Mini Pig Myths
Common MYTHS about pigs...Getting the facts straight
You read it online, so it must be true....also false. The internet can be such a helpful resource, but it is full of inaccurate information. Any credible website will have credible sources where the information came from or facts to support their claims. We have created a website full of facts to point you in the right direction. Some of the information may be opinions, but based on the experience of those who contribute to our website, experience is the absolute best teacher. We posted a blog some time ago with additional facts/myths about pigs that can be read by clicking here, but the ones below are, by far, the most common. This page is just getting started, but I suspect it will grow substantially as our followers bring new "facts" to our attention. If you have a question about something you have "heard" or seen online and you're unsure if the information is true, send us an email or message our Facebook page and ask. If we do not know the answer up front, we will research to find it and likely add it here to this page.
MICRO AND TEACUP PIGS EXIST…FALSE! These terms and others are a means to part you from your money. Not once, ever, has a breeder or owner who boasts of having a healthy 35 pound adult (5 year old) provided proof of such a pig. Do not be fooled. Realistically you can expect a healthy adult mini pig to be anywhere from 70 pounds on up, with an average of 125-150 pounds. VERY RARE are healthy pigs 60 pounds and under and there aren’t and adult 35 pound pigs to be found. Do not confuse the terms mini pig and micro pig. Mini pig is a class of pig and used interchangeably with potbellied pig to describe pigs smaller than the much bigger farm pigs. MICRO pigs DO NOT EXIST. MINI PIGS DO, but "mini" is NOT a breed, only a classification os pigs and may weigh upwards of 300 pounds. Click here to read our page regarding this lie that has been passed around for a number of years. We also created a page to how anyone who is researching pigs what the realistic sizes of "mini" pigs are. You can click here to see real people who sent us real before and after pictures of their pigs to help others from being mislead about mature sizes of pigs, mainly in effort to stop those who ONLY want a 25 pound grown pig that doesn't exist.
PIGS ARE VEGETARIAN…FALSE! Pigs are, in fact, omnivores. They are opportunistic and will eat whatever is available and appeals to them, including what they can catch or carrion. Domestic pigs have been known to snatch and eat poultry and small animals. People feed pigs a vegetarian diet but if living as nature intended, they will take advantage of whatever is available, including rodents, small mammals, snakes, eggs, etc. It is not advisable to feed them meat...not because it makes them "mean"...that is a myth...but due to the risk of disease. In some countries, it is illegal to feed meat to pigs. They are not, by nature, vegetarian. They are omnivores like us. If they discover that a good meal happens to be available “on the hoof”, they will learn quickly to take advantage. Click here to read more about pig nutrition.
CHOCOLATE IS TOXIC…FALSE! Chocolate is NOT toxic to pigs. Pigs can safely eat chocolate. In fact, some hog farms feed the cast off chocolate from candy manufacturers to their pigs. This doesn’t mean it is a healthy choice, it only means it is not toxic to most pigs, however, some pigs may be more sensitive than others and there is such a thing as a chocolate allergy. Too much can upset their stomach and cause weight gain, as it would likely do to people. (We do not recommend you routinely feed your pig chocolate, only pointing out that chocolate is NOT toxic.)
GRAPES & RAISINS ARE TOXIC…Again, FALSE! They are toxic to dogs, NOT pigs. Do not confuse a swine diet with canine diet. Grapes are quite frequently used as a treat for a variety of reasons and although they can eat grapes, moderation is key as it is with ALL treats. Click here to read a list of pig approved foods.
PIGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FAT… FALSE! Obese pigs suffer from the same health maladies as humans, including heart and lung issues and arthritis. They can also be blind and deaf due to fat deposits. Obesity is not “cute” and causes premature death as well as many health problems. Click here to read what obesity can lead to with regards to the overall health of your pig as well as ideas on how to help your pig lose excess weight.
