This resource was fully reviewed and updatedA member of The Open Sanctuary Project’s staff has given this resource a full review and provided updates where necessary. by a member of The Open Sanctuary Project’s staff as of June 3, 2024. It was originally published on April 26, 2018.

Like many animals, pigs need an indoor shelter to keep them safe and comfortable, as well as ample outdoor space in which to roam, root, and socialize. One sanctuary’s pig living spaces might look quite different from another’s, but there are some important things to keep in mind when considering pig resident housing. In addition to the considerations discussed below, we recommend checking out our resource on animal-centered design and considering ways to incorporate this into your design process!

Keep It Safe!
If you are bringing new pigs into your life, you also need to ensure that you have an appropriate quarantine space to keep you and your existing residents safe!

Indoor Living Spaces For Pigs

Sharing Your Home With Pigs
This section is geared toward settings where pig residents have their own housing that is separate from their human caregiver’s dwelling. While some of the information in this resource can certainly be applied to settings where pigs spend time in their caregiver’s home, that living arrangement involves additional considerations not covered below. We plan on covering this topic in a separate resource, so stay tuned!

Pigs require access to indoor living spaces to ensure their comfort and safety. Thoughtfully designed indoor living spaces can also make it easier to perform certain healthcare tasks. People have employed many different materials and designs for housing pigs, but we believe it’s best that they have access to a solid, four-sided structure. There are numerous benefits to a properly designed four-sided structure, but in certain climates, a three-sided structure that is positioned to keep the cold winds, sweltering sun, and precipitation out might be adequate. 

Whatever design you choose, keep in mind that the indoor space must:

• Provide enough space for normal activity and healthy social dynamics
• Provide appropriate traction and be easy on the feet and joints
• Protect from the elements year-round
• Be able to maintain a safe temperature and provide proper ventilation
• Be arranged so that all residents can be safely closed inside if necessary (such as to perform medical treatments, to protect residents during unsafe weather conditions, or to keep residents safely contained while broken fencing is repaired)

Make It Pig Proof!
In addition to the points above, the materials and building techniques used must be strong enough to withstand typical pig activities such as rooting or using a structure wall or support beam as a body scratcher. Obviously, given the significant size differences between certain breeds of pigs, this may mean that what works for a group of mini pigsThe term “mini pig” is used to categorize smaller breeds of pigs, such as Potbellies, Julianas, and Kunekunes, and to differentiate between these breeds and large breed pigs, such as Yorkshires, Landrace, or Hampshires, who are sometimes referred to as “farm pigs”. The descriptor “mini” can be a bit misleading- some breeds of mini pigs can weigh over 200 pounds! Terms like “teacup”, “micro”, “pocket”, “nano”, and “micro mini” are deceptive terms that are sometimes used to intentionally mislead people into thinking an individual pig will remain a certain size. may not be appropriate for mature large breedDomesticated animal breeds that have been selectively bred by humans to grow as large as possible, as quickly as possible, to the detriment of their health. pigs!

Up next, we’ll look at some of the various components and considerations for indoor living spaces.

How Much Indoor Space Do Pig Residents Need?

An important aspect of pig housing is providing residents with enough space, but there are many factors to consider when determining how much space individuals need – not all residents are going to do well with the general recommendations offered online or even those offered by established sanctuaries, so you’ll need to be prepared to increase the size of their living spaceThe indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests. if that’s what they need.

It is difficult to find non-industry recommendations, especially when it comes to indoor space for large breed pigs. We’ve gathered recommendations from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Global Federation Of Animal Sanctuaries, and VCA Animal Hospitals to give you a starting point when thinking about how much space your residents need. Keep in mind these are minimums, and some of these recommendations apply specifically to mini pigs (large breed pigs will need more space).

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – Their online information recommends a minimum area of 36 square meters (6×6 meters) per pig but states that larger than this is ideal. 

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)– Their Standards For Suidae and Tayassuidae Sanctuaries recommends a minimum of 64 square feet (5.95 square meters) per adult with a minimum height of 8 feet (2.4 meters) for staff access. 

