Mini pigs as pets? It seems weird for someone to have a pig as a pet; Especially when you learn that they can live inside the house. However, it is more common than you think. We already have our first member of the Venture Ranch family, Taylor. She is a three-year-old potbelly pig. Miss Taylor has lived with us since she was 8 weeks old. She is a sweet girl who loves kisses, walks, sleeping on the couch and snacks, especially McDonalds French fries. Oh, and can’t forget pizza Taylor is a creature of habit and doesn’t like her schedule being disrupted. She eats breakfast at 6 am, dinner at 5pm, goes for a walk immediately after, and then jumps on the couch until it is bedtime.
Mini pigs make amazing pets. But don’t let that fool you, they are a lot of work. They require constant attention and supervision. Mini pigs are incredibly smart. With the mentality of a three-year-old, they require activities to keep their mind busy. If they don’t have that available to them, they will cause destruction. Mini pigs are not a pet you get on a whim. You must do extensive research; Learn everything possible about them and make sure that they will be a good fit in your life. If you cannot provide them all they need and give them the life they deserve, please don’t get one. Unfortunately, so many mini pigs get adopted and then end up at a rescue or being re-homed because their families weren’t willing to give them the time and attention they need.
Types of mini pigs:
There are many different breeds of mini pigs. Taylor is a potbellied pig which is one of the smaller breeds. Kune-kune pigs are a more popular breed in the farming community and among mini pig breeders and rescues. Just because mini is in the name, doesn’t mean they will all stay small. If a breeder tells you that the pig you take home will stay under 100 pounds, they are lying to you. A healthy, well-fed pig will grow until they are 3+ years old. If you are going to buy from a breeder, make sure you research the breeder and their history. There are honest, amazing breeders out there. On the other hand, there are so many pigs in shelters or at rescues who are looking for loving, permanent homes. These just three of the many breeds of mini pigs.
Kune-Kunes: This breed is known for their darker coats and waddles under their chins. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. This breed is very social and can grow to be 400+ pounds. They can live inside but do best living in an area outdoors. Their diet consists of mainly grass.
Potbellies: This breed lives an average of 12- 18 years but can reach over 20 years old. They are good inside pigs but do need time outdoors. Their diet needs to be monitored closely because they can become overweight easily. Giving them time to root and run around outside helps keep their weight under control. They need a room or space of their own inside
Julianas: This breed is small and covered in colorful spots. They resemble feral pigs more than other breeds. They are lean and longer than they are tall. Life expectancy is 15 to 20 years. This breed does well indoors. Their diet also needs to be monitored closely.
Housing:
After you research which breed would be the best fit for you, you need to determine if your pig will live inside or outside. Taylor spends some time outside during the day but sleeps and lives inside. I bought her a little kid’s tent and put a whole bunch of thrift store blankets inside so she can make her nest and bury herself in them. Mini pigs love to sleep covered by something. Some people give their babies a whole room just for them, while others dedicate a part of a living room or bedroom. Mini pigs also require a decent amount of outside space. They need plenty of room to root and graze. Keep in mind that some pigs may dig holes in the grass, while some may not. Taylor, thankfully, does not dig holes in the grass. She prefers to just graze in the grass.
No animal deserves to be stuck in a space that is too small. Please make sure you have enough space to give to these babies.
Diet:
Each breed has different food requirements, but each pig is different. Make sure you know what foods are okay to feed your pig and what foods are toxic. There is a list of things that mini pigs can’t ingest. All of the things on this list are toxic to them but some may only upset their stomach. Just like with dogs, there are certain things that they cannot consume at all because it is highly toxic. However, there are some things that, if not eaten in large amounts, won’t do any lasting damage. The American Mini Pig Association has this list on their website.
Our Taylor pig gets coconut meal and a pellet food that is specifically made for mini pigs as her breakfast. We feed her a salad of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, yellow zucchini, a drizzle of olive oil and the pellets for her dinner. She is picky and won’t eat broccoli, kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens and a few other things. Each pig will like different things but hate others. It is just a part of learning your pig and their preferences. She gets snacks throughout the day as well. I will spread cheerios or some dried oats in the grass across the yard for her to search for. This way she gets to spend some time outside, while also getting some exercise.
