Mini pigs are becoming truly popular pets nowadays. Despite this, there are still many things we don’t know about our friendly pigs! In this article, we’ll talk about tusks.
Do mini pigs grow tusks? Yes, mini pigs also grow tusks. All breeds of pig have tusks, regardless if they are wild or domesticated and male or female. Even mini pigs will grow tusks! The tusks can be used as a way to determine gender.
Female pigs often have smaller or shorter tusks that rarely grow large enough to stick out of their mouth that is why many people thought only male pigs have tusks. Most of the time, breeders will permanently cut off tusks as early as they can so whoever buys the pig or adopts them will no longer have to deal with it. This is why some people thought some pigs do not have tusks.
No matter the breed, they will grow tusks. The tusks usually appear or become visible at eighteen months of age. It can grow very long and is usually razor sharp.
Domesticated pigs such as pets or livestock usually get their tusks completely removed. The tusk is part of the jawbones and is a large, growing front tooth.
Cutting and trimming are two different things. Trimming is maintaining the tusks while cutting is completely removing the tusks and will not grow back.
The reason why the tusks are removed is because it doesn’t serve any purpose for pigs in captivity.
Pigs in the wild rely on their tusks for hunting and protection!
Some owners prefer to keep their pet pig’s tusks for a few reasons. Some say it’s because the tusks are a natural part of the pig’s body and should not be completely removed.
Others say they refuse to remove it just because they do not want to hurt their pigs. Yes, tusk removal is similar to removing a giant tooth out of your gums.
Completely removing is a one-time process which means a onetime cost for the owners while trimming will require constant effort and constant costs if the trimming is being done by a veterinarian.
Now that we know all pigs including mini pigs have tusks, it’s natural to be curious about the next step. Why do they have tusks? We’ll make sure you won’t be left hanging, so keep on reading.
Why do mini pigs have tusks?
The reasons are still the same as stated above. The purpose of a pig’s tusks is to protect them in the wild. Even though mini pigs are a product of crossbreeding, they still grow tusks as it is part of their natural formation.
— Male pigs will grow larger tusks and can be on the offensive side if provoked by strangers or intruders.
— Male pigs can take advantage of their tusks when coming across a smaller animal that it can hunt.
— Both male and female pigs can use their tusks to intimidate possible predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and even snakes.
— Even when they do get attacked, they can fight back and will definitely not go down without it.
Like what was mentioned above, domesticated pigs (livestock or pets) often have their tusks cut off because it will hardly serve any purpose in captivity.
There will be no need for mini pigs to defend themselves or attack others for the sake of food as it will be provided to them by their handlers or owners.
Regardless of the danger it might pose if a domesticated pig keeps their tusks, some owners prefer to be on the “exotic side” and purposely choose pigs that have fully grown tusks.
The importance of cutting & trimming
If you own a mini pig as a pet and don’t want to completely remove the tusks for their sake or for your “aesthetics”, you must be prepared for the tasks required when caring for tusks.
The tusk is part of the jawbones and may grow towards the wrong direction for some cases.
There has been a reported case where the tusks grew through the jowl area (the saggy skin near the chin or around the jaw) and this may cause a sore gum, appetite loss and infection.
This might be rare, but it still happens. To reduce the pain of your mini pig, the solution to this is permanently removing the tusks.
Why it’s important to trim mini pig’s tusks
Overgrown or abnormally large tusks may hinder the pig’s ability to feed. The tusks may get in the way when the mini pig is trying to get their food into their mouths.
As result, your mini pig might grow irritable, lose their appetite, search for a flat and sturdy object or surface and then run their body against it in attempts of “losing” or “trimming” their tusks.
In the wild, this behavior is referred to as “sharpening” the tusks but no one is sure if domesticated pigs do the same when their tusks have grown long.
Another reason why it is important is because of the risks it can make. There are reported cases of people getting deep and severe injuries because of pig’s tusks.
No matter how tame an animal is, if it feels threatened, they can still attack and regain their sense of the wild.
To avoid unwanted accidents and for the better of your pet pig too, trimming the tusk is necessary.
