Mini pigs as pets

Is a pig right for you?

So, you are thinking about getting a mini pig and want to know if you are doing the right thing. This should answer many of your questions. In addition to reading up on pet pigs, we recommend you take the time to actually visit Hilltop Farm whenever possible before making your decision. Piglets are cute little butterballs for only a short time, so make sure you meet a full-grown adult piggy before adopting.

Frequently asked questions about Mini Pigs……

What are some of the pros and cons to having a pet pig?

Mini pigs make good companions, but only for the right caregiver. On the plus side, pigs are smart, clean, generally non-allergenic, odor free, flea-free, charming and inexpensive to feed. Pigs are social, bonding fairly easily with humans. They will readily roll over for a tummy rub, as well as come in for a cuddle. They don’t bark, prowl the streets or spread rabies. Compared with dog droppings, mild smelling pig droppings are quite easy to clean up. While pigs are highly trainable and can learn at a faster rate than dogs, pigs behavior is vastly different from a dogs behavior. As eager as a dog can be to please his master, a pig’s respect, trust and cooperation must be earned. If the pig had its way, you would be pleasing him.

In nature, pigs are regarded as prey and are therefore naturally suspicious, cautious creatures. They have to be coaxed and rewarded. You cannot force a pig to do anything he doesn’t want to do; it has to be his idea. But they are very food driven so a little shake of food and you have their attention quickly. Don’t expect your pig to eagerly greet you at the door to fetch your slippers. Having a pet pig is sometimes like having a toddler because pigs are so intelligent that they can be stubborn, demanding and manipulative. Pigs can become easily bored, grumpy or depressed if not given adequate attention by a loving caregiver. While the daily cost of keeping a pigs relatively low, if it becomes ill, vet bills can be cumbersome. Qualified vets can be hard to find or unavailable in some areas. You need to locate a vet that will care for your pig before bringing one home. Often you will find you must travel some distance to find quality care. Hilltop farm uses Perry Vet in Perry, NY. They have a specified pig veterinarian who will make house calls or you can bring your pig into the office to avoid the house call charge.

Can you take a pig for a walk and play catch with him?

A pig can easily be trained to walk on a leash and harness and to ride in a car. Yes, you can take a pig for a walk, but unlike a dog, piggy will take his own sweet time checking out every gum-wrapper and leaf on the way. While you can teach a pig to retrieve an object, a pig will only cooperate if amply rewarded with treats. A pig does not retrieve for the joy of it.

Do Pigs Bite?

That’s like asking if dogs and cats bite. If given a reason, sure they do, While pigs are generally gentle by nature, they are also territorial and emotional. A pig can become aggressive when competing for food or attention. As with a dog, it is important to teach him good manners and let him know who is “top hog” in the family.

Are pigs affectionate?

A pig is not going to jump up and lick you in the face. Their affections are expressed more subtlety. Pigs love to be scratched, rubbed and massaged. Most pigs don’t like to be picked up, but will gladly lie with you and enjoy a long cuddle. Pigs appreciate and seek out human company.

How long do mini pigs live?

With proper care, a mini pig can live an average of 12-15 years. Your pig will live long if you make sure he doesn’t become obese and if you provide him with ample social interaction, stimulation, outdoor time and physical exercise. If your pig becomes ill, making certain he receives prompt veterinary care will also help ensure a long, healthy life.

What happens if I get a pig and later decide I don’t want him?

Pigs become attached to their human family rather quickly and are easily depressed when separated. Do your homework first and make sure a pig is right for you and everyone in your family. Hilltop Farm will help you decide if a pig is the right choice, support you in caring for your pig, knowing how to “piggy proof” your home. If you find that you do not want to keep the pig, we request that you contact us as soon as possible at (585)944-372 or (585)259-8639. Municipal animal shelters frequently auction off pigs or destroy them. “Free to a good home” ads sometimes result in a piggy ending up on someone’s dinner plate. So, there are few good options for unwanted pet pigs. We will not judge or shame you for returning your pet pig but ask that you first carefully consider – Are you ready to keep a pig for its lifetime? We will not reimburse any funds you paid for your pig should you decide to return it, no matter how long you have had him.

What is the zoning law regarding pigs as pets?

Each city and county has its own zoning codes about pet pigs. Many cities prohibit farm animals, including swine. Many have revised their codes to allow mini pigs as they could be considered companion animals. Before getting a pig, check with your city, county and homeowners association to determine the exact code. Get the code in writing.

