Care Sheet For Micro Pigs

Now that you’ve learned why mini pigs make great pets and made the pig decision to adopt a mini pig, here are some must-have tips to help you care for your mini pig. Here is Care Sheet For Micro Pigs!

Bringing Home Your Micro Mini Pig

Walking into your front door with your new little mini piglet will be extremely exciting. We still remember our first pet and how much fun we had with that little girl. But like any new pet, it is an adventure to get them settled and comfortable. Although we (along with every child in the neighbourhood) spend a great deal of time with each of our litters to ensure that they well socialized and hand raised….

They will still take time to readjust to their new surroundings. He/She may be nervous, scared and even sad. It is important that you are patient with your new little piggie and that you speak in a calm manner. Some prefer to be held, while others take more time. If your piggie seems nervous or shy, the best way commence bonding is to sit on the floor near them and then to dribble snacks around you. Be patient and you will find that your mini pig will slowly make its way toward you. It may take a few days, but before you know it, he/she will be climbing all over you and eating right out of your hand.

Feeding Your Mini Pig

Pigs should never be overfed, due to the fact that they are prone to obesity it is important to only feed your pig what is needed. We feed our pigs a commercial mini pig chow. It comes in large bags for around $20-$30, and a bag would last someone with one pig at least a few months. We recommend when you bring your piglet home to start them on 1/3 cup twice a day. Gradually increase as your piglet starts to grow. Most people have their adult pigs on one cup twice a day. We also feed our pigs veggies every day that is possible. The darker the green the better. You can feed your pig nuts, seeds, and fruits on occasion as well, as long as the nuts and seeds are natural and unsalted, and the fruit aren’t citrus. Boiled eggs are a nice nutritious treat as well!

One thing about mini pigs is that they are still pigs and will eat, and eat and eat some more. It is extremely important not to over feed your little piggie. When your receive your micro pig, he or she will only need 1/4 cup of food twice a day. They can also be fed veggies and fruits as snacks or better yet, as training treats.

There are several brands of pig food on the market, but its important that if they are fed a commercially produced product, that it be one made for micro mini pigs specifically.

We raise our pigs on a combination of home-made oatmeal, and micro mini youth pig pellets. Throughout the day I bury vegetables and their rooting box and in our yard, for them to dig up. This keeps them busy for hours and is extremely healthy for your micro mini piggies. Once the piglets have weaned off of their mothers, we supplement them with goat milk and baby oatmeal cereal, and yoghurt. We pride ourselves in prioritizing the health and wellness of our little Mini Micro Pigs. With each piglet that leaves us, we provide a starter pack of food along with a warm fleecy blanket.

Access to water

Pigs need access to water at all times. They do not have the ability to perspire, so water is important to them. Some pigs drink a lot of water daily, some very little. Each pig is different regarding water intake. We use stainless steel non-tip bowls

Bedding for your Mini Pig

Piggies LOVE warm soft and fuzzy blankets to burrow themselves into. They will frequently drag their blankets around the house with them. Hiding under a blanket is a source of comfort for pigs. Provide numerous blankets if possible: one for inside, one for the car, one for outside housing. Some pigs however, may prefer to snuggle up to other pets that you have. But best of all, if you are ok with it, there is no place that they would rather be than right in your bed with you under the blankets.

Pigs, like dogs, do like to have a spot they can call their own – it adds to their stability. Some owners start their pigs in a crate or “pack-n-play” (often used for babies). As they get older and are given run of the home, the mesh end of it can be cut and they have their own exit and entrance!

How to Bath you Mini Pig

Your micro mini pig will need a bath every so often. When bathing them, it is important that you only use little pig soaps and shampoos. A safe alternative to products made specifically for micro mini pigs, is to use baby soap, shampoos and lotions. Pig skin does tend to dry out on occasion, so you may want to use baby oil as well.

How to Piggie-Proof your home

Mini Piggies are so intelligent they can figure out how to get into just about anything. If there is a cupboard within their reach, they WILL figure out how to get into it and help themselves to whatever they find! It is important to ensure the food pantry and poison closet has child-proof locks on them. .

When young, they should always be supervised when allowed to roam the home so that you can catch any unwanted behaviours. Pigs are much more intimidated when disciplined than your average dog and are quick to learn. However, in order to prevent your pig from getting into trouble, it is a good idea to have a secured area set up for him in case you have to leave the house. A bored pig can be a destructive pig (just like a dog). If you put your piggy in a nice sized pen (inside or outside) with lots of toys, and access to water and a litter box, you should have no problems! Eventually they will learn, much like a dog (and quicker than most dogs) making it safe that they be given the run of the home.

If your pet micro mini pig has not been spayed/neutered, you may find that he/she begins urinating in unwanted places, become very moody and nippy. You DO NOT want a micro mini pig that has been left in-tact.

Source: Three Little Pigs