VCA Animal Hospitals – In their online information about mini pigs, Dr. Laurie Hess, DVMDoctor of Veterinary Medicine, an academic degree awarded to veterinarians in many countries., acknowledges that housing size is dependent on the size of the individual(s), but she also shares these recommendations: at least 12 square meters (about 130 square feet) per pair of pigs or about 0.5 square feet for every kilogram of body weight.

Be sure to think about what behaviors and activities the space needs to be able to accommodate and use the above dimensions as a starting point, keeping in mind that there are many factors to consider when determining the amount of space needed to keep your residents comfortable and happy. Age, breed, sex, health issues, activity level, group dynamics, and seasonal weather conditions should be considered when creating a space or determining a space’s capacity. For example, a pair of mini pigs weighing under 175 pounds each will likely require less space than a pair of large breed pigs weighing over 600 pounds each. Also, keep in mind that groups containing one or more territorial or confrontationalBehaviors such as chasing, cornering, biting, kicking, problematic mounting, or otherwise engaging in consistent behavior that may cause mental or physical discomfort or injury to another individual, or using these behaviors to block an individual's access to resources such as food, water, shade, shelter, or other residents. individuals will likely need more space in order to keep everyone comfortable and safe. Pig herd dynamics can sometimes be a bit complicated, especially if residents don’t have ample room to spread out. If you find tensions are running high, this may be an indication that individuals are too cramped. 

In climates where conditions are such that pig residents will spend the majority of their waking hours outside year-round, residents may do fine with smaller indoor spaces that primarily serve as a place to sleep. However, in climates where it is too cold or rainy for residents to spend much time outside during certain times of the year, residents will need larger indoor spaces to accommodate more indoor activities. We’ll talk more about feeding areas at the end of this resource, but be sure to also consider if residents will be fed within their indoor space, as this may impact the amount of indoor space needed (since you’ll want your residents to be able to spread out at mealtime, and some individuals may need to be separated to ensure they get their fair share).

Fixed Or Flexible Living Arrangements?
Rather than providing one structure that is designed to accommodate every pig resident in the group, some sanctuaries instead provide multiple structures so residents can choose where and with whom they sleep. This can be a great way to foster agency in your residents and may also help facilitate healthier group dynamics (so long as everyone has enough space as well as other resources). While this setup of providing multiple shelters does not necessarily mean those structures need to be small, folks trying to provide this setup may find themselves considering smaller, pig-sized structures (i.e., huts, sheds, dog houses, etc.). While these structures may work, there are a few things to consider. First, as mentioned above, be sure to consider how much time your residents will spend inside and what sorts of activities the indoor space needs to accommodate. If the structures will primarily be for sleeping and relaxing, smaller structures may be fine. However, if there may be times when residents will spend the majority of the day inside, they’ll need a larger space. Second, be sure to consider how easily humans can access this space. If you need to assess an individual or perform a treatment on a resident inside the structure, how easily and safely would you be able to do this? Even if you can physically fit in a small hut with your pig residents, this does not mean it would be safe to do so. Being in a confined space with an agitated resident or even just not being able to get out of the way as a larger resident sits up could pose a safety hazard.

You’ll also want to consider what would happen if a resident inside one of these structures needed urgent care. How easily could you or your veterinarian provide this within the space? Along these same lines, how easily will sanctuary personnel be able to clean inside these structures? In addition to these considerations, be sure to think about other activities that may be impacted by these smaller indoor living spaces. For example, in a larger barn setup, caregivers may be able to perform health checks in a designated pen within the space. In a smaller structure, this may not be possible, in which case, you may need to create a separate space to accommodate health checks and veterinary exams. Similarly, with a larger setup, residents may be able to be closed inside temporarily while a safety issue in the outdoor space is addressed, but this may not be possible with smaller structures, in which case other arrangements will need to be made.