How big are mini pigs?

Mini pigs generally range between 80-160 pounds fully grown and generally stand under 20” tall. Mini pigs continue to grow until they reach maturity which is generally around 3 years. Comparatively, farm pigs can weigh 600-1000 pounds.

Is there such an thing as Teacup or Micro-Mini pigs?

Though some breeders and pet shops might claim they have micro-mini pigs, far too frequently such pigs have stunted growth due to under feeding and poor nutrition. Rarely will you see a pig that remains under 50 pounds at maturity unless it has health problems that are often a result of inbreeding, Starving a pig to keep it small is no different than starving a human child to keep it small. It is cruel and does not work. A healthy, properly fed and cared for pig will be about the size of a medium (sometimes large) size dog.

Can the size of the parents determine the size of the offspring?

To some degree, yes, but there are no 100% guarantees. How large your pig will become can be influenced by overfeeding, malnutrition and inbreeding. All of our pigs are fed a vet recommended type and amount of food and are seen by the vet twice a year for routine checkups. We ensure that our pigs are never inbred by keeping only non-related intact pigs and by have each piglet spayed or neutered before they reach sexual maturity.

What should I feed my pig?

Pigs thrive on a diet consisting of grain, vegetables and an occasional taste of fruit. Feeding your pig a complete feed like Champion or Mazuri supplemented with low calorie fresh produce greens will keep your pig fit and trim. Do not feed your pig dog or cat food. The quantity of feed depends on the age, size and activity level of your pig. Growing pigs and nursing moms need more calories than sedentary older pigs. We recommend that you feed your pig twice daily, allow yard time for grazing and include low fat foods such as carrots, cucumbers, celery and leafy green vegetables. Canned veggies, corn, potatoes, dried fruit, cookies, chips and nuts etc. can pack the pounds on piggy. Pigs also enjoy hay in their diets. Use timothy or oat hay instead of alfalfa hay. Most importantly, your pig needs access to plenty of fresh water. To ensure that your pig is properly hydrated, particularly during summer months, add lots of hot water his pig food. The water will bulk up the pellets making piggy feel fuller and more satisfied. Pigs are rooters and rummagers by nature and therefore always act hungry. Don’t let piggy trick you into feeding him more than he needs. The occasional special treats are okay but avoid feeding table scraps. Your pig is not a garbage disposal!

Can I keep my pig inside?

While some pigs enjoy being inside the house, they also require ample outdoor time to root around, relax in the sun and engage in other piggy behavior. Pigs acquire certain critical nutrients form soil, so they must be given an opportunity to be outdoors. You can keep your pig outside during the day and allow him to sleep inside at night. While outdoors, your pig will need to be protected from the elements. Provide your pig with a properly secured yard, a house with bedding (straw will do) and with an overhead shelter like a tarp or canopy to protect him from the sun, wind and rain. If given a choice, some pigs prefer to live outdoors so you must be prepared to provide a proper outdoor home.

Where do pigs sleep?

Many people provide dog houses or a shed for their pig to sleep in outdoors. Indoors they should have their own cozy bed filled with bedding; a large crate or children’s play tent are good ideas. Pigs living indoors need comfortable soft bedding. Dog beds and blankets work well. Outdoor houses can be packed with straw or hay. Of course, piggy will love to sleep on the bed with you. Unless you don’t mind this being an every night occurrence, don’t get him started!

How do I piggy proof my home?

As you would for any pet, make sure that household cleaning products, insecticides, medicines, lighter fluid and other toxins are out of reach. Remove plants that could harm your pig. Take potted plants off the floor and don’t leave handbags in reach. Pigs love lipstick and chewing gum! They are very cleaver with their snouts and particularly industrious when they smell food. If needed, secure your cabinets with childproof locks. Avoid feeding your pig out of the refrigerator. Of your pig learns to open the fridge door, you might have to install a latch. Tape up cords and wires where possible. We recommend that pigs be kept away from open swimming pools.

Will my pig need mud to wallow?

Pigs do not have sweat glands so they will attempt to cool down by rolling in mud or water. While piggy will be delighted by a wallow they are not necessary. Provide your pig with a plastic wading pool filled with water or even keep your pig indoors in the air conditioning on hot days. Simple, inexpensive misting systems can also be easily rigged for outdoor pigs.

Will my pig get along with dogs and cats?

