Micro pigs have become one of the most popular pets across the UK. Is this intelligent, curious animal for you?
Origins Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs originated in the jungles of Vietnam and China. They were introduced as pets in the United States in the mid-1980′s, when they were shipped in small numbers from neighboring Canada. The first Pot-Bellied Pigs to arrive in the States sold for prices as high as $25,000. Marketed as the perfect “companion pet,” the pigs were an instant hit in the U.S., selling out in record numbers.
Do They Make Good Pets?
Micro Pigs can make excellent pets. Much like a dog owner would research a particular breed of dog before making a committment to that animal, future Micro Pig owners should do some reading as well. Minature Pigs have unique personalities and quirky traits that may or may not fit into your lifestyle.
What does it take to own a Micro Pig? Let’s begin with the basics:
Discipline
Most Animal Behaviorists agree that Micro Pigs require the same amount of training that any other pet needs. Untrained pigs quickly learn to mimic their owners, opening doors and cupboards and rummaging through bins and food areas. Untrained pigs also learn to demand what they want with a high pitched scream, and it isn’t unusual to be woken up at all hours when the pig has a need that wants to be filled.
The good news is that Micro Pigs are highly trainable and welcome the challenge to learn new things. Micro Pigs can easily and quickly be taught the basics of house training, leash training and many simple tricks. Because they are known for their intelligence, if you’re willing to sit down and teach your pet right from wrong, your pet will be willing to conform to your style of living.
What does it take to own a Micro Pig? Let’s begin with the basics:
Housing
Micro Pigs can live indoors but are highly recommended to live outdoors in a wooden house of their own with plenty of fresh barley straw. A ‘fenced in’ area is usually recommended filled with wood-chips (to keep mud at bay). Even if your pig lives primarily indoors, he’ll need a space to play and walk outdoors, as well.
Micro Pig Food Micro Pigs can be fed commercially prepared foods specially developed for their diet. Pigs also like fresh fruits and vegetables and both can be added to their food at will. Fresh water should also be available at all times.
Behavior Problems – Territorial Aggression:
Micro Pigs have the tendency to be very territorial and will protect their space through aggression. Much as a dog holds on to a bone, your pig may be willing to fight for his space, as well. Most aggression can be toned down with time and training. Pigs are very responsive to the word “NO.”
Rooting This cannot be stressed enough – Pigs naturally root. If you provide your piggy with a small area in a pen of its own to play, rooting problems can be cut to a minimum.
Food Pigs will eat anything. Just as you place food, medications and other dangerous items out of a child’s reach, you must do the same for your new Micro Pig. They have bad eye-sight, but their sense of smell is second to none. If they can smell food on your hands, then watch out; they will think you have a treat especially for them. Keep any food that is not for them away out of sight, reach and smell, and don’t tease them by eating infront of them as they will try their best to share it with you.
Health
Like any other pet, your pig will require worming vaccinations or a monthly worming and parasite food suppliment to ensure good health. It is also advisable to get regular checkups. Pigs are prone to sunburn, so taking special precautions in summer months is crucial.
Training
As well as keeping micro pigs as an outdoor pet, many people have successfully domesticated their piglet and enjoy their company around the house. They only moult just once a year in the hot weather, so your house and clothes will not be affected by pet fur.
Training is necessary, just as you would a dog, and you should let them know who’s the boss (it’s you, not them).
Training will take time for the piglet to become accustomed to its new home and new rules.
Pigs live to eat, as well as eat to live, so make sure that your pig is not left home alone to get bored. Your pig will have plenty of distraction if they have access to a pen filled with around 10 inches of tree/bark chippings sourced from your local tree surgeon for a low price.
They should also have plenty of access to the garden and grass to graze on.
Pigs require attention, discipline and a space they can call their home. Given the proper guidance, your new Micro Pig will make an enjoyable pet that integrates well with your family.
Micro pigs have become one of the most popular pets across the UK. Is this intelligent, curious animal for you?
