Pigs have become interesting pets not just livestock over the years so it’s no surprise when one wonders about the expenses.
How much does it cost to raise a pig? A total estimate amounted up to $600 after considering all their needs and expenses. This total could be different for every country or area, which is why this is only an estimated amount.
However, even as an estimated amount, this price range is proven to be accurate and close to the total costs of other people.
Raising a pig comes with great responsibility and one needs to be prepared not only mentally, but financially too.
Consider the price of food, water, bedding for indoor pets and housing for outdoor pets and lastly, the medical fees.
Just like any other animal, they will have a lot of needs in order to stay healthy and live long enough.
Before getting yourself a pig, you need ask yourself if you’re ready to take them on as they are lifelong companions like cats and dogs.
Since they are a big responsibility, few pet pigs have found themselves in shelters or taken in by rescuers when their previous owners decided they don’t want them anymore.
This is a sad truth and can become a problem if it goes on.
The number one reason why they get abandoned is because they’re too large to handle and the next reason is because they are quite expensive to take care of.
We don’t want that to happen, so as much as possible, we want those who are planning to raise a pig to understand what they need to prepare for.
For better understanding, we will explain in detail about their needs.
WHAT DO PIGS NEED?
- Food
Total pig feed costs could be quite expensive for some and takes approximately $115 for one pig. However, real pig pellets are the healthiest choice for your pig.
An average pig needs to eat at least two times a day. One in the morning and one in the evening.
For new owners, it’s highly advised to observe the amount of food your pig could consume at first in order to divide it properly because pigs have a tendency to play with leftover food.
One important note to remember:
PIGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO EAT MEAT
In order to lessen your medical expenses, then you should avoid feeding your pig things that may be bad for them.
What’s bad for your pet could end up being bad for you too.
The reason why they are not allowed to eat meat is because it is the easiest way for them to be infected with diseases that could be transmitted to humans.
We’ve heard of terrible virus outbreaks through global news report such as SWINE INFLUENZA (H1N1 VIRUS) and FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.
These are deadly diseases that could be fatal.
Please do not feed your pig meat for your safety and for their health too.
If you have vegetables and fruits, you may freely share them with your pet pig as they are healthy for them. However, keep in mind that they need to have a balanced diet to stay healthy and not become obese.
If there are grass on your fields like your lawn or backyard, pigs can also graze for grass.
Sometimes they dig up the ground to eat roots and insects for snacks.
This information could save you a bit by letting them search for food.
2. Water
Make sure your pig has fresh and drinkable water. An average pig can drink 5 liters up to 10 liters a day!
The reason why they need a lot of water is because they are unable to sweat. Pigs do have sweat glands, but it’s not very helpful when adjusting to temperatures.
Having lots of water to drink is helpful for them to stay cool.
3. Bedding and Housing
For indoor pets, a pet pig would need a proper bedding just as much as a typical house dog or house cat.
The prices for bedding may differ depending on your pig’s size and on your preferences too.
Most pig owners use dog beds for their pet pigs as they can grow similar in size most of the time.
For outdoor pets, this would cost more than just indoor bedding. You will need to make sure it is properly built.
Pigs are sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold and may get sick easily from severe temperature.
It’s important to make their shed have enough access to sunlight which gives them vitamins and shade to protect them from rain and heat.
The roof and walls needs to be sturdy to withstand wind and protect them and drainage should be available to keep their place dry.
Pigs prefer to pee and leave their mess in one area, so there must be enough room for that and the smell should be absorbed by hay or something.
Contrary to the popular belief, they are actually very clean animals, so keeping them in a clean room with enough space is crucial for their health.
4. Healthcare, vaccination, licensing (if required)
Pigs need to be regularly checked by a veterinarian to ensure they are in perfect condition as they are prone to sickness easily.
Vaccination should be added to the expenses as it is important for any kind of animal to be protected from illnesses.
Spaying and neutering is recommended.
For some areas or countries, owning a pig could be illegal. We recommend checking with your local policies first to avoid further fees for your sake.
Licensing may be required and may cost some money too.
ARE PIGS GOOD PETS?
Now that you have a rough idea on how much it could cost to raise them, you might be having doubts with yourself if it’s worth the trouble.
What we believe is, almost any animal is worth to love and care for!
So yes, pigs can be good pets.
In exchange of the costs, we receive unquestionable loyalty and lifelong friendship. Other than that, they are fun to be around with.
Why are pigs good pets?
- They are intelligent.
Their intelligence allows them to be house trained like a normal dog. Treat rewards are proven to be effective
2. They are not picky.
Pigs can eat almost anything that we can consume. Most of them are not picky so you won’t have trouble finding out what they like.
3. They are sweet and social animals.
Some pigs may even like to cuddle and enjoy lap visits. They can be taught how to play fetch and learn other things!
They will also get along with other house pets.
4. They are compassionate.
Aside from dogs, pigs can sense negative emotions from other animals and people too. Since they can feel emotions like we do, there are times when they might console others for comfort.
This is why some studies state that pigs can work well as emotional support animals or as a therapy animal.
They are proven to help reduce depression for some people.
5. They are full of personality!
After being viewed as nothing but livestock, pet pigs are taking the world by storm after surprising us with their high spirits and great personality.
Different pigs have different behaviors, but most of the time, as long as they are treated properly, they may behave like dogs.
Pigs have their own unique traits and it is one thing to look forward to when raising a pet pig.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- How long do pigs live?
The life expectancy of an average pig is 15 to 20 years. This is long compared to their wild counterpart that only lives 4 up to 8 years.
Although the popular pet breed “mini pigs” are said to have shorter lifespan due to their complicated and selective breeding, many pig owners claim their pets lived up to 15 years and more.
This information brings us to the conclusion that there are times that they can live longer than their expected lifespan as long as they are healthy and loved.
- Are 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.
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.