Yes, I do know that they can grow to be HUGE.
I’ve read that they aren’t hard to housebreak- anyone know?
Can you walk them like a dog? I know, that’s weird.
Anything to know about them, besides the fact that they like to root in gardens?
Miniature pig = baby pig 
There’s definitely a poster here that has a house pig and has talked about it. I’ll try to remember her name.
Well, these are guaranteed not to exceed 40-60 pounds, but I do know all of the stories.
I’m pretty sure Punkie ( poster here) has 2. I have a friend ( in RL) who has one and adores him. Not sure how big or if she had difficulties house training him.
P.
http://www.estherthewonderpig.com/
Check out these guys and their pig. They thought they were getting a mini pig too. I follow them on their Facebook group and the pictures they post are actually hilarious.
I know that there is usually a special “diet” for micro pigs which is basically starvation amounts to try and keep them small.
I also knew someone who had one and it grew very very large so they had to rehome it. It was sweet though, and was a house pet like a dog.
[QUOTE=enjoytheride;8521161]
I know that there is usually a special “diet” for micro pigs which is basically starvation amounts to try and keep them small.[/QUOTE]
There was just an article on Huffington Post about this very thing. It was very eye opening.
Sheilah
[QUOTE=IdahoRider;8521404]
There was just an article on Huffington Post about this very thing. It was very eye opening.
Sheilah[/QUOTE]
Link?
This place has four different types of pigs, and they guarantee them to not exceed 40-60 pounds at maturity. Now, I have seen all of the things that usually happen- I have friends with rescued pigs that got too big. I am not in any hurry, but I thought I’d see what COTH knows about making them into house pets.
We have a mini pig. She fills a large dog crate and is brilliant. She is house trained, used to walk on a leash but decided she didn’t believe in that, comes when she is called, sits, downs, and rolls over. We feed her normal amounts so she isn’t starving and she free ranges the pastures when she is out.
I’d think you would have more luck with a miniature horse if you don’t want a dog or cat.
You might ask for references going back several years - clients who have bought pigs from the breeder; and where they got their pigs from - check with that breeder, too.
Any pet buyer ought to, no matter the species.
They are intelligent animals, but house pets is stretching it. Especially if you may not be a homeowner 15 years in the future: no one rents to a person ‘with pig’.
[QUOTE=D_BaldStockings;8521421]
I’d think you would have more luck with a miniature horse if you don’t want a dog or cat.
You might ask for references going back several years - clients who have bought pigs from the breeder; and where they got their pigs from - check with that breeder, too.
Any pet buyer ought to, no matter the species.
They are intelligent animals, but house pets is stretching it. Especially if you may not be a homeowner 15 years in the future: no one rents to a person ‘with pig’.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice. Let’s see, I’ve been rescuing American Saddlebreds for over 40 years, and all of my dogs, save one, have been rescues. I’m good on understanding the issue with the pigs needing rescue.
References? Really? Who would think to DO that?
If I leave my home, you probably will not be the first to know, but I’m sure you’re on the list.
I had a miniature horse as a rescue, actually. She taught me that I hate minis. I rehomed her, and she was very happy.
[QUOTE=BigPaintHorse;8521414]
We have a mini pig. She fills a large dog crate and is brilliant. She is house trained, used to walk on a leash but decided she didn’t believe in that, comes when she is called, sits, downs, and rolls over. We feed her normal amounts so she isn’t starving and she free ranges the pastures when she is out.[/QUOTE]
Thanks- this is truly useful information.
[QUOTE=ASB Stars;8521409]
This place has four different types of pigs, and they guarantee them to not exceed 40-60 pounds at maturity. Now, I have seen all of the things that usually happen- I have friends with rescued pigs that got too big. I am not in any hurry, but I thought I’d see what COTH knows about making them into house pets.[/QUOTE]
Sorry, I assumed you might be buying from a breeder. And if not, then how are they guaranteeing their pigs will stay so small?
Seems odd is all.
It is always a good idea to see the ‘parents’ of a ‘prospective family member’ to see how they may turn out in their maturer years.
If it is a rescue, you might want to ask how easy it is for them to find homes for the pigs?
Wonderful aminals, nothing cuter than a piglet.
I’m only saying that they may be harder to fit into a changing lifestyle or zoning regs and more difficult to rehome than dogs, cats or horses is all.
Best,
I would be buying from a breeder- if I move forward. They’ve been doing this for quite some time, and are located nearby.
Since you asked, they take their pigs back, if you cannot keep them for any reason. They’ve had good results rehoming those piggies, as well.
I am in the investigation phase on this. I always do my due diligence.
We have a mini pig. She fills a large dog crate and is brilliant. She is house trained, used to walk on a leash but decided she didn’t believe in that, comes when she is called, sits, downs, and rolls over. We feed her normal amounts so she isn’t starving and she free ranges the pastures when she is out.
Oh and she is strong!!! She is about 18 months now and if she doesn’t want to do something there isn’t much I can do to make her physically do anything. And there really isn’t anywhere to grab her when she doesn’t want to cooperate. But she is highly food motivated!!!
My friend has one. It’s already about 65lbs although the owners overfeed everything so I assume it’ll be 350 pounds some day. He’s pretty cool and friendly but he does chew up some stuff and refuses to go up or down stairs, period. They are carrying him in and out to poop, which is ridiculous. He’s fairly aggressive with dogs on his turf but is fine out and about. When he gets bigger I would not put odds on any dog who gets in the yard. Walks great on a leash and likes going places.