Structure Walls

The sides of the structure must be able to withstand the elements, as well as residents rubbing or bumping against them. To prevent large breed pigs, in particular, from pushing out structure walls, you may want to consider providing a structure with a concrete foundation, which will provide more strength than a pole barn. Wall material options will depend a bit on the type of structure you are using and your climate and may include metal, wood, or concrete blocks. When choosing siding material, be sure to consider how different materials may impact indoor temperature and ventilation, and consider how easily they can be damaged by your residents. Wood siding will need to be maintained (restained or repainted, as needed, with pig-safe products) to prolong its life, and rotting or broken boards will need to be replaced. Some residents may also chew on the wood, resulting in the need for more frequent maintenance and potential safety issues. Metal siding may last longer and require less maintenance, but when damaged will result in sharp edges that pose a safety hazard.

Flooring And Bedding

Flooring for pigs should provide appropriate traction and be easy on the feet and joints. Foot issues are a fairly common and serious issue in pigs, and certain environmental factors, such as overly abrasive walking surfaces, can contribute to their occurrence. Similarly, osteoarthritis is a common issue in pigs, especially as they age, but overly hard surfaces can lead to residents developing this condition at an earlier age. Although packed dirt floors will require regular upkeep and can be more difficult to thoroughly clean than some other substrates, we believe they are the best option for pigs. Proper drainage is key. You want to avoid a negative slope around the structure so that water does not run into the space. Raising the dirt floor so that it is higher than the surrounding ground will ensure water runs away from the structure. Some soil types might have poor drainage, in which case you’ll need to dig out the soil and replace it with materials that drain well. We recommend working with an expert in your area to determine what is necessary based on the specifics of your soil and terrain.

Over time, dirt floors will develop recessed areas where dirt has been removed during the cleaning process or due to resident activity. Be sure to watch for these recesses and fill them in as needed. These divots can pose a safety hazard to both pig residents and the humans who enter their living space, particularly when those divots are concealed by bedding.

Flooring Dangers
We recommend avoiding concrete flooring for pigs because it can be hard on their feet and joints and doesn’t provide enough traction. If you must house a pig resident in a space with concrete floors, these should be covered, ideally with a thick layer of dirt or sand. Thick textured rubber mats can also be used, but you may find that your residents tear these up or rearrange them, exposing the concrete underneath. Additionally, rubber mats will need to be removed regularly so you can clean under them which can make cleaning much more labor intensive.

In addition to avoiding concrete, we also recommend avoiding wood floors for pigs. Hardwood floors don’t provide enough traction and are hard on the joints. The thin wood flooring that comes with most elevated sheds not only doesn’t provide enough traction but also isn’t typically designed to withstand a larger pig’s weight (especially as it degrades over time). A resident could be seriously injured if their foot or leg breaks through the floor.

The addition of bedding in pig indoor spaces will not only help keep residents comfortable but also makes it easier to keep spaces clean. Because pigs love to build nests, you should provide an abundant amount of clean, dry straw in their indoor living space. However, you may opt to use a more absorbent bedding option in certain areas of the living space, such as around water units or in the area where your residents typically urinate (most healthy pigs won’t urinate in their nest). To prevent illness, avoid bedding that may contain toxic materials, harmful pathogens, or lots of dust (dusty bedding isn’t good for your residents or the humans who care for them).

Individuals who spend a lot of time lying down or who have mobility issues may benefit from being on a thick layer of naturally sourced sand. Sand can provide lots of cushioning, but it can also easily become cold and damp, so may not be a good option in certain climates or during certain times of the year. Additionally, if using sand, you must be very careful to keep food off the ground to avoid ingestion of sand, which can result in impaction.

Entrances, Doors, And Gates

Just as you want to consider foot and hoof health when considering flooring, you also want to keep this in mind when thinking about entrances. To avoid damage to your residents’ hooves that could increase their risk of foot infections, it’s best to avoid any sort of raised threshold in entrances your residents use. If this is not possible, be sure to opt for the lowest profile possible. You also want to avoid your pig resident having to use steps or ramps whenever possible. 

