PART VI. 

 BUILDINGS 



The question of buildings for swine is such a complicated one that it seems 

 almost a hopeless task to attempt a discussion of the subject. Almost every piggery 

 that is built possesses certain features peculiar to itself and rendered necessary 

 by the circumstances which it is intended to meet. All that can be attempted 

 is to discuss the most desirable features of a piggery, for the general guidance of 

 those who wish to build, but every man will have to adapt his building to his 

 own peculiar requirements. 



The most important qualities of a piggery are dryness, ventilation, light, 

 freedom from draughts, reasonable warmth, and convenience. 



Dryness. — Dryness is closely associated with ventilation, but is also influ- 

 enced hy the material of which the building is constructed. Good results cannot 

 be obtained in a damp pen, and dripping walls are a pretty sure indication of 

 impending disaster. Stone and cement walls are very cold in winter and chill 

 the air of the pen, causing it to deposit its moisture upon their surface. In a 

 short time the wall becomes quite wet, and trouble is stored up for the pigs. 

 A hollow cement or hollow tile wall is much less objectionable than a solid one, 

 but there is little doubt that wooden walls, constructed in such a way as to form 

 a complete dead-air space inside are the best. 



The floors and foundation may be constructed of cement concrete, and the 

 foundation may rise about two feet above the surface of the floor. This will pre- 

 serve the wood of which the walls are constructed and it is not likely to prove 

 at all injurious to the pigs. 



A very good wall can be made by setting two-by-four scantlings on end, and 

 first boarding inside and out with rough lumber. This rough lumber should 

 then be covered with tarred paper, and then the walls should be tightly boarded 

 up with matched lumber. If preferred, the outside of the pen may be clap- 

 boarded. Smooth, matched lumber is best for the inside of the pen. Patent 

 building paper may be used outside. 



If it is thought desirable to have a loft over the pen, the ceiling can be made 

 of poles, placed a few inches apart, and well covered with straw. The straw 

 absorbs moisture and helps to keep the pen dry. Where this is done, the straw 

 should be renewed at least every year, otherwise it becomes a harbor for dust 

 and disease germs. 



Ventilation.— Thorough ventilation is a great help in preserving dryness, 

 but it is a difficult thing to secure in a piggery without unduly lowering the 

 temperature. It is an aid to ventilation to provide a large air space; in other 

 words, to have a high ceiling. Some breeders have no loft over the piggery, but 

 have the space above the pigs extend to the roof. This gives more air space 

 and makes ventilation a simpler problem, but it necessitates lining the under 

 side of the rafters with matched lumber in order to prevent the pen from becoming 



too cold. 



There are two well-known methods of ventilation. One of these is the King 

 system. In this system, fresh air is admitted by constructing shafts in the walls 

 at intervals of about fifteen feet. The shafts mav be about four bv six inches, 

 inside measurement, and open outside near the ground, and inside at the ceiling. 

 Provision should be made for closing, or partially closing, these intakes when 

 cold air is admitted too rapidly. The shafts for carrying out the foul air should 



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