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Mini, Pot Bellied And Teacup Pigs: Adoption, Care And Information

What you should know before adopting mini potbellied teacup pigs

Pigs have always been popular animals, but now they’re speaking to our hearts, rather than our stomachs.

For the right people, pigs make marvelous pets. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and each piggy has their own charming personality.

Dreaming of adopting a piggy of your very own? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

What’s The Difference Between Mini, Pot Bellied And Teacup Pigs?

You’ll see all of these “breeds” and more on breeder’s websites, newspaper ads and classifieds websites.

Pot-bellied pigs are a breed of domesticated pig that originated in Vietnam. As adults, their average weight is between 75 and 125 pounds. They tend to have a sloped back and a large belly that hangs close to the ground.

Potbelly pig.
Potbelly pigs, as adults, weigh between 75 and 125 pounds.

Kune Kunes are a miniature pig breed from New Zealand. They are known for dangling wattles under their chins and spotted fur patterns. Adults weigh 135 to 220 pounds.

Kune Kunes.
Kune Kunes adult weighs 135 to 220 pounds.

Miniature pigs were originally bred in zoos or used for medical research. Also known as the domestic pig, the term “mini pig” can actually describe any breed of small domestic pig, including the pot-bellied pig. You can expect a mini pig to grow to be between 50 and 300 pounds when full grown.

Miniature pigs, mini pigs, domesticated pigs.
Mini pigs aka domesticated pigs are 50 to 300 pounds when fully grown.

Teacup pigs are like unicorns; sadly, they do not exist. Healthy, full-grown pigs will never be under 50 pounds.

Teacup pigs are like unicorns.
Teacup pigs do not exist. Healthy, full-grown pigs will never be under 50 pounds.

Farm pigs are processed to make pork products. They grow to be 750 to 900 pounds, which is why a 200-pound adult pig is considered “miniature” in comparison.

Farm pigs.
Farm pigs grow to be 750 to 900 pounds.

The Great Teacup Pig Scam

Any ad that uses the word “teacup,” whether the seller is offering pigs, chihuahuas or any other type of animal, is almost certainly a scam. There’s no breed of any animal called a “teacup.”

Sellers of “teacup” pigs may try to deceive buyers into paying thousands of dollars for a pig that they mislead people into thinking will grow to be no larger than 15 pounds in weight.

Teacup breeders will breed runts from each litter, resulting in smaller and smaller pigs with each breeding. Pigs bred for size, not health, are being born with severe genetic defects – deeply recessed eyes, males born with retained testicles, and females born without an anus.

Even the smallest pigs will grow to be over 50 pounds – sometimes up to 300 pounds – by the time they reach full adulthood at 5 years old.

Pigs can reproduce long before they are fully grown. So, when you ask to see the piglet’s parents, you may be presented with a deceptively tiny breeding pair. A piglet’s parents may still be piglets themselves.

Teacup breeders will also instruct buyers to adhere to a strict diet to keep the piglet from growing to be too large.

Strict diets lead to malnourishment, which leads to poor skeletal development, numerous medical issues, and even an early death.

Are There “Good” Mini Pig Breeders?

Bad breeders are making it difficult for legitimate miniature pig breeders to prove that their businesses are ethical.

Good breeders do exist, though, and they’ll be straight-forward about their breeding practices, whether their pigs make good pets, and how much you can expect them to weigh as adults. They will not sell piglets to people who live in apartments, or even people who live in houses with average gardens.

Pigs need to live with other pigs to be happy. They need fields to roam, root and explore.

If you’re looking for a good breeder, ask questions even when you already know the answers – avoid a breeder who claims that their pigs stop growing at a year old, that they can live in an apartment, or otherwise seems like they’ll say anything to get you to put down a deposit.

Do Domesticated Pigs Make Good Pets?

Pigs are quick learners and respond extremely well to positive reinforcement training. Though domesticated pigs have only been kept as pets for less than 100 years, they’re as smart as dogs, show empathy, and emotional sensitivity, and love to explore.

Even farm-size pigs like world-famous Esther The Pig can spend most of their time indoors. They’re easily litter-trained and can be taught to relieve themselves outdoors. However, even pigs who live in houses need large outdoor areas for exercise and mental stimulation.

Pigs are cuddly, love to be scratched and pet, but they typically do not like to be held or carried. They can be taken on walks with a harness and a leash, but if they grow to be over 100 pounds, it can become impossible for them to climb stairs or hop into a car.

As a pig grows larger, they become more and more expensive to feed. Most typical veterinarians will not work on pigs, and it may be impossible to transport the pig in a car, so many pet pig owners have to find an exotic vet who makes house calls.

What A Pig Needs?

Bagged pig food provides your pig’s complete daily nutrients, but it can be expensive and hard to find in local pet stores. You can ask your local pet store to make a special order for you, or order online and have the food shipped to your doorstep.

