Mini-pigs
We have a few that we see here, but we estimate that 90 % of the pigs purchased will die because of poor care and disease, or the owners will give up on them as it is too difficult to care for them. They can live for 10 – 15 years.
They make wonderful pets, similar to dogs in intelligence but do need lots of space, make lots of mess and need a very dedicated owner. Dr Gail, one of the clinic owners is the proud owner of a Hong Kong mini-pig called Bacon, and, yes, she is dedicated to him. She even puts sun cream on him every sunny morning to stop him getting sun burn! He weighs 120 kg – which is more than two average Hong Kong people!
People are often told that they will be very small when they grow up, and can be kept in a flat; however this is absolutely not true. They will quickly learn to open the fridge and cupboards to steal food, dig up the carpets and furniture and those which have not been house trained will poop and pee everywhere.
Care
Pigs must be kept in an outdoor enclosure for the majority of the time, and should have a house (or pig sty) to shelter in from the wind, rain and sun. They love to have a muddy bath (or wallow) to lie around in, and will dig up the land looking for roots and fungi. A very strong fence or electric fencing is necessary to prevent them escaping and to prevent dogs entering and attacking them. Dr Gails pig spends all day outside in his paddy field enclosure, at night after he has had his dinner he has a shower and then sleeps on his dog bed in the house.
If your pig does not have significant daily contact with humans then they need another pig to be friends with.
A license will be necessary from the Government to keep one – and they will make inspections. It is likely you would need to keep the pig on land designated for “agricultural use” rather than “village land” in order for the Government to allow this.
Diet
Pigs are omnivores and can eat a diet similar to humans, but it is difficult to get the balance right.We recommend feeding the Mazuri “mini-pig” compounded diet for pet pigs along with some vegetables and fruit. We do not recommend feeding any meat as diseases may pass this way.
Pigs are naturally greedy and will try to eat everything, if they smell food they will do their best to find it and therefore become experts at breaking into cupboards and raiding garbage bins.
Training
It is important to train your pet so you can handle and move it as necessary. We do advise this all males as this will make handling easier. Male pigs (or boars) can become very difficult and aggressive otherwise – as well as being very smelly.
If you still think a pig is right for you, then we would love to help you keep your pet healthy and happy with annual checks, de-sexing and vaccinations as necessary.