Considering a Mini or Potbelly Pig?
Description
If you’re thinking about adding a pet pig to your family, please consider the following so you can make a truly informed decision.
Your local farm animal sanctuaries take in dozens of unwanted pigs that were previously kept as pets. It’s devastating for them, to suddenly leave the comfort of a family home and be dropped off at a sanctuary. It’s confusing and sad, and many potbellies become depressed. But this is the reality of pet pig breeding; most are rehomed at least once before the age of two.
Pigs are not house pets, and while they like dogs and can get along, it’s a dangerous relationship that often results in tragedy. They require lots of space to wander and root, activity and enrichment, and in most cases, a safe, pig-proof, all-weather house of their own. Most importantly, they do best with another piggy companion to bond with. In fact, it’s a rare family that’s actually equipped to properly provide these wonderful animals with what they need to thrive.
And let’s just get this out of the way: THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A MINI PIG!! If you end up with a 50-80lb pig you’re in the lucky minority. Some breeders will show you the parent ‘mini’ pigs who are actually only 6-12 months old and will continue to grow for another couple of years. Plan on a potbelly that will reach anywhere from 100 to 350lbs, but don’t discount the particularly loathsome breeders who will sell you a farm piglet as a micro-mini…she could easily reach 800-900lbs+! Mini pig? No. Baby pig who will grow for the next few years? Yup. Google ‘Happily Ever Esther’ to learn more about her story and others like her.
Pigs require a lot of enrichment, can be destructive in ways that would shock even the most seasoned dog owner, and can develop serious behavioural challenges or aggression as they mature. Need to neuter or spay to counteract this? Hopefully you’re able to access a vet who does the surgery, and brace yourself for the price tag for a spay - here in most southern part of ON it’s $1500 IF you can get to the Ontario Vet College hospital in Guelph, which is several hours away.
So we find ourselves with a problem: an ever-growing number of unwanted pet pigs with breeders continuing to multiply and sell their animals for monetary gain.
The good news? Pigs do well living with other pigs in a sanctuary setting. Once hierarchy is sorted, they form strong bonds with their new pig family. The bad news? There are so many unwanted potbellys, most sanctuaries are full and forced to turn them away. Sanctuaries have a finite amount of space and money. Because that’s what it takes - a lot of $$ to house, feed, and provide medical care to these guys. Most sanctuaries run 100% on volunteers and donations, and often find themselves either in a financially precarious situation, or in the devastating position of having to say no to an animal in need. It’s lose-lose some days. And yes, every day these beautiful animals are killed for their meat…some breeders even advertise as “pet or meat”. Unwanted pigs are far more vulnerable than unwanted cats or dogs.
So how can you help? Spread the word - counteract the irresponsible breeding through educating the public. Encourage adoption for those who have decided to add a potbelly to their family, and consider becoming a financial supporter of your local sanctuary - they will use it to save lives.
Still interested in adopting a pet pig and ready to commit for life, which could be 20+ years?? Visit the pet pig rescue and rehoming groups on Facebook, where you will find dozens of families desperately searching for homes for the beloved pigs they can no longer keep.
- Offered by: Owner
- Ad Type: Offering
pets | livestock
2023-04-04