PIGS ARE IMMUNE TO SNAKE BITES…FALSE! Many pigs have died as a result of snake bites, including water moccasin, cottonmouth, rattlesnake, coral snakes…Pigs are known to kill snakes, but snakes are also known to kill pigs. While it may be more difficult for a snake to penetrate the skin and the venom actually reach the bloodstream, the localized area where the snake bite occurred can still have a reaction. Same with spiders. Their bite may not make it through the adipose tissue (fat) but some of the spider bites cause the surface skin to die and severe pain. Click here to read more about snakes and spider bites in pigs.
PIGS DON’T SHED…FALSE! Pigs DO shed and some in a very dramatic way, called “blowing the coat”, where the bristles may come out by the handful. This is perfectly normal and may occur at different times of the year. Some pigs may blow their coat 2 times a year.
PIGS ARE AGGRESSIVE…FALSE! Pigs are actually affectionate and “family oriented” by nature and live in family groups. They will challenge each other and their humans for the position of Top Hog. Once their position in the herd is established, peace reigns. That said, they WILL DEFEND each other, their babies and their space if threatened. Proper and consistent training is required for the human in the “herd” to maintain a position of leadership. Pigs will sense a weakness and take steps to become the leader. Intact pigs or untrained pigs have been known to show some issues with aggression though, however, this is typically based on the parents not doing their part in caring for the pig. (not spaying/neutering to training) Click here to read more about aggressive pigs and reasons pigs may have aggression issues, as well as ideas/ways to help them overcome this.
Contrary to popular urban myth, wild boars do NOT randomly attack humans. They flee, knowing that humans pose a very real danger. Only when cornered, protecting their babies or under attack do they retaliate.
Contrary to popular urban myth, wild boars do NOT randomly attack humans. They flee, knowing that humans pose a very real danger. Only when cornered, protecting their babies or under attack do they retaliate.
THERE IS NO NEED TO SPAY OR NEUTER…FALSE! The behavior of intact pigs is one of the key reasons they are dumped. Both males and females behave in sexual manners and can cause injury. Boars have a powerful, offensive odor that clings to everything and tend to have only sex and where to find it on their mind. Containment of intact pigs can be difficult. When lusting after the opposite sex, many fences are ill equipped to contain them. There are health concerns, as well. Intact pigs have very high incidents of testicular, uterine, ovarian and mammary cancer and tumors. Uterine infections are also very common. They can be either opened and draining, or closed, in which case the uterus will fill and burst and the pig will die without surgery. Click here to read more about potentially life saving spaying and neutering procedures and the possible outcomes should a pig remain intact.
PIGS WON’T EAT TOXIC ITEMS…FALSE!! Pigs cannot always differentiate between toxic and non-toxic plants and substances. A pig may eat a toxic plant or mushroom, rat bait, chemicals, antifreeze, paint, cleaning products, soaps, even linoleum. It is IMPERATIVE that any area they have access to be “pig-proofed” just as it would be for a child…both indoors and out. Click here to read more about items/substances that are toxic to pigs.
FEEDING MINISCULE, SMALL QUANTITIES WILL KEEP A PIG SMALL…well, this one is partially true, BUT, the pig will be starving/malnourished and will have overall poor health, ultimately leading to an early death. It has been shown that starved pigs may have a small frame but their organs will continue to grow, outgrowing the space available, and they will die…usually by age 4 or 5. There will also be skeletal deformities and weaknesses. Photos of emaciated pigs above. Click here to read our blog about malnourished pigs. (Some of the pictures are graphic, but it was important for people to see what can happen when you starve a pig)
SINGLE PIGS CANNOT GET DISEASE/PARASITES…FALSE! Even if never exposed to other pigs, a single pig CAN become ill or infested with internal or external parasites. One example of serious, sometimes fatal illness is Erysipelas, which is a bacteria found in the soil. It can be carried by birds. Pigs can pick up parasites in the yard and may very well arrive from the breeder with an infestation. Regular vaccinations and parasite control are necessary. Click here to read more about parasite control. Click here to read more about recommended vaccinations. You and your vet should discuss what diseases and illness are prevalent in your area so your vaccination schedule can be tailored to your specific region.
