I’ve probably said it over 100 times on this blog, but sometimes things don’t always go as you plan! I had planned to get the hog hut done on Saturday and have everything ready to go by Sunday at the latest. But, sometimes things just don’t go together as planned and then sometimes it starts raining and you don’t have a shed. Which is all to say, I don’t have the A-Frame hog hut done yet, but I’m getting dangerously close! All that is left to do is attach the plywood, the hardware (hinges, latches, etc.), and put it out with the momma-to-be.
I ended going up with the plain A-Frame design pictured above (and linked here) for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is a plan from the 1930’s so it is something that is tried and true and still in use today. That must mean it works alright. Secondly, I decided to try this one first because it was easier to build. I had hoped to build the E-Hut style, but it is a little more involved and I wanted to make sure that I had materials that would last when I built one that took that amount of time.
This A-Frame looks like it will serve its purpose well though. I have followed the basic dimensions of the design, although I have made a few changes because I am using plywood for the covering instead of barn boards. Also, I have only put a pig door in one end, but I will have upper vents on both ends, and I will be able to lift one of the sides (I think) in order to get inside more easily to process the pigs.
Once it stops raining and I finish things up I will post some pictures.
I don’t have any experience with pigs, but whenever I build something similar to this I try to plan for things like future moving of the structure by figuring out where I would attach something like a chain for lifting or towing with a tractor and then I try to beef up that area by adding an extra 2×4, etc.
It is usually easier (and less frustrating) to add extra reinforcing at this stage and your A-frame might last a little bit longer because you will less likely to tear it apart trying to move it.