Pig Pen & Wallow Planner

Work out real shelter and yard space for pigs, itemised materials, tools, and cost — then build it, across three budget tiers that genuinely change the materials and steps.

Pig fencing has a genuine, specific failure mode most other livestock fencing doesn't: pigs root at ground level, and a rooted-up clump of dirt landing on an electric wire will short it out without you noticing until they're already out. This calculator works out your actual shelter and yard dimensions from your pig count, then itemises materials, tools, and cost across three budget tiers.

Space, Materials & Cost Calculator

Yard space for pigs varies considerably by system — a small deep-bedding pen needs far less than a rotated pasture setup. These are workable minimums for a small block, not a substitute for local agricultural extension advice. This is general information, not a substitute for checking your local council's rules on keeping livestock.

Materials You'll Actually Need (Quantities, Not Just a Price)

Why Pigs Genuinely Need a Wallow, Not Just Shade

Pigs can't sweat, which makes a wallow a genuine welfare need rather than a nice-to-have — mud cools them through evaporation the way sweat does for other animals, and a pig without one in an Australian summer is a pig in real heat distress. Shade matters too, but doesn't replace the wallow's cooling function. There's a practical side-benefit worth knowing: pigs with reliable access to a wallow, shade, and fresh water test fences far less, since a comfortable, cool pig has much less motivation to push for freedom than a hot, stressed one. Keep the wallow separate from the dry bedding area though — pigs will happily track mud everywhere if the two aren't kept apart.

Tools You'll Need

• Tape measure and a spirit level
• Post-hole shovel, auger, or a rented post driver
• Fencing pliers and wire strainers
• Cordless drill/driver with mixed bits
• Hand saw or circular saw for shelter framing
• Hammer, safety glasses, and heavy-duty gloves
• String line and stakes for marking out the yard perimeter

Three Budget Tiers, Including Fencing Costed Separately

All figures are new-materials estimates in 2026 AUD, based on the dimensions calculated above.

Step-by-Step Build Method

1. Mark out shelter, dry yard, and wallow separately. Keep the wallow away from the shelter entrance and feeding area, so bedding doesn't end up permanently wet and muddy.
2. Set fence posts around the full perimeter. Space closer than for sheep, since pigs push and rub against fence lines. Use posts at least 5 feet long so enough is buried for a solid hold.
3. Fit fencing to height, with the base buried. Around 0.9m for standard breeds (taller for boars or more athletic heritage breeds), with the base buried at least 30cm — pigs root at ground level and will find any gap there.
4. Avoid sharp edges at the base. Curled or sharp wire ends at ground level genuinely injure rooting sows and piglets — finish the bottom edge cleanly.
5. Build the shelter frame. Treated pine frame with a solid, well-insulated roof — shade is a genuine welfare need for pigs, not just comfort.
6. Fit deep bedding to the shelter floor. Straw is standard and gives pigs material to root and nest in, which matters for their natural behaviour.
7. Dig and line the wallow. A shallow depression, lined or unlined depending on your soil type, positioned to catch some shade during the hottest part of the day.
8. Fit gates and a final check. Use a genuinely secure gate latch, and walk the fence line checking specifically for low gaps and any spot where rooting could compromise the buried base.

Frequently Asked Questions

For everything else involved in keeping pigs day to day, see our full Other Livestock animal guides.