Are You Ready To Add A Mini Pig To Your Family?
Is a mini pig the right pet for you?
Let's frame the question differently: Is a pig the right pet for you right now
It's not fair to only share the positives or only highlight the negatives. So, we decided to address the most common situations and concerns on this page. Here are the top reasons why people give up their pigs, need to find them new homes, and why many of us are frustrated by the constant posts about unwanted pigs. If you have any doubts about becoming a pig parent, wait, Do NOT get a pig right now. Make sure the timing is right and you are fully prepared before bringing a pig home. NEVER buy a pig for an unsuspecting person. This is unfair to both the person and the pig. If you think you're ready to add a pig to your family, take our "Are you ready to be a pig parent?" quiz below to see how prepared you really are.
Having a pig as a pet can be challenging. Unlike traditional pets like dogs and cats, there aren't many resources available for proper pig care. There's no single "right way" to care for a pig; you need to develop and tweak a routine that works for both you and your pig. Each pig is unique, as are their living situations and personalities. Winston Churchill said it best: "Dogs look up to us, cats look down on us, pigs treat us as equals." Pigs see everyone as part of their herd—humans, dogs, cats, visitors—it doesn't matter. Understanding herd dynamics is crucial. Every herd has a leader who must be strong, consistent, and usually the main caregiver. If you're frequently away, this disrupts the herd dynamics, and your pig might see it as an opportunity to challenge the new "top hog" in your absence, leading to behavioral issues and possibly needing to rehome the pig.
This kind of problem is unique for pig owners. Dogs do not typically do this, cats do not typically do this, ferrets, goldfish or snakes, do not typically do this. Pigs are social animals and need someone to spend time with them. They are not the kind of animal that can be locked up all the time. Pigs are social animals and need regular interaction with their human and activities. A bored pig can become destructive. While dogs might chew up slippers or cats shred toilet paper, pigs need more complex activities to keep them occupied. They are highly motivated by food, but treat balls should be used sparingly to avoid obesity-related health issues. Basically, fat pigs do not have a great quality of life. By giving pigs treat balls, which are motivating, it is also giving them calories they do not need and it lessens the effect of treats when training. Instead, provide fun activities that cater to their intelligence and natural behaviors, like rooting for hidden treasures. If you lack outdoor space or have a yard you don't want destroyed, a pig might not be the right pet for you. Pigs love to dig, and this can lead to significant damage. Inside the home, pigs need activities to stay occupied. They are smart enough to find food and can be very destructive when bored. If you come home to a mess or damaged property, this might be a sign that a pig isn't the right pet for your household.
One of the main reasons people rehome pigs is because they grow larger than expected. Despite the information available, many people still believe in the myth of the "teacup" pig. Pigs do not stay small, and their size is determined by genetics and diet. Underfeeding to keep them small is cruel and leads to severe health issues. If you get a pig, be prepared for them to grow.
Adding a pig to a family with young children can also be challenging. Pigs might not tolerate rough handling from children and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Additionally, if you are renting, make sure you understand your lease and local zoning laws regarding pigs as pets.
You have a home, you have a yard, you have a family who loves your pig, everyone but your dog. Dogs and pigs are natural enemies and should never be left unsupervised together. Despite your dog's temperament, it only takes one incident for a pig to be injured or worse. If you have other pets, consider whether a pig will fit into your household dynamic.
Pigs require training, and this takes time and consistency. Intact pigs, those not spayed or neutered, often develop behavioral issues and health problems. Make sure you have access to a veterinarian experienced with pigs, as they may require specialized care.
Pigs can escape from enclosures, so secure fencing is essential. If you can't keep your pig contained, you might find yourself constantly repairing fences and dealing with an escaped pig.
Finally, never get a pig as a surprise gift. This decision requires careful consideration and preparation. If you're serious about getting a pig, spend time with one first. Volunteer at a pig rescue or sanctuary Click here to view pig rescues/sanctuaries, or offer to watch someone's pig to see if you're truly ready for the commitment.
Visit rescues or sanctuaries to meet pigs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. The guidance and support from experienced pig owners can make a huge difference. We want people to enjoy having pigs as pets, but only if they're prepared for the responsibility. Taking the time to understand what it means to be a pig parent can prevent the heartache of rehoming an unwanted pig. If you're ready for the challenge, a pig can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Written by Brittany Sawyer 2015
It's not fair to only share the positives or only highlight the negatives. So, we decided to address the most common situations and concerns on this page. Here are the top reasons why people give up their pigs, need to find them new homes, and why many of us are frustrated by the constant posts about unwanted pigs. If you have any doubts about becoming a pig parent, wait, Do NOT get a pig right now. Make sure the timing is right and you are fully prepared before bringing a pig home. NEVER buy a pig for an unsuspecting person. This is unfair to both the person and the pig. If you think you're ready to add a pig to your family, take our "Are you ready to be a pig parent?" quiz below to see how prepared you really are.