Fruits are also good for mini pigs in moderation. Fruits are naturally high in sugar and too much can be bad for pigs. Taylor loves grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and pumpkin. Pumpkin is great for mini pigs, and it is a good way to prevent intestinal blockages. During the summer, I make fruit ice cubes for Taylor and feed them to her when she wants to spend time outside. It is a good treat that also acts as a source of extra water while keeping our girl cool. Each pig is different. You will need to learn what your pig prefers and what fruits and veggies they like best.
Health:
Having a mini pig as a pet means that you will need to find a good vet that knows and works with mini pigs on a regular basis. Depending on where you live, you may need to find an exotic vet. There is a limited selection of exotic vets in south Florida but after lots of searching and conversations with other pig parents, we found a good vet. Taylor doesn’t need to go every year, but it is always good to have a vet on speed dial in case of emergency.
No matter the breed, mini pigs all have generally the same health requirements. They require a balanced diet, exercise, and a good environment. There are a few illnesses they can get so you need to always be prepared for that. Have basic first aid supplies on hand in case of injury and watch out for the warning signs of illness. The American Mini Pig Association has a list of all illnesses and vaccines that are available and safe for mini pigs. Remember, a healthy pig is a happy pig!
Temperament and training:
Just like fingerprints, each pig will have their own unique personality and temperament. You may not have much control over if they like snuggles or how sweet they are but, there are a few things you can do to make them more accepting of people. Socialize them from a young age if possible. Take them places, let people pet them gently, get them outside in strange places. Doing this will make them less skittish. Training is also a must from a young age if possible. The sooner you start, the better! Pigs are incredibly smart, and training is easy with the right motivator (Food!).
Leash and harness training are crucial. You need to be able to put a harness and leash on your pig without them panicking. Mini pigs are naturally prey animals so the first time you put the harness on, there will likely be screaming and crying. Take your time, let them adjust and don’t push to much in one day. Same goes for leash training. When your baby has gotten used to the harness, get them used to a leash. Clip it on and let them guide you first. Over time, you can get them to walk any direction you chose. Getting them used to being in the car is also essential. Take them for car rides so they will be easy to move in case of an emergency. Do each of these in steps so you don’t overwhelm your pig.
“Move the pig” is a very good technique to show your pig that you are in charge. You can accomplish this by walking into their space and making them move. This builds respect and a hierarchy in your home. You need to always be “top hog”, or your pig will push you around and cause trouble. Do not let your pig swipe or charge you without the proper consequences. Use “move the pig”, make yourself big and loud, then sternly tell them no. Never hit them! This will break any and all trust they have in you. Proper training and socialization make for a happy pig!
Always remember that each pig is different, and their personalities will reflect who they are. They could be super sassy and loud, quiet and loving, rambunctious and rowdy, or anything in between. Their personality will come out with trust and time. Watching them grow and seeing their personality emerge can be very entertaining.
Mini pigs are such fun, unique animals to have as a pet but they do require so much time, energy, patience and love. They are a life-long commitment so please be prepared for that. They bond so deeply with their people and losing them because of re-homing or being left behind scars them emotionally. Do your research and make sure this is a commitment you are willing and able to make completely. The American Mini Pig Association is one of the many awesome sites to get information on everything pig.
The bond we have with Taylor is something special. She is our sassy, talkative, sweet, picky, loving girl who makes us smile every day. There are days when she is difficult and causes trouble, but it is all a part of being her people and we wouldn’t have it any other way. She brings so much love and laughter to our lives.
Being a mini pig owner is a lot of work and will test your patience, but the sacrifices and energy spent is so worth it for the unconditional love these babies give. With patience, trust, respect, training and love, you will have an amazing life with your pig. Enjoy the ups, downs, laughter, and frustrations of mini pig ownership and good luck!