What It's Like Having a Mini Pig and Things You Should Know

Just like the sudden popularity of tiny dogs in designer purses during the 00’s, mini pigs are also having that kind of moment. We often see mini pigs on social media but contrary to popular belief, pigs aren’t pink pups that oink instead of bark. Pigs are clearly a different type of animals and they come with their own own unique set of needs, behaviors, and quirks, which, for many new excited owners, comes as a big surprise. "I’d estimate that 90% of mini pigs that are bought or adopted are given up within two years," says Richard Hoyle, director of The Pig Preserve, a pig rescue sanctuary in the United States. This is a sad reality that should be prevented. When adopting pets, it is no guarantee that a pet will always mesh with your family until you bring it home.

If you want a mini pig as an addition to your family, there are things that you should know before adopting one. An article from Good Housekeeping gives us eight things every wannabe mini pig owner should know about making sure that the new pet stays in the family for life.

1. Your "mini" pig won't stay mini forever. Mini, micro, teacup, pixie, you name it are different names that breeders use to describe their pigs. The problem is, none of them are actually regulated so it’s tough to know how exactly big a mini pig will get. “There are 15 to 20 breeds of mini pig, and all of them are 150 to 180 pounds at full size,” says Hoyle. (It may sound huge but if you compare it to full-size farm pigs, they come around 600 pounds, so they are mini. ) “A breed of very tiny pigs doesn’t exist in nature," he adds. Since pigs can take up to five years to reach full size, it’s difficult to know how large your a mini pig will eventually become. The way you could estimate and expect their size is to visit the pig’s parents in person so you can see how big they area. If the parents are larger than what you expected, the baby pig probably isn’t the right one for you.
2. A rescue pig is a much better bet than a breeder. Mini pigs can live for more than 20 years. The sad news is a lot of owners put them up for adoption after just a year or two once they realize they can't maintain having them. "There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars at a breeder when shelters and sanctuaries are already begging people to take their pigs," Hoyle says. There are other benefits to adopting instead of buying from a breeder. Shelters only adopt out pigs that are healthy and well-socialized, so you’re less likely to have problems with huge vet bills or behavior issues. Also, since the pigs tend to be older, they’re more likely to have reached their full size. And because shelters are invested in finding forever homes for their adoptees, they’ll take the time to educate you about your pet’s needs. "They want to see this workout. But if it doesn’t, unlike a breeder, they’ll normally take the pig back," Hoyle says.
3. Your pig might not like you at first. Dreaming of your little piggy snuggling on the couch with you? The process of pigs and their human parents is actually slow. It’s not like bringing a dog home. Some of them are scared and didn’t want to be touched so it’ll take time for them to get used to you.
4. They might even try to push you around. Pigs are hierarchical so they can get aggressive especially when they sense that you aren’t willing to take charge.
5. They really do love food that much. Pigs live to eat, which can be both good and bad. But you can always train them to have controlled diets.
6. They need to be able to do their big thing. Tiny apartments are not for pigs. Having access to plenty of outdoor space is non-negotiable for pigs even mini ones. Social time is important for pigs too because they hate to be alone. Pigs have high social needs and if they’re not met, it could cause behavioral problems in them. Pigs can enjoy human company but they really do best when they can hang out with their own kind. That’s why most successful pig owners adopt at least two pigs.
7. They can do some other quirky stuff, too. Like with all animals, pigs have reasons why they do what they do and some of their antics come off as just really silly. 8. Earning their affection is the ultimate reward. With dogs, you instantly become friends with them in a matter of minutes but with pigs, it’s a different story. Bonding with a pig takes months since they like doing what they want to do. So getting close with them, in the long run, is the ultimate award. Pigs are honestly adorable creatures and can be great pets, but as you desire to own or adopt one make sure first what to expect.