We have friends who have chosen a mini pig as a pet. According to them they have become the guardians of particularly intelligent and social animal, her name is Betsy. What do they need to provide her? And what do they need to know before they went for it?
Firstly, they did their research, and they knew that they were entering into a long-term commitment, mini pigs live an average of 15 years. They treat Betsy well, make a lot of time available to raise Betsy lovingly and consistently so she can live high off the hog. They get a lot of love in return.
Furthermore, pigs are real rooters – their pigsty is ploughed in no time. They also don’t stay small little pigs for long, they can weigh more than 100 kg. Moreover, Betsy is known to test their patience during training. Still interested? Then let’s go hog wild!
Expect the following from mini pigs, arrange a stable with a pigsty of at least 150 m². The more space the animal has, the better, because a bored pig sometimes becomes a problem pig. Provide a sturdy fence at the same time, otherwise a mini pig can break through. Don’t keep it alone either, it really needs at least one of its kind.
In the pigsty, they created a mud bath in which the mini pig can roll. This piggy pool is essential. After all, pigs don’t sweat and so need a pool to cool down. This can be a muddy pool of water, or a children’s pool filled with a few centimetres of water. Also provide a shady spot so their skin does not burn.
Know that the pig will use a small part of its outdoor space as a toilet. Pigs don’t stink, but their poo does. However, it is excellent compost for plants. Another great reason to have mini pigs as pets!
Most vets agree that mini pigs are best fed a varied diet. That includes their daily food (maintenance feed of puffed grains and vegetables), some fresh leafy vegetables and some pasture where they can graze. Always provide fresh water: a large water bowl or bucket is certainly suitable for this.
How much dry food they feed Betsy depends on the size of the pet mini pig. 1.5 to 3.5% of body weight per day is a good guide. But beware: mini pigs quickly become too porky, which goes along with the accompanying health problems. So, they don’t let Betsy pig out.