Pigs also need fresh vegetables each day, and limited fruits to prevent your pig from gaining excess weight from the natural sugars.

Mazuri Mini Pig Active Adult Food Complete Nutrition Supplements Minerals 25lbs

You may also need to trim your pig’s hooves, as they will overgrow if your pig does not spend much time walking on concrete. Most mini pigs only require a yearly hoof trim, but you’ll need to handle their feet often so they will easily tolerate trimming.

If you’re going to litter-train your pig, you’ll need a large litterbox with flat sides so they can easily step in and out.

You may also need to build ramps to help your pig get in and out of your house and your car. The bigger the pig, the harder it is for them to climb stairs.

Pigs aren’t crazy about toys, but you can try to see if they’ll play with dog or infant toys. You’ll want props that you can use to teach your pig tricks, as well as food toys to engage them as they eat dinner. Like dogs, pigs enjoy Kongs and food puzzles.

A pig’s favorite thing to do is root – that is, to dig around in the dirt – so you may want to provide a sandbox or an outdoor digging area in your garden. You can even buy a plastic kiddie pool and fill it with colorful balls. If you scatter their pellets at the bottom, your pig will spend hours rooting for their food.

The Best Way To Adopt A Mini Pig

Phony “teacup” pig breeders will sell their pigs to just anyone – and most of those piglets end up euthanized or in sanctuaries before they even reach adulthood.

There might be a pig sanctuary near you that can help you adopt a healthy, happy miniature pig. Check PetFinder to locate an adoptable oinker near you.

You may not be able to find a baby piglet to call your own, but it’s for the best. An adult pig from a sanctuary will have reached its full size already. The pig’s guardians will be able to tell you about their needs and their personality. The sanctuary will not let you adopt a pig unless they are sure you are equipped to handle it. They’ll be able to answer your questions and help you find an exotic animal veterinarian.

A mini pig breeder can go out of business in months, leaving you with no support.

Adopting an adult pig means you’ll miss the cute baby pig phase, but it’s the truly the kindest and most responsible option.

Small pig breeds are full grown at 5 years old and, on average, live to be 20 years old. Rescuing an adolescent pig will give you plenty of wonderful years of oinks and grunts.

Do you dream of having a pig of your own? Do you already love a pig? Tell us in the comments!

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10 thoughts on “Mini, Pot Bellied And Teacup Pigs: Adoption, Care And Information

  1. What is the basic annual cost to raise and upkeep ?? Food medical and such?? I have 3 dogs and a cat and I live in a rural town in the mid west and have ALWAYS wanted a mini pot bellied pig 🙂 Any suggestions on books to read on this??
    Idawg recently posted…Welcome to Idawg Enterprises IDAWG ON THE WEB !!!My Profile

    1. Hey Idawg,

      Pot bellied pigs can cost you anywhere from 300 – 600 dollars depending on the breeders you pick. You can get some from Pig sanctuaries and rescue groups for significantly less than breeders. Many of these organaizations and rescue groups are non profit so you can get your pig for a minimal cost of just the adoption fee which could be as less as just $100.

      If you want a pot bellied pig, you would definitely have to spay or neuter them. If you don’t they might have some serious odor and behavioral problems. Neutering or spaying a potbellied pig typically costs $300-$500.

      If you are serious about wanting a pig, http://www.9sites.org/pigrescue/adoptionchecklist.htm has a detailed checklist you can go by before adding a family member with an oink! (:

      Let us know how it goes with your pot bellied pig if you ever decide to get one.

      Have a good one.

  2. Does a baby miniature pot bellied pig need milk or is water ok?

    1. They need both Dan. Water for hydration and milk for growth. You are definitely going to need a milk replacer is the baby is not being nursed by ‘Mamma Pig’. Unimilk “Milk Replacer” By Manna Pro is a good one.
      Adam Paudyal recently posted…Pet CPR And First Aid – How To Care For Your Pet In An EmergencyMy Profile

  3. Very interested in adopting a pig. I need help due to the fact that I know nothing about taking care of a pig..
    We also have a 2 year cat who I hope will bond with the pig

  4. I would like a miniature pig where can I purchase one in Vancouver Washington?? Or Near Vancouver Washington?

    1. Here are some resources to help you get started.
      > http://bit.ly/2IGxx1y
      Let us know how it works out for you.
      Thank you.

  5. I am looking for a mini, teacup, or even pot bellied pig. I would love nothing more then to have one

    1. Nina, If you really can take care of a pig, google ‘local pig sanctuaries’; I bet you can find the right pig for you.

      Now if you are looking for a Teacup pig, they do not exist. Phony “teacup” pig breeders are selling new-borne piglets claiming that they are the teacup pigs.

      1. My Tickles is almost6 yrs old. I don’t consider him a pet. He’s family and dearly loved by us both.

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