Hi from a new member with a "mini" pig

[drdoolittle]

Welcome to BYHs! As far as the question of "mini-pigs", you are correct in saying that they are all just a variation of the Vietnamese PBP. They are called "mini-pigs" not because they are the so-called teacup size, but because they truly are miniature compared with the traditional farm hogs.

Lots of breeders advertise as having pigs that will not get more than 10-16 lbs at maturity. This could be true, but people need to realise that these pigs, while staying small, have organs that continue to grow to normal size---too big for the pig's body. This can cause a much shorter life-expectancy and all kinds of medical problems.

I love my PBPs and am not concerned about how large or small they are. I mainly concentrate on raising healthy, happy pigs. The thing you need to watch for is that yours does not become overweight, as it is hard to get their weight back down. I hope your pig brings you many years of joy!

 

[drdoolittle]

Katie, just looked at pics of your little guy----he's very tiny! Have you come across this website pigs4ever.com? I have gotten SO much great information about Pot Belly Pigs from there. My pigs are all living outdoors, but my boar, Bugsy, is the sweetest thing ever! All of them are so funny and have such different personalities----I love them all.

Oh, thought I'd share a picture of my other boar, Nigel. He started out as someone's housepet, but things just didn't work out----he seems very happy here.

 

[minipig]

Hi Liz and drdoolittle,

Thanks so much for the reply and advice.

His parents are supposedly only around 20 pounds and Cocco is the runt of the litter so I can't expect him to get to 100, though you never know, especially with my three year old "accidentally" knocking over her bowl full of grapes! My concern is exactly as you both mentioned: that we don't overfeed him. Obviously he's a pig and always wants to eat so sometimes it's hard to know if he is really hungry or just being...a pig...but I really just want to make sure he is healthy, not over- or underweight.

drdoolittle, Nigel is absolutely adorable! How big is he? How old? Do all your pigs live together inside and get along? I have seen that website and it is so helpful.

Thanks again,
Katie

 

[drdoolittle]

My pigs all live outside. Right now, Nigel is in a pen with one of my sows, Marilyn. He is about 7 mos. old and around 20 lbs. and probably 14 inches tall. He may not get as big as my other boar, because the people I got him from had been feeding him nothing but dogfood and he was a little on the skinny side.

My other boar, Bugsy is in a pen by himself right now because he had a sore foot/leg and a bite on his tail that needed to heal. He will be going back in with my other sow, Angel tomorrow.

I also have 3 castrated males (piglets born in May from Marilyn and Bugsy) and a female piglet (born May 1st from Angel and Bugsy) in a pen together. I think pigs are happiest when living with other pigs outside-----but I also think they can be happy living inside with people if taken care of properly.

I think you are right about Cocco----he probably won't get that big. I only feed my adults (unless pregnant or nursing) 2 cups of mini-pig food 2x a day. They are not at all skinny. I sometimes give them treats, but only fruits or vegetables in small quantities no more than once a week. VERY occasionally I will go soft and split a cinnamon roll between them all-----they LOVE that!

 

[minipig]

Oh sorry, you did say they live outdoors but I misread that. You have quite the bunch It must be a lot of fun to have so many. My sister got a pig at the same time I did so we get them together to play pretty much every day but for the most part he is inside with us and brought out to his little gated area with a "pighouse." He doesn't seem to like that and always just waits for me to bring him back in, maybe because he doesn't like to be out there alone. He is really only out for ten or so minutes because I see him waiting and feel guilty!

I need to stop spoiling him because I love when he gently nibbles on my finger to get a lick of cream cheese or yogurt. It's only a lick but I know they add up. He loves fruits, veggies not so much. We are working on that though

 

[minipig]

OK, finally got some cute footage of his piggy kisses! Here is the link: http://myminipetpig.com/?p=86

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.