LECTURE LXXVI. 



PENS AND SHEDS SUITABLE FOR PIGS. 



Pigs like other domestic animals, make their greatest 

 and most economical gains when provided with proper shelter 

 shelter from the stinging blasts and frosty airs of winter, 

 and from the scorching sun of summer. Experience has 

 taught swine raisers that it will not pay them to withhold 

 shelter and comfort from their brood sows, growing and 

 fattening pigs, in either winter or summer. It is necessary 

 that some sort of shelter be afforded. 



It is impossible in this lecture to go into details and 

 show plans for pig houses that will suit all men under all 

 conditions. The most we can hope to do is to point out 

 the fundamental principles that should be observed in the 

 location and building of such structures, while each individual 

 will have to master these principles and build to suit his own 

 conditions. 



In the colder parts of the northern states and Canada 

 much more protection would have to be given than would be 

 necessary in the less severe sections of the middle west. 

 But even there warm, comfortable quarters must be provided 

 where little pigs are expected in the fall, winter or early 

 spring months, and some sort of shelter should also be 

 provided against the hot, scorching sun, especially in the 

 south. 



Pig houses should be built on high, dry ground where the 

 water from rains and melting snow will easily run away. 

 Perfect drainage should be secured, either naturally or by 

 grading. Not only should the pen be properly located so as 

 to affect drainage, but care should be taken that it is placed 

 so that it will have the protection of a shelter belt if such 

 be present. Another important point to be observed is that 

 it be placed so that prevailing winds will not carry the pig 

 pen odors into the dwelling house. 



In all our operations with live stock economy must be 

 considered, and in the building of a pig house cheapness of 



