Things To Consider Before Buying A Pig As A Pet
There are lots of things to consider before buying a pet pig, we are loving pets, but we are very different to a dog and may grow much larger than you expect.
We really enjoy uprooting things with our snout because “that’s what pigs do”. So if you are considering a pig as a pet, be prepared…… your backyard may end up looking like an excavation site, and your lounge room may have upturned furniture and look like a “pigsty”.
We are highly intelligent (if I do say so myself) we are unique and sensitive, and sometimes our piggy behaviours are misunderstood.
It has been said that having a pig as a pet is like having a 3 year old child for 10-15 years. We can be prone to the odd temper tantrum, we are mischievous and food obsessed, some people say we “eat like a pig”.
We are ranked as one of the smartest four legged animals, and we love being trained, it’s a game for us, and most of all we love the treats! We thrive on you taking the time to stimulate our intelligent minds.
We can be demanding and that is no doubt where the term “pig headed” comes from.
We are adorable, however, we are not a pet for everyone………. please do your research before you consider having a pig as a pet – we require a loving home that can meet our needs and a family that understands our unique personalities.
Here are some interesting facts about pigs:-
When you hear the term “Teacup Pig” it can be a bit misleading; the only time I could fit in a teacup was when I was a week old. I am 6 years old now, I’m 60kg, I’m solidly built and a bit bigger a Labrador. Some of my fellow Piggy Pals are 100+kg.
In Australia we have Miniature Goats (like my friends Arkie, Archie and Sally), Miniature Horses, Miniature Ponys, Miniature Donkeys, Miniature Cows and Miniature Pigs – this simply means we are smaller than the original.
Sadly a lot of pet pigs don’t remain with their owners long term 🙁 so please, before adding a pig to your family consider the following:-
– Check with your local Council
– Consider how you will house your pig – do you have enough room?
– What pen size will you need?
– How big is your pig expected to grow?
– Do you have a securely fenced yard?
– Do you have a landscaped garden?
– If your pig is going to come into the house, what sort of floor covering do you have because our little trotters may slip
– Is your house child proof, we are pretty good at getting into mischief?
– Do you have other pets?
– Do you have children and how old are your children?
– Do you know what and how much to feed us, by law we can’t eat meat?
– What age, sex and colour are you looking for?
– Would you consider a rescue pig?
– What breeder will you purchase from and what questions should you ask the breeder?
Here are some things I would recommend you check with the breeder
– Ask lots of questions about general care and vaccinations
– Inspect where the pigs live, don’t just rely on a photograph
– Look at the environment and how well the pigs are cared for
– Look at the parents and ask questions about their temperament, size and weight
– Ask questions about the breed history
– Ask to speak with an owner who has purchased from the breeder or maybe even the breeder’s local Vet
RSPCA Fact Sheet – Can pigs be kept as pigs?
RSPCA Fact Sheet – Can I get a miniature pig in Australia?
Thanks for taking the time to learn about us.
Hogs and kisses,
Coco
xoxo