The Traditional Pig Ark Company

They manufacture traditional pig arks, solidly built - galvanized metal in a dome shape with reinforced polymer ends (front and back). For long life only pressure treated timber is used within the construction.

The reinforced polymer ends are unique to The Traditional Pig Ark Company, they are hygienic and rot proof, they put their arks ahead of the field. This is a natural progression in the design of pig arks, away from the use of plywood, as pigs sometimes chew plywood - probably because they like the taste of the resin in it.

Tests have shown that galvanized metal-roofed arks allow the pigs to stay comfortable in hot weather, due to the reflective nature of the metal outside and the large floor area inside, keeping this area cool. Plenty of straw when the weather gets cooler ensures the pigs stay warm and cosy.

The arks have a wooden floor to keep the pigs nice and dry, and off the ground; this also reduces straw usage. Pigs will not soil their sleeping quarters. They sleep a lot and enjoy a dry, cosy, snug ark. The construction of our arks includes skids and lifting hooks for easy movement.

The arks are suitable for sow and piglets, dry sows, weaners, porkers, pet pigs - every type of pig imaginable. They are also suitable for sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese etc. etc. As a guide the 8' x 6' ark is suitable for a sow and litter, up to 2 dry sows or 10 porkers; 8' x 8' ark is suitable for up to 4 dry sows or 15 porkers; and 8' x 10' ark is suitable for up to 6 dry sows or 20 porkers.

The arks are delivered on our their transport, and are ready for immediate occupation (you just supply the pig and the straw!), no additional assembly required. Dick makes the deliveries himself, he prides himself on personal service and he enjoys meeting his customers, usually smallholders like ourselves. His delivery truck has a lifting crane, this facilitates easy offloading on the customer's site.

They only supply pig arks. They like to concentrate on giving their customers a personal service with an excellent product.

They have been involved in the keeping of pigs for the last 40 years and are pleased to talk to prospective customers about pigs, giving advice if needed and trying to help with any concerns they might have. They welcome the chance to pass our knowledge on to future pig keepers as there are so many pig lovers out there - from people wishing to keep pigs as pets; other folk wanting to raise their own meat so that they know the animal was treated well before slaughter and know what went into the end product that ends up on their plate; others wanting to experience breeding pigs and supplying others with progeny.

They maintain a happily run business, Dick oversees the making of the arks, with help from loyal employees, Coral takes care of the book-keeping, PAYE and all other aspects of running a business.

They were particularly delighted this year to be contacted by River Cottage HQ and have supplied them with arks for their recently opened new trading and resource centre in Dorset. River Cottage runs many events amongst which are pig keeping courses where participants will see their arks in use.

See our advertisement on page 81 and visit our website www.pig-arks.com