range of hog farms large and small. Some are made up of loosely constructed makeshift pens (which pigs love as they can occasionally escape from, raid the farmer's wifes garden, and then return) to more modern facilities. If a person just wants a hog or two, all is needed is a shelter that can be kept dry and a lot for exercise. This is totally different from a sow about ready to have pigs. They need a lot of privacy and will not mind being placed in a small stall or "crate" Our sows will RUN to get in the crate, where they can gestate in peace and not have to compete for a comfortable place to lie down. LIke pregnant females of all species, they like to be LEFT alone to gestate in their last weeks and days. IN other countries, there is an emphaisis on using more natural bedding and using the animals comfort as a guide. They have a natural wish to play with things and we often give them "toys" to play with, Bowling balls and fresh bales of hay to play with and chew around.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?