See a veterinarian or an experienced professional
Trimming can be a very challenging task and can be truly risky. As much as possible, the best advice on this topic is to seek help from a veterinarian with enough experience with mini pigs or a reputable professional.
The reason behind this is because you most likely won’t be able to do the trimming on your own. There has to be someone around to hold the pig down so the trimming won’t cause accidents because of resisting.
Another reason for this is because the tusks can grow deformed and only a true veterinarian can tell this. With the help and discretion of the vet, the deformation can be avoided and corrected as early as possible.
Cutting or trimming the tusks on your own could possibly cause damages in the pig’s gum if not handled carefully.
It’s highly advised to give the pig annual medical checkups to be safe and avoid spending more money when the possible problems grow bigger.
The pigs will also be in pain during the trimming process and it is best done with sedation. With a professional or a veterinarian’s proper tools and skills, the process can be done without many issues.
How to trim mini pig tusks
If you are determined to do the process on your own in case you don’t have a local veterinarian with experience on mini pigs or know any professional to help you out, we’ll try to provide helpful tips.
Use the proper tools
The most commonly used tool is a Dremel and a bolt cutter.
You may look up the tools online if you’re not familiar with it. The tools can be brought from pet tools store, hardware supply stores and over the internet.
Make sure the tool is clean so it does not cause infections when used.
Earn your mini pig’s trust
The next important tip is earning your pig’s trust.
Trimming is not a usual activity for them and may perceive such as a hostile action. Any animal will normally resist anything that is unnaturally scary for them.
Let your pig get used to physical contact.
Trimming will require being held down for a long duration and most pigs do not like being held down, picked up or confined to a corner.
If your pig is used to being held, touched or carried, this will help reduce your worries. They are prey animals, so they will tend to run away when things get risky for them.
During the process, try to hold them down the way suited to properly trim the tusks. Do not force them or rush them otherwise they will start running away the next time they see you.
Try again the next day until they slowly accept being held down.
Patience is vital and will be helpful to both you and your pig.
Be careful and patient
You will need at least 3 people to give you a hand especially if you have a large pig. The back and front legs need to be held to keep them from running and the center body or the head must be firmly held too.
— The pig might scream or cry in fear. Don’t let it bother you and remain calm. If you panic together with your pig, you’ll never get anything done.
— Make sure the pig is familiar with the people round and is comfortable with the area where you’re doing the trimming.
— If the pig is not familiar with the assistants, just advise them to be calm. Pigs can die from the shock or get a stroke but having calm people nearby can help them calm down too.
— Carefully trim the tusk down and make sure you do not cut through the gums, otherwise it can cause big problems!
— Watch a video on YouTube or any educational channel for better references. This step should be done many times before doing the actual trimming! Preparation is a helpful thing.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- Are mini pigs dangerous?
No, in general, domestic pigs are friendly or neutral most of the times to the point you can even allow them near children.
They’re very similar to dogs in behavior.
Though they are capable of biting, it rarely happens and probably only does when they are hurt, mistreated or threatened. Biting is also why trimming the tusks is important.
Pigs are prey animals and they would rather prioritize fleeing than facing danger themselves as it is too risky. Their only way of fighting is charging with their tusks if they have one and biting if they can reach.
Their aggression could also depend on the type of breed. Since most breeds are now domesticated, not many of them are dangerous.
Sometimes, it could also depend on their age or how they were raised.
Piglets that grew up lonely without social interaction tend to be unfriendly towards people and even other pigs. Older pigs could also be a bit aggressive when it comes to having an alpha male status.
However, another reason that they could be “dangerous” is if they are sick or carrying a disease.
Which is why, it’s important to have them checked medically and get vaccinated too.
- Is it legal to raise or own a mini pig?
The answer depends on where you
live. Laws differ on every country especially regarding animal welfare. It’s
highly recommended to check with your local officers to verify first before you
adopt a pig.
If it requires a license, please register your pig for its safety and yours
too. It might also come with various benefits, so it’s worth the cost.
We have a helpful guide on how to get a license for your pet pig.