Like the walls, doors that residents have access to need to be designed to withstand typical resident activity. To protect closed doors from curious pig residents or individuals who are determined to open said door, you might need to install a heavy-duty gate on the inside of the door. This is particularly true of slider doors, which pig residents may be able to knock off their track or otherwise damage. This setup also allows for residents to be closed indoors or prevented from using the entrance (by closing the gate) while still leaving the door open to allow for airflow.

Speaking of slider doors, pig residents may open or close sliders (purposefully or unintentionally), so having heavy-duty latches installed that can secure the sliders fully shut, partially shut, and fully open may be necessary. Sliders should have a device (such as a stay roller) to prevent the wind (or a resident) from swinging the slider door outward or inwards. A swinging slider could seriously injure a resident or human and could also come off its track, posing further risk to anyone near it. Hinged doors also need to be latched open or closed to prevent them from being caught by the wind or being pushed around by a resident.

Gates used in resident spaces must be heavy-duty. Avoid lightweight aluminum gates, as these can be very easily damaged by residents or equipment. While most gates come with a chain that can loop around a fence post to hold the gate closed, this is rarely enough to keep larger pig residents contained. We recommend also installing a heavy-duty latch. Some sanctuaries/caregivers choose to use both a latch and the chain loop so that gates are secured with two methods. We recommend this double-latching system because it gives you added protection should one of them fail.

Just as gates and latches must be heavy-duty, so too must the hinges. Pigs can be particularly rough on gates and their hardware and may be able to knock a gate off its hinges if not installed properly and with robust materials. 

Electricity

We highly recommend that pig structures have electricity (installed by a licensed professional and with fire safety in mind). This will allow you to have proper lighting and will also allow you to use heating or cooling equipment when needed and to use care-related equipment that must be plugged in. In areas where temperatures dip below freezing, this will also allow you to install autowaters that have a heater to prevent water from freezing. All wires should be protected in conduit to prevent rodents from chewing them, which is a serious fire risk. Additionally, any conduit that is within your residents’ reach must be properly secured to the wall to prevent curious residents from damaging it. Electrical outlets should have constant-use covers to keep them dust-free, and you’ll want to keep them out of the residents’ reach. You can read more about electrical safety here. 

Temperature Control And Ventilation

Ensuring your residents are both comfortable and protected from temperature-related illnesses is an important aspect of care, but what you need to do to achieve this will depend on your climate and the individuals for whom you care (piglets, elderly pigs, and those with certain health challenges may not be able to safely and comfortably withstand the same temperatures as other pig residents). 

Warm Weather Considerations

Pigs do not sweat, and that, combined with their large body size and relatively small lung capacity, makes them more vulnerable to heat stress, which can then lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. High temperatures, as well as high humidity levels, contribute to heat-related illness in pigs – as the humidity rises, the temperature at which a pig may be vulnerable to heat stress lowers. When the weather is warm, and especially when it is warm and humid, steps must be taken to keep indoor spaces cool, which may include the following:

• Encourage airflow. Depending on your climate and cooling system, opening doors and windows to allow a breeze to come in can help keep the space cool. Installing industrial exhaust and circulating fans can also help keep living spaces cool and keep air flowing (make sure fans and cords are out of the residents’ reach!). 
• Promote evaporative cooling. Using water misters in conjunction with fans can help keep indoor spaces cool. Basic mister kits can be attached to hoses connected to a nearby spigot, but there are also more serious systems that can be permanently installed. When using water misters, keep an eye out that resident spaces don’t get too wet. You may need to spot clean areas near the mister more regularly. Similarly, an evaporative cooler (sometimes called a swamp cooler) can help cool the space.
• Consider using less bedding or even leaving certain sections of dirt flooring exposed, as residents may prefer laying on the cool dirt floor when temperatures are hot. Providing areas with bedding and areas without allows them to choose what they prefer.
• Provide lots of cool drinking water. Depending on how you are providing water, you may need to change it out more often to avoid water becoming warm, which could result in residents drinking less. Be sure to have lots of water available in the area(s) where residents are relaxing.
• Provide lots of shade. If the indoor space has doors on multiple sides, you might want to adjust them throughout the day so that direct sun is blocked, while still allowing for airflow. Similarly, you may want to install shutters or shades on windows to keep the hot sun out. 

