How big is a miniature pig?
There are different sizes of miniature pigs in the United States and some breeders will sell a regular potbelly as a miniature so be aware when purchasing.
The sows we breed are from 8” to 16” (Miniature pigs are measured to the front shoulder)
But you can get a variety of miniature pigs up to 20”. It is up to you to talk or email the miniature pig breeder and decide what size would suit your family and where you live.
When is a miniature pig an
adult?
Miniature pigs are classed as an adult at 2 yrs of age. They do 95% of their growing in their first year.
They will grow 1-2 inches in their 2nd year due to body fat. The females accumulate a little more on their back than the males.
Is there a size guarantee for a miniature pig?
No, but the size of the parents as an adult are what size the piglets should grow to or will be smaller. Even genetically breeding miniature pigs smaller and smaller they still need to be fed correctly according to their size otherwise their body will grow bigger to accommodate the extra weight.
The Boar (father) of the piglets should be genetically smaller than the Sow (mother). Then the piglet should grow to the size of the mother or genetically smaller.
When you get your piglet, as long as you following the instructions given to you from the breeder, you should not have a problem with your miniature pig.
Do miniature pigs get along
with other animals?
Yes they get along with dogs, cats, ferrets, ducks, chickens and other farm animals. You will need to have a safe pen / crate for your piglet to be in at night or when you are out. This is so your piglet will feel safe. You will need to supervise your piglet at first with your other pets and never leave a piglet unsupervised with a dog or two. Little dogs have torn the ears off of little piglets and killed them.
Can miniature pigs be litter
trained?
Yes miniature pigs can be litter box trained or trained to go outside. I start the babies in the bathtub with the litter box at the drain end and their blanket covering everywhere else. They will not soil their blanket unless they are stressed or sick. So when I feed them they automatically go to the litter box. After a week or two in the bathtub I then move them to the bathroom floor I put the litter box on one side of the toilet and their blanket on the other. Most of the time they will automatically use the litter box. If they start making a few mistakes back to the tub they go. Before long they will not have mistakes. I use Equine Pine in the litter box. That is compressed pine pellets that is designed for horse stalls. I do not use cat litter as most is made of clay and may clog your little pig if it was to eat it and might kill it.
Can you harness train your pig?
Yes, you can harness train your piglet, you can take him / her for a walk around the neighborhood. Do be cautious of stray dogs in the area as pigs are prey animals. You must have your pig on a lead when walking them.
Are miniature pigs clean?
Miniature pigs are very clean. You can bathe your pig just as you bathe a dog. Pigs are often thought of as dirty smelly animals, but they are really very clean animals. It is the ones kept in small pens where they have to eat, sleep and poop in a small area that stink. We would stink too under those conditions.
Does my pig have to be spayed
or neutered?
Yes, the breeder or you should have the piglet neutered or spayed. If they are not neutered or spayed they will become hormonal as they mature and the only mate they know is you. They become depressed and upset if you won’t mate with them. Both male and females will keep trying to mate with you and when you won’t they can become aggressive as they think that you don’t love them.
Do miniature pigs need a special diet?
Yes miniature pigs do have a special diet.
We feed our pigs 12% grain and hay. You would feed your piglet the grain and cut up veggies like squash, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes. You can give them some treats like fruits & veggies as training treats. Make them earn their treats. They are easy to train tricks.
Never feed your miniature pig: pig pellets or pig grower pellets from the feed store as they are for meat pigs not miniature pigs. However some stores are starting to carry mini pig food.