And the kinds of pigs that are associated with pet ownership come with specific kinds of names: mini-pig, micropig, apartment pig and teacup pig are just a few. Then there are the horror stories that circulate about people getting a pet pig only to have it grow into a full-sized farm animal. The idea of a manageably sized pig goes back a few decades, writes Jake Swearingen for Modern Farmer , but it is and always was a marketing scam. The incredible inconvenience of having a hard-to-train, growing pig in the house forces many people to give the hogs up, he writes.
Mini-pigs are only mini in comparison with domestic farm pigs, writes Rachel Virginia for The Dodo. Potbellied pigs still reach pounds, she writes, and trying to keep them as pets is bad for both sides of the bargain. According to the American Mini Pig Association, a standard mini pig can range from 35 — 50 cm tall and can weigh between 50 — pounds full grown.
That is as tall as a border collie, and can be as heavy as a St. Mature females can be over pounds and males even larger: possibly over 1, pounds! It may not even fit in your car!
Think pigs are easy to care for? This page book only covers the minimum requirements for caring for pigs. Some aspects of the urban environment are not compatible with keeping pet pigs. While, in some ways, pigs are similar to dogs — they can be house-trained, for instance — they have other needs that are difficult to meet in a home setting.
Some dog toys are not an appropriate choice for pigs, as pigs can often easily destroy and consume them, which poses a risk to their health. Suitable pig toys include anything that can be manipulated but not easily destructible, safe if consumed, and provides a challenge or results in a reward e.
Without opportunities to perform normal pig behaviours, pigs will become bored and create their own fun in the house, often by rooting through cupboards, tearing apart couches and knocking over tables. Pigs are best suited to an outdoor environment that provides them with lots of space to carry out these activities safely.
Outdoors, you will need to provide them with shelter, as pigs are susceptible to cold and hot temperature extremes. A wallow i. It cools them off on hot days, and acts as an insect repellent, sun screen and skin conditioner, as pigs are prone to dry, flaky skin.
Appropriate fencing must be used to enclose their outdoor area, as pigs are very strong and can uproot it, push it over and even dig underneath it if not properly secured. You will also need to consider protecting your pig from predators like coyotes, wolves, big cats, bears, or even loose dogs. One final thought to consider is how your pig will be housed and cared for while you are away from your home for extended periods of time.
Do you know someone you can trust with the care of your pig? As with any pet, pigs may or may not get along with other animals in the household. In general, pigs and cats tend to live peacefully together. Dogs and pigs, on the other hand, are an unpredictable combination, mainly because dogs are a large predator species and pigs are naturally a prey species. This may lead to unwanted bullying of your pet pig. Though pigs may not get along with other pets, Salumets notes that they are very social animals and should be housed with other pigs.
Pigs are omnivores and need a balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. Pigs really enjoy a variety of vegetables and fruits in their diet. They can eat some human food scraps and leftovers as long as they are not spoiled or toxic to pigs. Just like in humans, some foods can cause digestive issues in pigs and some are more sensitive than others. Even if you are providing fresh produce for your pig, feeding your pig only human food is not ideal, as it is not guaranteed to meet all of their nutritional needs.
It is important they still receive pig feed to ensure their nutritional requirements are being met. Dog and cat foods are NOT a good alternative to a quality feed formulated specifically for pigs.
Pigs should always have access to water, and should be fed at least two or three times per day. When you consider the primary details regarding each, they are. And while the differences are slight, they are notable. Of course, owners of both will enjoy the same small size and sociable personalities individuals and families alike seek in this popular pet. However, noting the primary differences between the two is essential to ensure that when you're purchasing your pet, you make the right decision.
Typically, a teacup pig will mature between two and three years of age, reaching around 14 to 15" tall and weights as low as 25 pounds. In contrast, mini pot bellied pigs are slightly taller and weigh anywhere between 35 and 60 pounds when fully grown, making them the larger of the two sometimes by a significant amount. As you might suspect, both of these animals are great for apartment living where there are greater restrictions regarding weight limits for animals.
And, because both types of pigs are easily occupied by toys, they can be left alone for periods of time should you leave for work or need to run errands. While both types of pigs require proper socializing and training to behave correctly, there are certain behavioural differences that are notable between the two.
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