Cold Weather Considerations

While hot and humid weather is particularly dangerous for pigs, they are also vulnerable to cold temperatures. When the weather is cold, steps should be taken to ensure residents remain comfortable indoors, which may include the following: 

• Eliminate drafts in the living space (while still allowing for ventilation). Before the cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to check out resident living spaces, looking for gaps that would create a draft. During cold weather, keeping doors fully or partially shut (ideally, closing doors that face the prevailing wind) will also help keep the space warmer and prevent a draft. To allow residents to come and go as they please while still reducing a draft, some folks use thick plastic strip curtains (like those used in warehouses or walk-in coolers) to block the wind. 
• Provide lots of clean, dry bedding. A thick layer of bedding will protect residents from the cold floor and allow them to build large nests. It’s not uncommon to walk into a pig living space on a cold day and find that all your residents are completely buried in straw. Be sure to provide enough fresh bedding for them to do this – long-fibered straw works best. In extreme cold, covering residents in thick blankets in addition to providing ample straw can also help.
• Make sure residents have a buddy to snuggle with. Cuddling up to other pigs, especially deep in a fluffy nest, can help keep residents warm. Residents who do not have a sleeping buddy may need extra help staying warm.
• Keep fire safety in mind if you must add a heat source. We recommend avoiding heat lamps, which pose a serious fire risk. Ceramic heating panels are a safer option.

Adequate Ventilation Is Key!
Proper ventilation is imperative year-round, but particularly in the winter when spaces are typically more closed up to keep residents warm. Without proper ventilation, spaces can become too humid and wet and ammonia levels can rise, putting residents at risk of dangerous pneumonia outbreaks or skin infections. The use of an appropriately sized exhaust fan(s) can help with ventilation without creating a draft. If you notice that the ceiling or walls are developing condensation, this is a sign you must take immediate steps to increase ventilation!

When temperatures are below freezing, you’ll also have to ensure your residents continue to have access to fresh, clean, unfrozen water. You can read more about how to do this here.

Outdoor Living Spaces For Pigs

In addition to indoor spaces, pigs require access to outdoor spaces that can keep them safe while still providing the freedom to explore and perform natural pig behaviors such as foraging and rooting. 

When designing outdoor spaces, be sure to:

• Provide residents with enough space to perform natural behaviors and promote healthy social dynamics
• Provide spaces that offer foraging, grazing, and rooting opportunities
• Provide ample opportunities for residents to cool off during warm weather
• Consider if predators are a concern in your area and design the space accordingly so as to keep residents in and predators out (keep in mind that piglets and smaller mini pigs may be vulnerable to regional predators that mature large breed pigs are not)

How Much Outdoor Space Do Pigs Need?

Just as we don’t have a set recommendation for the amount of indoor space pigs need, we also cannot provide a specific recommendation for outdoor space that is guaranteed to work universally. In addition to Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a couple of sanctuaries and rescues offer recommendations about the amount of outdoor space pigs need, but keep in mind that these are minimums and may not reflect the amount of space they strive to provide for their residents. 

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries– Their Standards For Suidae and Tayassuidae Sanctuaries recommends a minimum of 1 acre (0.4 hectares) of land per pair of compatible pigs.

Farm Sanctuary– Their Pig Care resource, provided to participants of their 2014 Farm AnimalA domesticated animal that is used by humans either for their body or what comes from their body. Farmed animals have fewer regulations governing their welfare than other species in many countries. Care Conference, recommends providing one acre of land per pair of pigs. 

Pig Placement Network – Their online information recommends that mini pigs be provided with as large an outdoor area as possible, but at minimum a 16×16 foot space. 

Make sure outdoor spaces provide enough room for your residents to root and explore. Providing healthy residents with ample foraging opportunities in a large, varied space not only is enriching but also has the added benefit of promoting activity. Since weight management is a critical aspect of pig care, encouraging activity (along with providing an appropriate diet) is imperative!