PIGS ARE DIRTY or PIGS ARE SMELLY…FALSE! Pigs are actually very clean and prefer to be clean. If allowed, they will keep their toilet area well away from their food and bed. Mother pigs will teach the piglets to go well away from where they sleep and eat for their toilet. Close confinement and weaning way too early creates the house training difficulties many pet pig parents encounter. Prior to weaning as nature intended, the mother pig will teach the piglets all sorts of things that humans have difficulty doing. Regarding wallowing in mud, it is a way for the pig to cool off and apply a protective coat against insects. Many pigs will naturally have a “maple” odor. Others will smell like their bedding, whether it be hay or fabric softener from their blankets. Pigs do not have a distinct odor like dogs do. Numbers of pigs in close confinement, in unclean pens will smell, but that is the fault of the caretaker(s), not the pigs.
PIGS ARE DUMB FARM ANIMALS…FALSE! Contrary to what some may believe, pigs are ranked 4th on the intelligence scale, ABOVE dogs. They have the ability to problem solve, learn quickly, retain what they learn, and learn through observation. They can operate a joystick to “play” a video game, can manipulate latches to open doors, some have even been observed picking up dropped radio collars and carrying them to a feed dispenser to get feed meant for the pig who’s collar they have in their mouth. They are easy to train and have a talent for training/manipulating their people. Their intelligence is comparable to that of a three to four year old child. Click here to read more about training your pig and see videos of some pigs that have really took their training seriously.
PIGS WILL EAT ANYTHING...FALSE! Pigs are actually quite picky eaters and will often refuse food that they do not find appealing. While it is true pigs eat worms, dog poop, sometimes even walls in your home, pigs are still finicky when it comes to planned meals. My pig refuses (and when I say refuse, she literally will NOT eat one single piece) peas and will eat ALL of the food and when I go to retrieve her bowl, only peas are left inside. Sometimes it is a matter of presentation, some pigs prefer veggies to be cooked versus raw, or sometimes they develop a taste for the food later on, but some pigs just do not like all foods as people think they do. The video above is a friend, Renee Lincoln feeding her pig Melvin celery. I bet her that he would eat it with passion if she added peanut butter. Melvin outsmarted us both by licking the peanut butter off and spitting the celery back out. She videoed the ordeal and it perfectly shows pigs do NOT eat anything as others may suggest. To read more about nutrition for pigs, click here.
YOU SHOULD BREED A PIG TO HELP A PIG LOSE WEIGHT....FALSE!!!!!!! Not only is this suggestion completely irresponsible, but also absurd! There may be breeders who show a super slim pig after nursing piglets for a period of time and it may make logical sense, but this is NOT the method that should be suggested or even considered to help a pig lose weight. If you breed, are you prepared to care for up to 10-15 additional pigs? Keep in mind, even if sold, 90-95% of them will be returned to you or surrendered to the shelter. Rescues are full and wont be taking these pigs. To learn more about weight loss with regards to pigs, click here.
PIGS DO NOT HAVE "FEELINGS"...FALSE! Pigs are quite sensitive. Pigs that are sad or grieving are known to cry real tears. This is why it's important that pigs not be passed from home to home. They become very attached to their human family and when taken from one home and placed in another, often times pig will become depressed, refuse to eat and some have needed alot of love and attention to being them out of that depressive state. They tend to form bonds with other animals as well and will also grieve the loss of their animal friends too. Pigs also express excitment and happiness, they tend to get the "zoomies" when excited and will even become quite verbal when upset. Click here to listen to common sounds pigs make.
PIGS ARE JUST LIKE DOGS...FALSE! Pigs and dogs are NOT alike. They do not learn the same way, they do NOT behave the same way and they do NOT act in the same way. Discliplining a pig is much diferent than it is for a dog, pigs prefer a "herd" and are social animals. Pigs can be destructive when bored, they are NOT naturally aggressive, but regardless of any of that, they are much different than dogs and a lot more challenging.