Origins
Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs originated in the jungles of Vietnam and China. They were introduced as pets in the United States in the mid-1980′s, when they were shipped in small numbers from neighboring Canada. The first Pot-Bellied Pigs to arrive in the States sold for prices as high as $25,000. Marketed as the perfect “companion pet,” the pigs were an instant hit in the U.S., selling out in record numbers.
Do They Make Good Pets?
Micro Pigs can make excellent pets. Much like a dog owner would research a particular breed of dog before making a committment to that animal, future Micro Pig owners should do some reading as well. Minature Pigs have unique personalities and quirky traits that may or may not fit into your lifestyle.
What does it take to own a Micro Pig? Let’s begin with the basics:
Discipline
Most Animal Behaviorists agree that Micro Pigs require the same amount of training that any other pet needs. Untrained pigs quickly learn to mimic their owners, opening doors and cupboards and rummaging through bins and food areas. Untrained pigs also learn to demand what they want with a high pitched scream, and it isn’t unusual to be woken up at all hours when the pig has a need that wants to be filled.
The good news is that Micro Pigs are highly trainable and welcome the challenge to learn new things. Micro Pigs can easily and quickly be taught the basics of house training, leash training and many simple tricks. Because they are known for their intelligence, if you’re willing to sit down and teach your pet right from wrong, your pet will be willing to conform to your style of living.
What does it take to own a Micro Pig? Let’s begin with the basics:
Housing
Micro Pigs can live indoors but are highly recommended to live outdoors in a wooden house of their own with plenty of fresh barley straw. A ‘fenced in’ area is usually recommended filled with wood-chips (to keep mud at bay). Even if your pig lives primarily indoors, he’ll need a space to play and walk outdoors, as well.
Micro Pig Food
Micro Pigs can be fed commercially prepared foods specially developed for their diet. Pigs also like fresh fruits and vegetables and both can be added to their food at will. Fresh water should also be available at all times.
Behavior Problems – Territorial Aggression:
Micro Pigs have the tendency to be very territorial and will protect their space through aggression. Much as a dog holds on to a bone, your pig may be willing to fight for his space, as well. Most aggression can be toned down with time and training. Pigs are very responsive to the word “NO.”
Rooting
This cannot be stressed enough – Pigs naturally root. If you provide your piggy with a small area in a pen of its own to play, rooting problems can be cut to a minimum.
Food
Pigs will eat anything. Just as you place food, medications and other dangerous items out of a child’s reach, you must do the same for your new Micro Pig. They have bad eye-sight, but their sense of smell is second to none. If they can smell food on your hands, then watch out; they will think you have a treat especially for them. Keep any food that is not for them away out of sight, reach and smell, and don’t tease them by eating infront of them as they will try their best to share it with you.
The Plus Side
Minature Pigs are extremely intelligent and easily trainable. Pigs can be taught almost anything, if you’re willing to spend the time necessary to work with your pet. Take a look at this piggie article from Mail Online : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352874/Louie-pig-thinks-hes-dog-earns-place-CANINE-display-team.html
Health
Like any other pet, your pig will require worming vaccinations or a monthly worming and parasite food suppliment to ensure good health. It is also advisable to get regular checkups. Pigs are prone to sunburn, so taking special precautions in summer months is crucial.
Training
As well as keeping micro pigs as an outdoor pet, many people have successfully domesticated their piglet and enjoy their company around the house. They only moult just once a year in the hot weather, so your house and clothes will not be affected by pet fur.
Training is necessary, just as you would a dog, and you should let them know who’s the boss (it’s you, not them).
Training will take time for the piglet to become accustomed to its new home and new rules.
Pigs live to eat, as well as eat to live, so make sure that your pig is not left home alone to get bored. Your pig will have plenty of distraction if they have access to a pen filled with around 10 inches of tree/bark chippings sourced from your local tree surgeon for a low price.
They should also have plenty of access to the garden and grass to graze on.
Pigs require attention, discipline and a space they can call their home. Given the proper guidance, your new Micro Pig will make an enjoyable pet that integrates well with your family.