What Type Of Outdoor Space Do Pigs Need?

In addition to thinking about how much outdoor space your pig residents need, be sure to also consider what type of space is best. A mix of pasture and woods is ideal. Many pigs enjoy grazing, and grass offers a high-fiber addition to their diet. However, pigs don’t just graze, they also root, turning up the earth with their powerful nose in search of tasty bits underground. While pigs may avoid certain plants that are toxic to them, there’s also a chance that they will not, so be sure to remove those from their living spaces to eliminate the risk of ingestion. Depending on the make-up of your pasture’s vegetation, you may find that the plants your residents don’t like start to take over the pasture. Reseeding annually may be necessary to ensure a good mix of vegetation.

Pigs can tear up a pasture quickly, so it’s important to provide them with enough space so they don’t decimate the pasture and turn it into a mud pit. While pigs do enjoy and benefit from having access to mud, they also need to have dry areas to walk on to promote hoof health. If pigs are constantly standing in wet areas, the hoof will become soft and will be more vulnerable to damage, which can increase their risk of foot infections. Therefore, they must have plenty of dry areas to spend time in. If you have the space, you could create two (or more!) pastures for pig residents and rotate them through these spaces to ensure that conditions can dry out on one piece of land while they spend time on the other. This can also make it easier to reseed pastures or plant other tasty treats for residents. In addition to avoiding residents constantly standing in mud, overly rocky or hard terrain is best avoided since these can lead to foot lesions.

Rooting Hazards
While it’s important to check all your residents’ outdoor spaces for hazards, given their rooting behavior, you may find that your pig residents unearth all sorts of hazards. From old farm equipment to buried garbage, there’s no telling what your residents may discover. We recommend walking through their outdoor spaces regularly, checking for (and removing) any potential hazards. In addition to the hazards already mentioned, be sure to remove and dispose of any wild animal carcasses. Pigs are omnivores and could be exposed to various hazards if they ingest deceased wildlife.

Fencing

Robust fencing is an essential aspect of outdoor living spaces for pigs. While this is true for all pig residents, it is particularly true of large breed pigs given their strength and larger size! Though other options may work, woven wire mesh fencing with 2×4 openings combined with wood posts and wood boards is a good, albeit expensive, option. We recommend avoiding any mesh with openings large enough for pig residents to fit their noses through, as males will be more likely to get their tusks caught in these larger openings. A pig who gets caught in the fence will likely panic and could easily injure themselves trying to get free. 

Though it would be cheaper to substitute metal T-posts for some of the wood fence posts, using all wood posts will result in a sturdier fence. To prevent pigs from rooting under fences, you’ll want to make sure that your fence does not have a gap underneath it that residents can fit their noses in. Running a wooden board along the bottom of the fence (and against the ground) can prevent residents from bending/rolling up the bottom of the fence. Additional horizontal boards will add strength to the fence, but since pigs may chew on wooden boards, you may want to keep these on the outside of the fence. 

Stayed Tuned For More On Pig Fencing!
Fencing for pigs is an important topic and one we plan to cover in more detail in the future. Stay tuned – we announce new resources on our social media channels and in our newsletter. If you’re not already signed up for our newsletter, you can sign up above!

Seasonal Considerations

Above, we mentioned ways you can help keep indoor spaces comfortable during hot and cold temperatures. Particularly in the warmer months, you’ll also want to include ways for your residents to stay cool outdoors. This may include ensuring they have access to the following:

Shady Spots

Providing pig residents with ample shade in their outdoor space can help them stay cool without having to retreat to their indoor space. Wooded areas can provide shade, as can man-made shade structures. While permanent shade structures can be constructed, some sanctuaries opt to put up temporary shade structures seasonally. In addition to helping them stay cooler, access to shaded areas can also help protect their delicate skin from the sun, though we still recommend applying sunscreen to the backs of their ears and any other area that looks like it’s getting too much sun to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer.