PIGS LOVE TO GO ON PLAYDATES WITH OTHER PIGS....FALSE! Have you ever introduced two pigs? If not, you will understand why it's not a great idea to have pig play dates. Pigs typically act out aggressively when meeting a pig for the first time, so it's recommended that you keep them separated until they've had the opportunity to work out any of those issues before ever allowing them to meet face to face. (or snout to snout) So, unless you have a neighbor with a pig that will regularly visit with your pig, play dates are NOT a good idea. There is no reason to purposely cause that kind of stress in pigs. Some pigs live together for years and one will get a bath or go to the vet and vicious fights ensue afterwards...so introducing pigs time and time again for YOUR pleasure isn't worth the fighting and complications that could follow. Click here to read how difficult it can be to introduce pigs as well as how to do it in the most appropriate way.
PIGS DO BETTER ALONE....FALSE! Some pigs do fine in a single pig household and some thrive in that type of situation. However, may develop behavioral issues and adding a second pig could potentially solve a lot of the issues you're having. AGAIN, this is NOT saying ALL pigs NEED another pig, but it is absolutely recommended, when possible, that there be a second pig in the family...someone who can speak the same language, communicate with the pig and also understand what a pig is trying to say and be able to talk back to that pig in terms they understand.
DOGS AND PIGS GET ALONG FINE, NO NEED TO WORRY....FALSE! Dogs are predators and pigs are prey. They are natural enemies and should NEVER-EVER be left alone unsupervised. The most docile family dogs have killed the family pig. Pigs can be jerks and are usually the aggressor, but they lose 99% of the time. This is a common MYTH that pigs and dogs are fine together, but many many many people have learned the hard way that this is not at all true. Click here to read more about the dangers of leaving dogs and pigs unsupervised together.
YOU CAN FEED PIGS TABLE SCRAPS OR WHATEVER YOU WANT, THEY'RE PIGS....FALSE! This is so inaccurate that its ridiculous to even suggest. Potbellied pigs/Mini pigs are PETS. The goal is to keep them healthy and part of the family for years. Pigs need pig food, not human food, not dog food, not rabbit food-pig feed. Feeding them massive amounts of only human food, that's not balanced for a pig, can lead to malnutrition or obesity. Fresh fruits and veggies can be added to their diet, but table scraps and excessive amounts of "extras" are NOT good for pigs or their overall health. To read more about pig nutrition, please click here.
YOU CAN REMOVE A PIGS TUSKS TO PREVENT INJURY....FALSE! Tusk trims should be limited to those pigs who are "at risk" for tusk injuries to themselves or their caretakers. If the tusk trim exposes any part of the tusk root, the pig will be at risk for a tusk root infection which can show up ANYTIME after a tusk trim has taken place. Tusks should NEVER EVER be removed as they are part of the actual jaw of the pig. Please click here for additional information about tusks.
PIGS ARE HYPOALLERGENIC....FALSE! If someone has severe allergies and those allergies include other pets or dust (dust is partially created from skin cells that have shed from bodies in the home), then a mini pig would likely cause the same reaction. Mini pigs are notorious for their dry skin. Nonetheless, even without dry skin, pigs blow their coats (meaning they typically lose all their hair once, sometimes twice a year) and they do shed dead skin just like people and other animals do. They do NOT have "fur", they have hair which are referred to as bristles, so in that respect, it may lessen allergic reactions a little bit, but if someone's allergies are severe, a pig wouldn't lessen the chance of a reaction.
If you have a true cat or dog allergy, your body's immune system reacts to the proteins in the pet's urine, salvia, or dander. Mini pigs pee, drool and sometimes do have dry flaky skin.
If you have a true cat or dog allergy, your body's immune system reacts to the proteins in the pet's urine, salvia, or dander. Mini pigs pee, drool and sometimes do have dry flaky skin.