Having a pig as a pet can be challenging. Unlike traditional pets like dogs and cats, there aren't many resources available for proper pig care. There's no single "right way" to care for a pig; you need to develop and tweak a routine that works for both you and your pig. Each pig is unique, as are their living situations and personalities. Winston Churchill said it best: "Dogs look up to us, cats look down on us, pigs treat us as equals." Pigs see everyone as part of their herd—humans, dogs, cats, visitors—it doesn't matter. Understanding herd dynamics is crucial. Every herd has a leader who must be strong, consistent, and usually the main caregiver. If you're frequently away, this disrupts the herd dynamics, and your pig might see it as an opportunity to challenge the new "top hog" in your absence, leading to behavioral issues and possibly needing to rehome the pig.
This kind of problem is unique for pig owners. Dogs do not typically do this, cats do not typically do this, ferrets, goldfish or snakes, do not typically do this. Pigs are social animals and need someone to spend time with them. They are not the kind of animal that can be locked up all the time. Pigs are social animals and need regular interaction with their human and activities. A bored pig can become destructive. While dogs might chew up slippers or cats shred toilet paper, pigs need more complex activities to keep them occupied. They are highly motivated by food, but treat balls should be used sparingly to avoid obesity-related health issues. Basically, fat pigs do not have a great quality of life. By giving pigs treat balls, which are motivating, it is also giving them calories they do not need and it lessens the effect of treats when training. Instead, provide fun activities that cater to their intelligence and natural behaviors, like rooting for hidden treasures. If you lack outdoor space or have a yard you don't want destroyed, a pig might not be the right pet for you. Pigs love to dig, and this can lead to significant damage. Inside the home, pigs need activities to stay occupied. They are smart enough to find food and can be very destructive when bored. If you come home to a mess or damaged property, this might be a sign that a pig isn't the right pet for your household.
One of the main reasons people rehome pigs is because they grow larger than expected. Despite the information available, many people still believe in the myth of the "teacup" pig. Pigs do not stay small, and their size is determined by genetics and diet. Underfeeding to keep them small is cruel and leads to severe health issues. If you get a pig, be prepared for them to grow.
Adding a pig to a family with young children can also be challenging. Pigs might not tolerate rough handling from children and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Additionally, if you are renting, make sure you understand your lease and local zoning laws regarding pigs as pets.
You have a home, you have a yard, you have a family who loves your pig, everyone but your dog. Dogs and pigs are natural enemies and should never be left unsupervised together. Despite your dog's temperament, it only takes one incident for a pig to be injured or worse. If you have other pets, consider whether a pig will fit into your household dynamic.
Pigs require training, and this takes time and consistency. Intact pigs, those not spayed or neutered, often develop behavioral issues and health problems. Make sure you have access to a veterinarian experienced with pigs, as they may require specialized care.
Pigs can escape from enclosures, so secure fencing is essential. If you can't keep your pig contained, you might find yourself constantly repairing fences and dealing with an escaped pig.
Finally, never get a pig as a surprise gift. This decision requires careful consideration and preparation. If you're serious about getting a pig, spend time with one first. Volunteer at a pig rescue or sanctuary Click here to view pig rescues/sanctuaries, or offer to watch someone's pig to see if you're truly ready for the commitment.
Visit rescues or sanctuaries to meet pigs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. The guidance and support from experienced pig owners can make a huge difference. We want people to enjoy having pigs as pets, but only if they're prepared for the responsibility. Taking the time to understand what it means to be a pig parent can prevent the heartache of rehoming an unwanted pig. If you're ready for the challenge, a pig can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Written by Brittany Sawyer 2015
Take our quiz below to see if you are as prepared as you think for a porcine companion. There is only 10 questions and to be honest? If you get key questions wrong, you are likely NOT quite ready. Please research, research some more, visit someone with a pig, contact someone who has a pig or pig(s), visit a pig rescue, see what life really is like with a pig. If you are attempting to take this quiz on a mobile device and you aren't seeing a mobile friendly screen, please use this link stead of taking the quiz directly from the website. (The link does have a mobile friendly version)
Both beautiful pictures were shared by a follower of the page. Love your pig unconditionally. That is the point of the whole article.
Life with a pig...."unexpected cost" possibilities
Recently there was a major credit card company who decided to use a piglet in their advertisement infuriating the pig community, while this video was meant to serve as a rebuttal, of sorts, we are not professional videographers, so it didn't turn out like i had hoped it would, but still a great video for those new to pigs or contemplating whether or not to add a pig to the family.
I need to find a home for my pig because.....
The pictures below are from a simple search on Facebook. Need to rehome mini pig. Try it, you'll be amazed at how many per day are there. I screen shotted a few to post and am not trying to call anyone out. Pigs sometimes need a new home for valid reasons, but had research been done on the front end, would this pig have been obtained by these people? I have no idea, but this is the reason we created an educational website.