Mud/Water Sources

Because pigs do not sweat, they employ other methods to stay cool. One such way is to coat themselves in mud, which not only can help keep them cool but can also protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Your residents may dig out mud wallows themselves, but you can help get them started by digging out a wallow and regularly filling it with fresh water. Mud wallows can quickly become filthy, so regularly flushing out the old water is key. You may also need to dredge them every so often. Remember that while access to mud is beneficial, residents also need plenty of access to dry spaces and should not be constantly standing in wetness.

If you can provide pig residents with a pond or other water source, this can also provide a lot of enjoyment and help keep them cool. While some residents may wade or lay in shallow water to cool off, others may enjoy a little swim! If access to a pond isn’t possible, you can still give your pig residents opportunities to take a dip. Small pools or water troughs that are regularly cleaned can be a great way for pig residents to cool off. This water will quickly become dirty, so be sure to clean them often and provide separate drinking water as well. Also, keep safety in mind. Soft-sided pools with proper traction will be safer than hard pools with smooth bottoms (Heartland Piggy Pools are a popular choice).

Ice concerns
In addition to making sure residents stay cool when temperatures are warm, you also need to consider their safety when temperatures drop. Slips and falls can lead to serious injury, so it’s important to protect your residents from icy terrain during cold weather. Depending on the situation, this may require restricting their outdoor access during icy conditions or using a pig-safe product on icy areas to prevent falls. Areas pig residents have access to should be regularly checked for slippery patches so that they can be addressed before they cause an accident. If there is a body of water in your pig residents’ living space, be sure to consider if this will freeze over and pose a safety risk. If it freezes solid, you may need to prevent your residents from access until it has thawed.

Consider Creating A Feeding Area For Pig Residents

Healthy, mature pigs must have their food portions managed to prevent obesity-related health issues. Because of their size and enthusiasm at meal times, feeding a group of pigs can be a bit of a challenge for the humans involved, especially if trying to feed pig residents in a tight, enclosed space, or if needing to carry food through a space where the pig residents are. When designing a living space for pigs, it’s a good idea to think about ways to make the feeding process easier. Some sanctuaries create designated feeding areas in covered pavilions or under covered porches that give residents space to eat while protected from the elements. They may design these areas so that they are easy to clean and are set up so that residents can be locked out of the space while food is being set up. Safely feeding pigs without a designated space is certainly possible, and not everyone sees the need for a designated feeding area. Consider what makes the most sense for your residents based on the design of the rest of their living space and seasonal weather. Even if you plan to mostly feed your residents in their outdoor space, you should be prepared to feed them out of the elements if needed. Also keep in mind that if residents are fed in the same uncovered spot outdoors, this area can quickly become muddy. Feeders may need to be moved regularly to ensure residents can eat without having to stand in mud.

Once you’ve got your residents’ space set up, be sure to keep it clean and properly maintained to ensure their continued comfort, safety, and health!

SOURCES:

Standards For Suidae and Tayassuidae Sanctuaries | Global Federation Of Animal Sanctuaries

Pig Care | Farm Sanctuary

Education | Hog Haven Blog

Is A Pig Right For you? | Pig Placement Network 

Housing And Environment For Your Mini PigThe term “mini pig” is used to categorize smaller breeds of pigs, such as Potbellies, Julianas, and Kunekunes, and to differentiate between these breeds and large breed pigs, such as Yorkshires, Landrace, or Hampshires, who are sometimes referred to as “farm pigs”. The descriptor “mini” can be a bit misleading- some breeds of mini pigs can weigh over 200 pounds! Terms like “teacup”, “micro”, “pocket”, “nano”, and “micro mini” are deceptive terms that are sometimes used to intentionally mislead people into thinking an individual pig will remain a certain size. | VCA Animal Hospitals 

Pigs As PetsAnimals who spend regular time with humans in their home and life for companionship or human pleasure. Typically a small subset of animal species are considered to be pets by the general public. – What To Know Before Adopting A Mini Pig | BCSPCA 

Keeping Pigs Cool In The Summer Heat | Penn State Extension (Non-Compassionate Source)

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