Miniature pig
For several years now, the miniature pig has been in high demand as a pet. In fact, according to Forbes magazine, it is "by far considered the most intelligent domestic animal in the world" and can be easily trained. It can be taught to go through a cat flap, ring a bell to alert its owners that it needs to go out, is hypoallergenic, sheds once a year and sweats little.
More and more municipalities are changing the regulations to accept the miniature pig as a pet, but many do not have regulations, because it is a new animal. An animal that adapts very well to apartments, condos or houses, but you have to be careful with the number of floors, because although it is able to go up and down stairs, a second floor would be too much for it.
Behavior
The dwarf pig is a very physical animal that needs a lot of affection, attention and cuddles from its owner. It is far from resembling a rabbit and will not seek to spend its days in a cage! Quite the opposite! It needs to go for walks, just like a small breed dog. Besides, a cage is not necessary for a pig. It will do very well without one and can even be left alone for about eight hours without any problem! However, a pig grinds its teeth and can make about forty different sounds. So, if you can't tolerate the noise, forget it! In fact, it's like having to take care of a 4-year-old child at all times! You have to be authoritarian and able to assert yourself, because the pig is very intelligent and has the face of a... pig. So, like a child, it will try. If you are too gentle, it will take advantage of it!
Its intelligence is legendary and has been said several times already! In fact, it is possible to show your pig several tricks: colors, grimaces, giving a paw, turning, etc. It is surprising to see all that we can make this adorable little creature do!
Cleanliness
The miniature pig is naturally clean. It is possible to get your dwarf pig used to litter with wood pellets or shavings. Pine shavings would be the ideal litter, because it is natural, non-toxic and the smell of pine attracts them. The litter box should be placed in a room that is easily accessible to them and should never be moved to get them used to going back there. If you move it, you will teach them that it is okay to do their business everywhere. It is even possible to get them used to training mats (pee pads). Some even teach their pig to ask for the door, but in winter, they will not stay outside for very long, because they are rather chilly.
Food
Pigs eat feed, about a cup each morning and evening, and to treat them or give them a little snack, nothing is better than some fruits and vegetables. Pig feed is not too expensive (about $30 a bag) and lasts about two to three months. As for fruits and vegetables, you don't have to buy them fresh! A few scraps, cucumber or carrot peels, etc. can do the trick very well. In fact, your pig will be a bit like your new compost bin!
Water must be available to him at all times, as he can die very quickly if he lacks it. And he drinks a lot, so choose a bowl accordingly.
Seeded grapes, rhubarb, salt, butter, chocolate and dog and cat food are deadly to pigs.
Size
You have to be careful when buying a miniature pig so as not to get scammed! Basically, there are several types and breeds of pigs, and at birth, they are all very small. It is only with their curve and growth spurt that it will be possible to define what the final size will look like. Very often, what is sold as dwarf pigs turns out to be Vietnamese pigs which, in the end, will weigh between 150 and 250 lbs, while in general, a dwarf pig reaches a weight of between 35 and 70 lbs at the most!
So be on the lookout and make sure you get your pig from a breeder who will be able to give you the proper paperwork.
Average cost
To get a miniature pig, you generally need to expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a baby, depending on its color. That said, this price usually includes vaccines, deworming, microchipping and sterilization.
His entry into your home
Pigs have a phenomenal memory and it is very easy to gain their trust… or to lose it! It is therefore important to ensure that their first days with you go as smoothly as possible. Provide a room or pen for their first days so that they can learn the basics of training. This will reassure them and help you to clean and socialize them. The litter box on one side and the water and food on the other (and make sure the floor is not slippery).
Don't approach him from above! Approach him from the side, otherwise you will scare him. Offer him a treat and wait for him to come to you and repeat the experiment until trust develops. When he comes to you naturally, you will know that he is confident, and if he lies on his side during a belly scratch, you will know that he is under your spell! Soon he will follow you everywhere and that is when you can introduce him to the other rooms of the house!
More and more municipalities are changing the regulations to accept the miniature pig as a pet, but many do not have regulations, because it is a new animal. An animal that adapts very well to apartments, condos or houses, but you have to be careful with the number of floors, because although it is able to go up and down stairs, a second floor would be too much for it.
Behavior
The dwarf pig is a very physical animal that needs a lot of affection, attention and cuddles from its owner. It is far from resembling a rabbit and will not seek to spend its days in a cage! Quite the opposite! It needs to go for walks, just like a small breed dog. Besides, a cage is not necessary for a pig. It will do very well without one and can even be left alone for about eight hours without any problem! However, a pig grinds its teeth and can make about forty different sounds. So, if you can't tolerate the noise, forget it! In fact, it's like having to take care of a 4-year-old child at all times! You have to be authoritarian and able to assert yourself, because the pig is very intelligent and has the face of a... pig. So, like a child, it will try. If you are too gentle, it will take advantage of it!
Its intelligence is legendary and has been said several times already! In fact, it is possible to show your pig several tricks: colors, grimaces, giving a paw, turning, etc. It is surprising to see all that we can make this adorable little creature do!
Cleanliness
The miniature pig is naturally clean. It is possible to get your dwarf pig used to litter with wood pellets or shavings. Pine shavings would be the ideal litter, because it is natural, non-toxic and the smell of pine attracts them. The litter box should be placed in a room that is easily accessible to them and should never be moved to get them used to going back there. If you move it, you will teach them that it is okay to do their business everywhere. It is even possible to get them used to training mats (pee pads). Some even teach their pig to ask for the door, but in winter, they will not stay outside for very long, because they are rather chilly.
Food
Pigs eat feed, about a cup each morning and evening, and to treat them or give them a little snack, nothing is better than some fruits and vegetables. Pig feed is not too expensive (about $30 a bag) and lasts about two to three months. As for fruits and vegetables, you don't have to buy them fresh! A few scraps, cucumber or carrot peels, etc. can do the trick very well. In fact, your pig will be a bit like your new compost bin!
Water must be available to him at all times, as he can die very quickly if he lacks it. And he drinks a lot, so choose a bowl accordingly.
Seeded grapes, rhubarb, salt, butter, chocolate and dog and cat food are deadly to pigs.
Size
You have to be careful when buying a miniature pig so as not to get scammed! Basically, there are several types and breeds of pigs, and at birth, they are all very small. It is only with their curve and growth spurt that it will be possible to define what the final size will look like. Very often, what is sold as dwarf pigs turns out to be Vietnamese pigs which, in the end, will weigh between 150 and 250 lbs, while in general, a dwarf pig reaches a weight of between 35 and 70 lbs at the most!
So be on the lookout and make sure you get your pig from a breeder who will be able to give you the proper paperwork.
Average cost
To get a miniature pig, you generally need to expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a baby, depending on its color. That said, this price usually includes vaccines, deworming, microchipping and sterilization.
His entry into your home
Pigs have a phenomenal memory and it is very easy to gain their trust… or to lose it! It is therefore important to ensure that their first days with you go as smoothly as possible. Provide a room or pen for their first days so that they can learn the basics of training. This will reassure them and help you to clean and socialize them. The litter box on one side and the water and food on the other (and make sure the floor is not slippery).
Don't approach him from above! Approach him from the side, otherwise you will scare him. Offer him a treat and wait for him to come to you and repeat the experiment until trust develops. When he comes to you naturally, you will know that he is confident, and if he lies on his side during a belly scratch, you will know that he is under your spell! Soon he will follow you everywhere and that is when you can introduce him to the other rooms of the house!
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