Claire Thompson
Keeping pigs contained is a challenging task, as they are strong, fast, and highly motivated to escape. While chicken wire can be used, it must be combined with strong wooden panels or rails to prevent pigs from pushing through it. Electric fencing is also an effective method for keeping pigs contained, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure that weeds, dirt, or debris do not interfere with the electric current. Constructing a sturdy fence made of wood or small-animal livestock panels is another option, and it can be reinforced with electric wires placed between 8 and 10 inches off the ground. Additionally, burying fencing a foot or two underground can create a solid barrier that prevents pigs from digging their way out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of fencing | 2-4 feet is sufficient as pigs don't jump |
| Type of fencing | Electric fencing, pig panels, wood, wire fencing |
| Maintenance | Regularly check for weeds, dirt, sticks, or debris that may short out the electric fence |
| Ground type | Watch out for soft ground that pigs can wear down through rooting |
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Electric fencing
When installing electric fencing for pigs, it is important to ensure that the fence is high enough off the ground so that the pigs cannot bury it and short it out. The lowest wire should be placed 6–9 inches above the ground, with the next wires placed at intervals of around 8–10 inches up to the height of the pig's nose. It is recommended to have a minimum of three wires for pigs, with a fence height of at least 24 inches. The voltage should be at least 2,000–3,000 volts, and a low-impedance charger is recommended to overcome any vegetation or mud that may insulate the pigs from the shock.
To make the electric fence more noticeable to pigs, you can attach colourful plastic ribbons. Regularly check your electric fence to ensure it is working properly and that there are no shorts in the line.
If you are using electric fencing for piglets, the wires should be spaced closer together and lower to the ground. For rotational grazing, electric netting can be used, which can be easily moved to new pastures.
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Wooden fencing
If you are housing small piglets behind a wooden fence, you may want to staple a layer of chicken wire to it to prevent them from squeezing through any gaps. Chicken wire or mesh is fine to use as long as there are strong wooden panels or rails behind it.
It is important to note that wooden fencing may require regular maintenance and repairs, especially during winter. Fences should be checked daily for any weak spots. Additionally, if you plan to keep pigs for many years, a more permanent fence is recommended.
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Concrete barriers
If you're building a pen from scratch, you can create a concrete barrier to prevent pigs from digging underneath the fence. Dig a trench along the fence line and fill it with quick-drying concrete. You can also bury the fence a foot or two underground and use concrete to secure the bottom of the fence. This method will make it more difficult for pigs to dig their way out.
Another option is to use concrete fencing, which is one of the sturdiest fence types. Concrete fencing can be combined with other types of fencing, such as woven wire fencing, to create a secure enclosure. Electric fencing can also be added to the top of concrete fencing to provide an additional deterrent.
It is important to note that electric fencing should be regularly checked to ensure it is functioning properly. Vegetation and debris should be cleared from the fence line, and the power box should be mounted in a sunny location to ensure it receives enough sunlight to operate effectively.
By combining concrete barriers with other fencing types and maintaining electric fencing, you can effectively keep pigs contained within their designated area.
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Wire fencing
Keeping pigs contained with wire fencing can be challenging, as they are strong, fast, and persistent. They are also expert diggers and can wear away the ground by constantly walking on it or rooting.
The most common types of pig fencing used with smaller pig breeds are wood or wire mesh fencing. Wire fencing, including those made of hog wire, can be bent or torn by a determined pig. Therefore, it is difficult to reinforce the bottom of a wire fence to prevent pigs from digging under it. However, wire fencing can be used in conjunction with other types of fencing to increase its effectiveness.
One option is to use a medium-grid rolled wire fence that is 4 feet high. Pigs do not jump, so this height should be sufficient to contain them. To prevent them from digging underneath, add a strand of electric fencing 6-9 inches above the ground. Pigs are fast learners, and once they touch the electric wire, they will stay away from it.
Another option is to use pig panels, which are made of very thick and rigid wire. These panels usually do an excellent job of keeping pigs contained.
If you are building your fence in a field with other livestock, you can run a strand of barbed wire a few inches below the top of the fence posts. This will prevent damage to the fence by other livestock and help keep predators out.
For small piglets, you can staple chicken wire to wooden fence panels to prevent them from squeezing through any gaps. However, chicken wire alone is not adequate fencing for pigs, as they can lift it with their hard noses and walk under it.
To further reinforce your wire fence against pigs, you can dig a trench underneath the fence line and bury a foot or two of fencing in the ground. Alternatively, you can fill the trench with quick-drying concrete to create a solid barrier that prevents digging.
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Pig panels
Hog panels are secured in place using T-posts driven into the ground or larger cedar posts buried in the dirt. You can also use plastic fence posts that press into the earth, but this is not a long-term solution as pigs can loosen and escape through hog-panel fencing by digging and rooting around the panels.
To prevent pigs from escaping, you can use additional fencing to create a more secure enclosure. One option is to add a strand of electric fencing a few inches above the ground, which will teach pigs to stay away from the fence. However, electric fencing requires regular maintenance to ensure it is working properly, as plants, dirt, or debris can interfere with the electric current.
Another option is to use wood panels, which can be cut and contoured to suit your needs. Wood fencing can be reinforced with chicken wire to prevent small piglets from escaping. However, chicken wire alone is not adequate for fencing adult pigs, as they can easily rip through it.
Overall, a combination of fencing setups, such as electric wiring in front of welded wire panels, may be the best solution for keeping pigs contained.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken wire is not ideal for fencing in pigs as they can bend or tear it. To prevent this, you can reinforce your fence with wooden panels or rails. You can also add a strand of electric fencing around the inside of the fence, about 6-9 inches above the ground.
You can use a medium-grid rolled wire fence that is 2-4 feet high. You can also dig a trench underneath your fence and bury a foot or two of fencing in the ground to prevent pigs from digging underneath.
Make sure your pigs' basic needs are met. They should have companionship, food, and always have access to clean water. They should also have an area where they can root in the ground without facing reprimand.
Yes, make sure your fence is sturdy and secure. Check your electric fence regularly to ensure it is working properly and that there are no weeds, dirt, or sticks coming into contact with the wire.
