So you are thinking of getting a mini pig? Here is some information you should consider first.
- Mini pigs are the fourth most intelligent animal on the planet; mini pigs are easy to teach and are very sociable. Mini pigs form a strong connection together with the family and with other pets.
- Pigs are great pets for people with allergies (like dogs and cats) because they have coarse hair, called bristles, rather than fur (~pigs have no pet dander like dogs and cats). It is possible to be allergic to pigs, but very unusual! Most owners that have a family member with severe allergies and cannot own cats or dogs can successfully own a pig.
- Pigs normally do not shed (with exception when they "blow their coat"). They do "blow their coat" at least once a year and this most often happens in the spring. Pigs lose their hair once or twice a year and grow new a new coat.
- Pet pigs are known by MANY DIFFERENT names including; pixie pigs,dandy pigs, micro mini, teacup pigs, potbellied pigs, nano pigs, pocket pigs and so forth. Here are the facts A PIG IS A PIG and CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT but most of these names are just to get more money for irresponsible breeders.
- There are many different breeds including; Kune Kune Pig, Yucatan (Mexican Hairless) Pig, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, Juliana (Painted Miniature) Pig, Guinea Hog (not to be confused with the pygmy hog), Ossabaw Island Pig and I am sure there are more. Most often you will find that the mini pigs are a mix breed.
- When looking to buy a mini pig it is CRUCIAL you do your research! I strongly suggest asking as many questions as you can. If the breeder is unwilling to answer them MOVE ON. When you find a piglet you are interested in pictures are a must. You will want to see pictures of the piglet, parents and know their height, weight, color and so forth. Once you get past those steps go and see the piglet and parents for yourself because after all anyone can get pictures from anywhere. If any of these things cannot be answered nor done MOVE ON. Not everyone will be honest in this business, in fact, most aren't!
- When you are looking at the parent pigs there are a few signs of age to look for. Look for a mo-hawk on their neck. Look for a tassel of hair on the end of their tail. Both these will grow in size with maturity. Please know this can be affected by many factors ;) This is just something I feel you may want to look at but it something a breeder would take note of.
- Pigs do most of their growing in the first year but they are not considered fully grown till 3-5 years old.
- Most breeders post pictures of day old piglets. Look for hair and don't be fooled!
- Beware of breeders that offer Weight Guarantees! It is common to have piglets from small parents and the piglet will grow to be larger than the parents even with proper care. There is no true way to know the exact genetics your piglet carries!
- Mini pigs DO NOT have curly tails. If the piglet has a curly tail it is part domestic farm pig.
- Here is another clue price DOES matter! When you see ads and sites with dirt cheap mini pigs chances are they are NOT mini pigs (Unless you get LUCKY like I did when I started). A breeder invests A LOT of money and time into their pigs. They are not likely to just be giving them away I can assure you. However, there is no need to charge extreme amounts for a piglet. I can't tell you how many times we see people buying pigs for $50.00 and end up with 150 lbs plus pig and can't take care of it! The same goes for people paying $800 plus ;)
- Once you have found your piglet you will need to begin to prepare. Please don't wait till you have your pig and hurry to get things. We have a care sheet listed on our website for things you will need to plan for when bringing home your piglet. HERE!
- It is best to have your pig spayed/neutered because it truly makes them better pets. If you purchase a piglet from us it is a requirement to provide proof of spayed/neutered within 6 months of age.
- Magic Piggy Weight Formula - Measure from between her ears to the base of her tail on her rump. That is her Length. Then, measure around her girth right behind her front legs. That's her Girth. Then perform this calculation: Weight (lbs) = (L x G x G) ÷ 400.
- Pigs are DENSE and cannot be compared to the sizing of dogs when it comes to weight. Mini Pig breeders and owners go by height not weight.
I found this online but don't know the author but I think it is PERFECT!!!! It was posted on a pig group in a comment they had gotten from somewhere else.
Which pig is better male or female?
Male or Female?
There is no “better” sex. It depends on what you want, your preferences. A pet should always be fixed, but even then there are a few differences. Neutered males are more laid back, mellow, and easygoing in most situations. Spayed females have opinions, a little more demanding (aren’t all females) and are more active.
A few facts and differences between the sexes.
If you are looking for a pet, an animal that will bond with you and love attention, then your piggie must be fixed. Pigs also stay smaller if fixed. Intact boars chomp their teeth and create frothy foam that has a foul odor. Boars will “mark” their territory with this foam and with a pungent liquid produced by their “boy parts”. Boar’s tusks grow very thick and long. Boars do not bond well with people unless they are looking to hump someone. Boars are also prone to testicular cancer. Neutered males do none of this. They are calmer and bond very well with people.
Intact females are almost worse. Left intact they start their heat cycle at about twelve weeks old. They cycle every 21 days and the heat last 5 to 7 days. They go through a very strong hormonal change and yes suffer from and lash out because of it. It is very similar to PMS! During this time they will jump on anything and anyone in an effort to breed. Keep this in mind if you have small animals or children. Intact gilts and sows will also whine for hours and call to try and find a boar. The incidence of life threatening uterine tumors and infections are very high in intact females. They are also prone to mammary cancer. Another problem is that during their heat, which lasts 5 to 7 days, they “forget” or don’t care about their potty training. Having the female spayed eliminates these problems.
Which pig is better male or female?
Male or Female?
There is no “better” sex. It depends on what you want, your preferences. A pet should always be fixed, but even then there are a few differences. Neutered males are more laid back, mellow, and easygoing in most situations. Spayed females have opinions, a little more demanding (aren’t all females) and are more active.
A few facts and differences between the sexes.
If you are looking for a pet, an animal that will bond with you and love attention, then your piggie must be fixed. Pigs also stay smaller if fixed. Intact boars chomp their teeth and create frothy foam that has a foul odor. Boars will “mark” their territory with this foam and with a pungent liquid produced by their “boy parts”. Boar’s tusks grow very thick and long. Boars do not bond well with people unless they are looking to hump someone. Boars are also prone to testicular cancer. Neutered males do none of this. They are calmer and bond very well with people.
Intact females are almost worse. Left intact they start their heat cycle at about twelve weeks old. They cycle every 21 days and the heat last 5 to 7 days. They go through a very strong hormonal change and yes suffer from and lash out because of it. It is very similar to PMS! During this time they will jump on anything and anyone in an effort to breed. Keep this in mind if you have small animals or children. Intact gilts and sows will also whine for hours and call to try and find a boar. The incidence of life threatening uterine tumors and infections are very high in intact females. They are also prone to mammary cancer. Another problem is that during their heat, which lasts 5 to 7 days, they “forget” or don’t care about their potty training. Having the female spayed eliminates these problems.
"I'M FOND OF PIGS. DOGS LOOK UP TO YOU, CATS LOOK DOWN ON YOU. GIVE ME A PIG. HE JUST LOOKS YOU IN THE EYE AND TREATS YOU AS AN EQUAL."
~ WINSTON CHURCHILL
~ WINSTON CHURCHILL
DISCLOSURE: The contents of this site are the property of Chicks -N- Giggles Farm. All content contained herein is copyrighted. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post.
~Chicks -N- Giggles Farm 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED~
~Chicks -N- Giggles Farm 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED~