A person needs to have pets next to him that he can take care of, receiving in return devotion and affection. For this reason, dogs and cats have lived next to us for thousands of years. In recent years, quite unusual pets have become increasingly common in homes: dogs and cats in apartments have begun to be replaced by spiders and snakes, crocodiles and huge lizards.
Dwarf ornamental pigs, or mini-pigs, have become especially popular lately. This variety was bred not for meat or lard, but as an ornamental breed, by crossing a pot-bellied Vietnamese pig with a small wild boar.
The appearance of mini pigs
Domestic ornamental pigs were bred in Germany in the middle of the last century. Breeders sought to obtain miniature animals, and they coped with this task brilliantly. By crossing a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and a wild boar, which in natural conditions do not differ in large mass and height, a new type of mini- and micro-pig was obtained.
These are decorative pigs, many of which weigh no more than fifteen kilograms, with a height of no more than fifty centimeters. Around the same time, work was underway in the Soviet Union to reduce the weight and height of pigs. But our scientists were faced with another task - laboratory research. True, the project was closed very soon.
The first decorative mini pig was brought to our country by singer Ilona Bronevitskaya. Other pop stars followed her example. And a little later, ordinary pet lovers also became interested in these amazing animals.
Conditions of detention
It is believed that the best option for dwarf pigs, for a number of reasons, is to keep them in private homes. However, some breeders purchase mini pigs for apartments.
Experienced owners of pigs of this breed notify future owners that a pig can completely ruin a fresh renovation, and therefore experts recommend purchasing a lockable enclosure for the pet, where the pig can live when the breeder is not at home.
Domestic pigs are considered clean, but they still need to be washed 1-2 times every 7 days, they also need to comb their hair and wash their paws after spending time in the fresh air.
To prevent mini pigs from showing aggression during the “transition period,” you can resort to spaying or neutering them at a veterinary clinic.
You can use a tray as a toilet for little pigs, but as they age, they will have to be taken outside a couple of times a day at all times of the year. Before a walk, many breeders dress their pets so that they do not freeze in the cold and do not burn in the hot sun. Also in summer, pigs are protected from burns using sunscreen. Pigs can be walked with or without a leash.
According to the owners, domestic pigs kept in good conditions are less susceptible to disease. But mini-pigs still need to be vaccinated: the veterinarian gives vaccinations every year (if the pig is registered at a local clinic, this condition is also necessary when the owner travels abroad with the pet).
Decorative pigs: varieties of breeds
After the appearance of the first dwarf pigs, about thirty breeds of mini-pigs appeared in the world. The most common ones are:
- Mini Mayalino.
- Bergströsser knirt.
- Gottingen mini pig.
- Wisenau.
- Siberian pig (mini-sibsy).
To date, there are no clear standards for these animals, so confusion often arises with their varieties. Now they are usually divided by weight categories. Below we will present you with a brief description of the ornamental pigs that are the most popular.
Breeds of small pigs
Here we will talk about the most common, domestic, dwarf pigs.
Herbivore Vietnamese
The decorative pig is the main breed from which the rest of the mini-piggies originated. The weight category of these pigs is from 50 to 90 kg.
This is a black pig, massive in build, popular in large numbers on the American continent. The best place to keep them is a country house with a small garden plot. This way they will be more comfortable than in an apartment.
Göttingen mini pigg
Bred by German breeders. It is a relatively young breed, similar to the first species. The weight category is not too different from the Vietnamese ones, and the conditions of detention for them should be appropriate.
The decorative Yucatan bald pig weighs up to 85 kg in adulthood and lives up to 12-13 years.
Wiesenau
A small pig with a square, dense body and a muzzle without folds, in addition they have red stubble. Pork weight can reach up to 30 kg.
Bergströsser knirt
A small pig weighing up to 15 kg. A true representative of the mini pig breed.
Mini Mayalino
A micro pig whose weight record is up to 10 kg in adulthood, and baby piglets weigh up to half a kilogram.
Cleanliness
Even people who love animals have a hard time imagining a decorative pig walking around the house, asking to be held, and even jumping onto the bed or sofa. However, the owners of these animals claim that their pets are very clean. Even ordinary animals who live on pig farms only have one corner for the toilet. And dwarf decorative pigs understand in a matter of days what the tray is intended for, and never upset their owners with puddles in unauthorized places.
These animals have almost no odor, which cannot be said about most cats and dogs. When properly cared for and kept clean, decorative pigs do not smell at all. Only boars can produce a smell, but only before castration.
Price of mini pigs and reviews about them
For a piglet, you can contact a mini pig nursery , or a private owner. Like dogs and cats, pygmy pigs have breeding. In other words, there are purebred animals with pedigrees. The price of a mini pig with it is higher, 25-35 thousand rubles. An animal without a pedigree can be purchased for 5-10 thousand.
Reviews of mini pigs are contradictory. The complaints are as follows:
- Pigs often grow larger than expected. This is due to the blurred boundaries of breed characteristics.
- Many people consider mini pigs to be too loud and noisy.
- Owners are rarely satisfied with the pungent odor of pig feces. Considering that fillers for trays are not suitable for mini pigs, the question arises bluntly.
- Mini pigs tend to open up floors and make sort of tunnels at home.
In contrast to the disadvantages, there are advantages of keeping mini pigs:
- they are intellectually superior to dogs and cats, second only to dolphins and primates
- mini pigs are sociable, get along well not only with people, but also with other pets
- dwarf pigs are affectionate and bond with their owners
- The exotic nature of keeping a pig at home also attracts
Judging by reviews, the culture and cleanliness of mini pigs depends on the effort invested in training and education. With pigs, like dogs, you need to act confidently, persistently, but without assault. System is important in education. If you wish, you can attend special courses on training mini pigs.
Character
Decorative pigs are very funny creatures. They love to run and frolic outside. The animals are endowed with a rather good-natured disposition. They quickly get used to whoever feeds them. Many owners note the curiosity and mischief of their pets. Pigs easily get along with other animals that live in the house, they are especially good friends with dogs. Moreover, experts recommend getting a pig if there is at least one pet in the house. This is explained by the fact that these animals belong to a social group that are accustomed to living “in a group.” Therefore, left alone, out of boredom, they can cause such mischief that one can only marvel at their ingenuity.
Subtleties of home maintenance
Decorative pigs are raised at home like dogs and cats, without restricting the animals’ movement in the apartment space. For large breeds, they prefer suburban accommodation, where they should organize special kennels and pens. Miniature animals, close to micro-sized, are easy to keep in a city apartment.
The tendency of pigs to become obese, especially after they reach 2 years of age, makes it mandatory for the owner to include in their diet and daily walking. The height of animals and their weight directly depends on the diet established for them and food restrictions.
Naturally intelligent, dwarf mini-pigs are easy to train, quickly learn simple commands and are quite obedient in nature.
Unlike ordinary breeds of pigs, decorative lines of animals have practically no smell. They are able to quickly learn to use the litter box. Among the main problems noted by owners of domestic pigs is their wayward character, because in the absence of proper training, these animals can be disobedient and often do not get along with children and the elderly, showing aggression.
Dwarf mini-pigs, ill-trained from an early age, like domestic dogs and cats, can spoil the furniture interior, so it is worth starting to accustom them to order at home from a very early age, when the baby has not yet grown into a big prankster.
Behavior
If you decide to get a mini pig, you should know that these animals are very “talkative”: they make many different sounds - from gentle grunting to high-pitched, ear-filling squeals. Over time, the owners get used to communication and even begin to understand what their pet wants.
These pigs are smart and quick-witted. Very quickly they remember where food is stored. Many of them can easily be removed from the refrigerator door, so the owner needs to invent his own way of saving food supplies.
Types of micro pigs
As noted above, mini pigs are savvy, loyal, they train well, love to play, and are quite clean.
In addition, such pets are unpretentious in food (omnivores), willingly walk with the owner on the street, are quite friendly to other pets, but require a certain attitude towards members of the owner’s family.
Dwarf pigs live for about 14 years, but with good care and nutrition they will please you longer. These kids are very affectionate, give all their love to a person and have sincere friendship for people.
There are several variations of domestic dwarf pigs:
- Micro pigs . These animals grow up to 15 kilograms. They can be contained in both suburban and multi-apartment scrap. This breed was developed in Italy and Germany, where it received the names “Mini Majalino” and “Bergsträsser Knit”, respectively. Despite all the advantages, there are few such piglets - the fact is that these breeds of dwarf pigs have some difficulties with the reproduction and survival of offspring.
- Wisenau . Such piglets are 5 kilograms larger than micro pigs; they are preferred to be kept in the country or in a private house, where the animals can frolic in the yard. They are well trained and do not cause harm in the garden.
- Mini-sibsy . This breed of dwarf pig was bred in Russia with the goal of creating an unpretentious species adapted to unfavorable temperature conditions. The second name for these mini-pigs is Siberian-miniature. They reach a weight of half a hundredweight. Such pets cannot be kept in a house or apartment; they need free range in the yard with their own enclosure.
- Göttingen mini-pig . The youngest of the breeds we have listed, it is exceptionally fertile. The offspring can reach two dozen piglets. Just like the Siberian miniature pig, this breed of dwarf pigs is not suitable for living in a confined space with limited range.
Dwarf pigs live about 14 years, but with good care and nutrition they will please you longer
Feeding
The domestic pig, like its ordinary relative, is an omnivore. But to prevent your pet from gaining excess weight, you should follow a feeding schedule. To do this, place two stable bowls in the kitchen, like for a dog: one with water and the other with food. Pigs are fed three times a day, but they must have constant access to clean, fresh water at room temperature.
It is better to give mini pigs fruits and vegetables, various root vegetables and cereals cooked in water. Pigs really love carrots and zucchini, beets and cucumbers, potatoes and pumpkin, raw and boiled turnips. You can add unprocessed grated vegetables to porridges. Among cereals, it is better to give preference to buckwheat and oatmeal. Pigs really love apples.
Don't forget about the mineral supplements that should be added to the feed. Sometimes mini pigs need to be given some sprouted grain and black bread. Bone meal and fish oil in small quantities are beneficial for these babies. Protein food should be added to the animal's diet. It should be at least ten percent of the total. It can be cottage cheese, kefir or whey.
Care and maintenance
If an adult mini pig weighs more than 20 kilograms, it should be kept in the garden. Dwarf pigs are allowed into the house, following a number of rules:
- arrange a sleeping place for your pet in the form of a house from a pet store, bedding
- organize a mountain of rags so that the pet can stir it up with its snout, as required by the pig’s genetics
- bathe the pig 2 times a week with special detergents for animals, or in plain water
- remove potentially dangerous objects from the reach of a curious pig
- take into account that mini pigs and adult pigs love to play, having prepared balls and other entertainment
- install a tray, but do not purchase filler, since the pet will simply scatter it
- trim the piglet's hooves every six months
Decorative pig: care features
According to the owners, caring for such a pet is not burdensome: maintaining mini-pigs will not take much of your time. They are bathed periodically. And there are absolutely no problems here, since these kids love water very much. In addition, they really like to be rubbed with a brush. Pigs should be bathed in warm water, then they are dried well and wrapped. In the summer heat, you can pour water into the bath, and your pet will splash around in it with pleasure.
Caring for pigs
Decorative pigs are quite unpretentious in home care. Occasionally they need to be bathed with warm water and accompanied by rubbing with a special brush. In the summer, you can put a bath with water for better cooling in hot weather. Pigs simply need sunlight, so it is important not to forget about walks in the fresh air.
To do this, it is necessary to accustom your baby to a harness or leash from an early age. Walking on hard surfaces helps the hooves wear down naturally. In the warm season, when a sufficient amount of greenery grows, mini piggies will chew dandelions and nettles with great pleasure, and these are additional vitamins.
Important! For domestic pigs, an important point is timely vaccination against diseases that also affect ordinary pigs. When purchasing a piglet, you must contact your veterinarian for further vaccination planning.
Walks
Mini pigs need sunlight and fresh air. Therefore, gradually the piglet should be accustomed to a harness and leash so that you can go for a walk with it. Decorative pigs need them because they allow the animal not only to be in good shape, but also to wear down its hooves. In spring and summer, when there is a lot of greenery around, piglets find and eat nettles and dandelions with pleasure. In winter, walks should be limited, since mini pigs are sensitive to drafts and cold.
General Features
The majority of bred mini pigs grow up to 0.7 m at the withers. The maximum weight of the first domestic pigs was up to 150 kg. Miniature mini pigs can be varied in color: black and brindle, sand and red, marbled and mixed shades.
The lifespan of small domestic pigs is no more than 15 years.
Miniature pigs gain weight and form a constitution before the age of 2 years. After this, the animals begin to gain weight, increasing their mass throughout their entire life period. Today, the standard weight of an average miniature pig ranges from 40 to 80 kg. Microspecimens developed on its basis weigh no more than 30 kg. Large representatives of small domestic pig breeds can gain weight up to 120 kg. In nature, there are isolated cases when small mini-pigs weigh 5-10 kg.
Reviews and recommendations from owners
Most owners are very happy with their unusual pets. Every day they discover more and more advantages in them. Dwarf pigs do not cause allergic reactions, and these days the problem of allergies is relevant for many families. Such a pet does not conflict with other animals in the house. They are very social and active, but it is advisable not to leave them in the house alone for a long time: mini pigs get very bored and can even fall into long-term depression. The owners of these animals advise: if you want to have a funny, cheerful friend who does not require complex care, get a charming dwarf pig.
Owner reviews
Dwarf pigs have rightfully, especially recently, begun to take their rightful place among decorative pets. The fact is that pigs are considered hypoallergenic animals, that is, animals that do not cause allergies. That is why it is permissible to have dwarf pigs at home even for those who suffer from an illness such as asthma. As a rule, such people are contraindicated from keeping dogs and cats at home. In addition, these animals get along with other pets without problems. There is a tendency that most people want to have a small pig at home not for the sake of exoticism. As a rule, domestic mini-pigs become true friends for all family members.
Domestic pigs have qualities such as communication through skin-to-skin contact, as well as through various sounds. Moreover, such opportunities are at a high level of development, so the little pig easily finds a common language both with its owner and with the rest of the family.
Important point! Another advantage of domestic dwarf pigs is that they are quite active and highly social pets. Therefore, it is not recommended to leave them on their own for a long time, as they begin to get bored and may fall into long-term depression.
There are a number of other possibly negative factors to consider when keeping mini-pigs in your apartment. Firstly, they grunt and can squeal loudly. In addition, the animals do not have soft paws, but hard hooves that make very unpleasant sounds, especially for the neighbors below.
