Hi from a new member with a "mini" pig

[minipig]

Hi Everyone,

I just found this website and am happy to see all the discussions. We have just entered the pet pig world, with a "micro mini" pig named Coccolino who is nearly seven weeks old. We have had him for almost three weeks and it has definitely been tougher than we thought to get him adjusted to being with us but he is finally coming around. He is now very sweet with me, though not quite as interested in interaction with our three year old daughter and one year old son.

I started a blog on what it's like to raise a mini pig as a pet, mostly because I was looking for something similar when we were considering getting a pig and couldn't find an impartial blog by someone who had one as a pet, just blogs by breeders. You can see pics of the little guy here: http://myminipetpig.com/?page_id=54

I look forward to getting involved in all the discussions!

~ Katie

 

[Harbisgirl]

Welcome!

I don't have any piggys (yet). So I will be watching this with interest What breed is your 'micro mini' pig exactly? I hear alot of conflicting opinions, so I'm curious. And dude...where's the pictures? You can't tease us with claims of a micro-mini critter and not post a picture!

 

[minipig]

Thanks! I think since you posted on my blog you found the picture page I included in the previous post

If not, here it is: http://myminipetpig.com/?page_id=54 I update this often enough so we can all see how big he gets! They do grow for about three years, though.

As for the breed, "micro mini" refers to the supposed size. They are all essentially variations of the potbelly pig. It is definitely a bit controversial so who knows. All I know is that we accepted him into our family knowing he may well get to weigh more than my husband!

Welcome!

I don't have any piggys (yet). So I will be watching this with interest What breed is your 'micro mini' pig exactly? I hear alot of conflicting opinions, so I'm curious. And dude...where's the pictures? You can't tease us with claims of a micro-mini critter and not post a picture!

 

[elevan]

Welcome to BYH!

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

minipig!

 

[Harbisgirl]

Yes, I found it Those pictures and videos are absolutely precious. I am in love with that little wagging tail. I made my DH watch all the little videos again with me.

 

[minipig]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

Harbisgirl, thanks so much As per your request, I got a video of Coccolino giving a kiss. I just have to post it. I will let you know when I do! And yes, his wagging tail is adorable. Whenever he hears my voice, it starts and doesn't stop!

Yes, I found it Those pictures and videos are absolutely precious. I am in love with that little wagging tail. I made my DH watch all the little videos again with me.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

All I know is that we accepted him into our family knowing he may well get to weigh more than my husband!

HUH? I thought mini pigs were just that - mini? Unless you overfeed it, surely it should stay small otherwise why would it be called mini?

Just curious - know nothing of "mini" pigs!

Liz

 

[minipig]

Hi Cornish Heritage,

Well, I'm hoping he will stay mini! It is very controversial though and also very conflicting whether a real mini pig does exist since they are still a variation of the potbelly. Some people say it isn't natural for a pig to stay so small and they are not being fed enough. I'm just going by what my vet says for his health and we will see what happens!

Katie

All I know is that we accepted him into our family knowing he may well get to weigh more than my husband!

HUH? I thought mini pigs were just that - mini? Unless you overfeed it, surely it should stay small otherwise why would it be called mini?

Just curious - know nothing of "mini" pigs!

Liz

 

[Cornish Heritage]

Thanks for the reply Katie,

IMO there is a complete difference between a well fed pig than a starved one. Our Large Blacks for example are supposed to mature to anywhere from 350 to 600lbs. SO if you did not feed a LB piglet enough food it would still grow but look like a skeleton & would never classify as a mini pig. In fact you would probably kill it. On the other hand I have heard folks boast how big their pigs are when in fact they are just FAT & that is totally different from being well muscled. Our Large Blacks only get 3-4lbs of grain a day plus they are on pasture/hay so not a huge amount.

SO with your pig, genetics will play a huge part. Just like dogs. If you purchase a Chihuahua you are not going to expect if to grow to the size of a German Shepherd. If you fed the Chihuahua the same amount as you fed the GS you would end up with one fat Chihuahua. Chances are your pig will grow to the size of its parents unless he was the runt & then he may stay smaller.

I'm sure you will continue to enjoy him regardless. Just keep him in good shape, plenty of exercise & do not let him get overweight. He will live a much more healthy & long life.

Liz