Have you ever imagined what life is like with a cute mini pig by your side? Are you curious to know want to be even more interested? Let’s talk about how having mini pigs can be life changing.
What is it like living with a mini pig? Everyday becomes fun. Everyday becomes interesting, because mini pigs are always curious and have something cool to do! Since we used to be stopped by a stigma surrounding pigs, we held back on getting to know these amazing animals.
However, now that more and more people are opening their hearts to pigs or mini pigs, we get to discover how wonderful they are as pets or lifetime companions.
For first time parents, it can be nerve wracking but at the same time, your heart will be fluttering with joy.
Not everyone gets the chance to have a pet pig in their life, so it’s natural to be overwhelmed.
They have always been seen as prey animals or shown as negative symbols so both sides are opening up to each other for the first time.
As you both slowly trust each other, a strong bond will be formed. The relationship of a pet and an owner is pure love and trust! Pigs recognize their companions and are aware when they pass away or get abandoned.
This is why once a mini pig becomes attached to you, you better make sure you can keep them around for a long, long time.
The beginning of an adventurous friendship comes off unpredictably.
Once you get to know each other, learn what the other likes to do and dislikes, find out their favorites and their tickle spots and so on… you’ll be surprised how petting a pig is almost similar to having a dog!
Many pig parents or pig owners support this claim that pet pigs have a close behavior with dogs. Some even say that they are easier to train than other breed of dogs.
Certain studies also suggest that pigs might be smarter than most primates.
With all of that said, now let’s talk about simpler things regarding mini pigs.
DAILY ROUTINE WITH A MINI PIG
Mornings
In the mornings, your mini pig might follow you around as you prepare things that you need to for the day. They will follow you with their tail wagging!
If a mini pig or any other pig wags their tail for you, it’s a sign of happiness, contentment and can also be about excitement.
They’re usually quiet, but at times you might hear some piggy-barking or grunting which can also be another sign of excitement.
Sometimes, they won’t stop following you until you both start eating.
An average pig need to eat at least 2 to 3 times a day.
Once you’re both done eating, your mini pig might let you be off on your own. They might find a spot to relax or hang out around their litter box for a while after having breakfast or lunch.
Depending on the weather or season, they will either decide to nap or walk around for entertainment.
Taking your mini pig out on a walk attracts a lot of attention. People are surprised to see pigs as pets and going out for walks.
Sometimes, it’s also good to bring them to the park to hang out with other animals. Our mini pigs are social animals and could use some fellow animal interaction once in a while.
But of course, do not leave them completely unsupervised!
As prey animals, they can easily be frightened and runaway. It’s also possible for them to attack if they feel cornered and deeply provoked.
When people approach you and talk to you about your mini pig, be sure to highlight the goodness of your mini pig. To this day, there are still negativity surrounding pigs and even the tiniest positivity of your words can help turn things around.
Keep in mind, walking your pig needs a license! There is a helpful article with full details to help you with that.
Relaxing in the afternoon
Daily life with a mini pig seem like and feels like a simple happy story. Simply because pigs are not really greedy like what the world turned their image into.
Mini pigs are often contented with their life and you can see it in the way they behave around you.
But be careful, they have the same intelligence as a 2 year old child and can be spoiled if raised improperly. Your pet’s behavior mostly depends on how you raise them.
It almost sounds the same as raising an actual child.
That is why I can say, having a mini pig in my life felt like a unique experience that taught me a few life lessons that I didn’t know I needed to learn before.
Little things that happen everyday without being noticed – having a small pet that have a small world, you somehow learn to notice those little things.
In the afternoon when there’s nothing else to do anymore, it’s really cool to just sit somewhere soft and relax with your mini pig.
Sometimes, they like to cuddle or sit on your lap. They can be sweet too.
Lively evenings
Once again, just like children, if they spent too much time napping in the morning… they will come at you with full battery in the evening.
Mini pigs can be very active and playful.
They are viewed and used to represent laziness but they can actually do zooming runs. They can be fast and they might like to play tag sometimes with someone they trust.
It will be hard to catch them too because of their small physique. But it’s fun because you know your mini pig is having fun, even if it’s just something as simple as playing with them.
Things I learned by having a Mini Pig
When you look back to the past, you will think about how these animals are viewed as nothing else but food.
It’s a bit sad that they are capable of living such a long life but often times their life will be all about being trapped in a box, doing the same thing everyday and then die young.
I might be overthinking, but many people have told me that those who grew up with pets by their sides can be one of the most emphatic person they will come across.
And I believe it’s true.
You learn to understand others, not just animals, when it comes to life. You become more patient and forgiving.
Mini pigs are small pets but they sure carry a big personality that will shock anyone who has never had a pet pig before.
They are small animals but they taught me big lessons that I used to view as simple little things.
These mini pigs and other pets will genuinely love you like a friend and be willing to go on almost any adventure with you as long as it doesn’t scare them!
Pigs have a bad reputation but owning one made me learn not to believe in sayings so easily. Cause if you do, you might miss a similar opportunity of having an amazing animal companion like mini pigs.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- What are the most common breed of pet pigs?
The number one pet is a pot bellied miniature pig. All pot bellied pigs are miniatures. Its small size adds to its cute appearance which is why it’s a global favorite
The following is a list of the most common breeds.
- Miniature Pig
- Juliana Pig
- Kunekune Pig
- Tamworth Pig
- Berkshire Pig
Not only are they common, they are popular for their friendly characteristics!
One may think that they are all similar, but each breed could have their own unique traits and personalities. Owning any kind of pet is a huge responsibility and requires commitment.
Before deciding you want to adopt or buy a pig, it’s important to consider your compatibility with them.
- How much does it cost to raise a mini pig?
An estimated total could take up to $600 and more. It’s natural to wonder about the total costs after finding out about their needs, so here’s a helpful page that can explain all the costs in full detail for you.
Link: https://lovelivegrow.com/cost-to-raise-a-pig/
To explain further with more detail, the feed alone could get expensive. You must also consider the amount of water supply for drinking.
Housing or bedding if they are indoor pets is necessary for comfort too. Medications and treatments should be added to your calculations and lastly, if it’s required, licensing may cost some money as well.
Please be reminded that prices may differ depending on your country or area therefore we can only provide an estimated amount.
- What is the average lifespan of a mini pig?
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.