Pigs and cats frequently become fast friends and bedmates. Dogs however are another story. We recommend that you carefully monitor dogs with pigs. As tame as your dog may be, keep in mind that dogs are natural predators of pigs and can turn on a pig easily killing it.

Can a mini pig be housebroken?

Yes! Mini pigs can be house broken faster than most dogs. If you can teach your pig good habits from day one, your pig will not have accidents in the house. You can start a piglet with a litter box but then quickly teach your pig to do his business outdoors in a designated spot. We can give you specific instructions for housebreaking you piglet.

What kind of training will my pig need?

The more you interact with your pig the more bonded you will be to each other and the happier your pig will be. Pigs can easily learn tricks, such as sitting, turning circles, shaking hands, rolling a ball, retrieving an object, blowing a horn, etc. It is not necessary to teach your pig tricks for the sake of tricks but it is necessary to teach our pig good manners. Teaching your pigs simple things like sit, be gentle, good boy etc. will develop a system of communication with your pig. Pigs love to learn and are capable of learning many behaviors and words, even full sentences. A training session with our pig shows him that you are interested in him and you care. And don’t forget to pay your pig! Pigs are highly food motivated and will do just about anything for a treat. When it comes to training a pig, a small piece of treat works as well as a handful. Once your pig has learned a few behaviors reward him only after he has followed a series of directions. Reward him with a small treat and with lots of praise and enthusiasm. Keep the training fun and short starting with 3 minute sessions and working up.

Should my pig be spayed/neutered?

All of our pigs will be sold spayed or neutered unless they are being purchased by a registered breeder. Uncastrated boars give off an odor that will stick to your clothing or furniture. They display sexual behavior

at a very early age and can become difficult to handle when left intact. Neutering a male also stunts the growth of his tusks. Females left unsprayed have uterine problems, such as tumors and infections.

Does a pig need vaccinations or deworming?

All pigs should be given vaccinations and dewormed as needed for the area they live. Your vet can recommend what brands to use, dosage and frequency. Yearly vaccinations are recommended up to at least the age of five.

What type of health problems do pigs have?

Given proper care, most pigs have few health problems. However, they are problems that can occasionally arise. Pigs can become constipated easily, leading to impacted bowels which can be life threatening. It is important to provide your pigs with a high fiber diet and plenty of fresh water. Male pigs can also have serious urinary tract problems which can be costly. Keeping your pig hydrated can also prevent this problem. The biggest healthy problem to mini pigs, unfortunately, is a condition caused by their human caregivers. Obesity is the number one cause of health complications and death in mini pigs. Morbidly obese pigs can become blind from fatty skin folds that obstruct their vision. Obese pigs will inevitably have crippling joint problems and sometimes have breathing problems, both conditions leading to immobility and death. Don’t let your pig get fat!

Do my pigs hooves and tusks need to be trimmed?

Tusks will have to be trimmed from time to time. Female pigs have very slow growing tusks that rarely need to be trimmed. Males may need their tusks trimmed a bit more frequently, generally every few years. Both male and female pigs will need their hooves trimmed once or twice a year. You can take your pig to the vet for tusk and hoof trimmings. Prepare your pig for vet visits by handling his feet and tusks.

Can I take my pig on vacation?

Yes, some pigs travel well but you need to prepare them. Practice riding in the care long before your vacation. Secure your pig inside a portable kennel while riding in the car.

Can I board my pig at a dog kennel?

Some kennels will take pigs but most are not designed to accommodate a pig. Pigs don’t do very well if kept on cement for any length of time. You are better of hiring a pet sitter or contacting Hilltop Farm for boarding.

Do pigs shed?

Yes and no. Pigs do not shed the way dogs shed. Most pigs will “blow” their coats once or twice a year. They will lose all their hair in the summer months and it will reappear by winter.

Are two pigs better than one?

We find that pigs tend to do extremely well in pairs or small groups. While a single pig can make a fine companion, pigs are heard animals. Most people with two pigs report that it is easier to keep two than one. We recommend getting used to your first pig then adopting a second one a short while later.

Where can I find out more about Mini Pigs as pets?

There are many books, magazines and websites that are packed with information. Hilltop Farm recommends reading Potbellied Pig Parenting by Nancy Shepherd. We are also available to help you answer any questions to the best of our abilities and knowledge.

*This information is provided by Hilltop Farm and Pig Placement Network at gplacementnetwork.org*