A mini-pig is a dwarf domestic pig, which is actively used for experiments and laboratory research, and is also used as an ornamental animal. Those wishing to purchase such a unique pet must have certain knowledge regarding existing breeds, selection rules and specific care.
Where did they come from
Back in the mid-19th century, scientists from different countries jointly tried to reproduce a new variety of small-sized pigs. During the research, Vietnamese pig breeds were used due to their small size and gentle nature. In the 1970s, Russian scientists of the genetic Siberian Department of Sciences of the USSR, in the process of long-term selection work, obtained a domestic breed of piggy pig.
Why do they buy them?
Many farmers buy dwarf pigs, which are called mini pigs, because of their attractive, gentle nature. The piglet pleases its owners with its mobility and cuteness. A pet usually lives in a house or apartment with its owners.
Breeds of decorative pigs
There are many breeds of ornamental pigs, the most popular of which are considered to be these.
Bergströsser knirt
The breed is excellent for breeding at home and in apartments. An adult weighs no more than 30 kg.
Mini Majalino
An Italian breed of piglets, the selection of which Stefanio Morigni worked on for more than 10 years. This pig was included in the Guinness Book of Records. The average weight is about 10 kg, and the height is 20 cm. The breed was developed recently and is not widespread due to the difficulty of breeding and susceptibility to disease.
Wiesenau
A German breed, a representative of which weighs about 20 kg upon reaching 2 years of age. They are very popular because they look cute, love to be scratched and enjoy grunting.
Miniature Siberian
Russian breed from the times of the USSR. Representatives weigh less than 50 kg. They are resistant to the extreme Siberian climate.
Gottingen mini pig
These are pigs of German origin that resemble their Vietnamese relatives in appearance. The weight of such an animal varies from 70 to 90 kg.
How to choose
Nowadays, purchasing a mini-pig is not a problem, since this breed is popular. Experienced pig breeders advise choosing an indoor piglet in a nursery for the following reasons:
- After the purchase, contact with the owner of the nursery is not lost, and if you have any questions, you can contact them;
- huge selection of breeds.
Advice! It is not recommended to purchase a pig in the markets, since a large number of scammers will try to sell ordinary pigs under the guise of a mini pig.
Before purchasing, monitor the behavior of the piglet’s parents and choose the appropriate option for yourself, since the parents’ character is inherited. The smallest mini-pig piglets are considered the most valuable. Just born pigs weigh about 40 g, and an adult weighs about 15 kg. If their weight exceeds 25 kg, they are not a real mini pig.
When purchasing, give preference to healthy and active piglets with a pronounced pink tint, smooth hair, elastic ears, and a spirally twisted tail. It is advisable to purchase a pet at the age of 2 months, since individuals fed on mother's milk have good immunity and are less susceptible to diseases than those that were sold previously.
The price of a mini pig pig ranges from $300 to $1,500 depending on the age of the breed. But its maintenance will not require the allocation of huge funds, much like for another pet: a small puppy or kitten.
What to feed
Mini pigs eat all types of vegetables and fruits, especially apples, pears and bananas. It is better to grate or grind all products, and also combine them with porridges, which are pre-steamed with boiling water. A domestic micro-pig will not refuse grains in the form of compound feed.It is recommended to give your pets dairy products in the form of cottage cheese twice a week. In small portions you can give the piglet fish, chicken, beef, carefully removing the bones.
Specifics of care
The pig takes time to adapt to its new environment. Its taming is a rather labor-intensive process. At first, the pig will be afraid of sudden movements, so you need to approach it slowly and only offer it at arm's length to try a treat.
For this funny pet, it is important to develop the right diet, prepare his personal space in the form of a sleeping place, as well as care for him and devote time for walks and games.
In small apartments, piglets will feel uncomfortable, and keeping them in a cage or enclosure is also considered unsuccessful. Usually, owners provide an old sofa, an armchair or a large, lined basket for the pig. The pet's personal place should be well ventilated and at the same time protected from drafts.
A slippery flooring will cause a lot of inconvenience for the mini pig, as it will constantly fall. Before purchasing, carefully inspect the premises for open wires, electrical appliances, household chemicals and other dangerous items. It is advisable to hide them away from a curious piglet.
The pet needs to be on a hard surface so that the hooves wear off naturally, otherwise the flooring of the house will be damaged. They need to be trimmed at least once every 2 years by contacting a specialist. It is recommended to castrate males, otherwise they will be angry and aggressive. The piglets live according to the given schedule and quickly get used to it, remember their place and are partial to water procedures.
On a note! Decorative pigs live from 10 to 15 years.
Possible diseases
Mini pigs at home can be exposed to many colds. Therefore, you should not offer cold water to pigs in hot weather, or heat food to room temperature.
It is mandatory to vaccinate against rabies, plague and other equally serious infections.
If your pet is infected with parasites, you should consult an experienced veterinarian for advice. To prevent the mini-pig from transmitting parasitic diseases to humans, it is necessary to monitor its hygiene.
Breeding mini pigs
Send the male mini-pig into the same room with the female, which is familiar to her, for at least 15 hours. This is enough for them to get acquainted and the mating process to take place. Many pig farmers recommend repeating the report again after 5 days. The pig will give birth 118 days after fertilization, so calculate the time and prepare a small pen or warm basket in advance. For 2 months, piglets must stay close to their mother and drink her milk.
Differences from a regular pig
There are significant distinctive features with which you can easily distinguish a mini-pig from an ordinary domestic pig that is raised for slaughter:
- the mini-pig is small in size, even after it grows up;
- a piglet and an adult pet do not emit unpleasant odors, so it can be kept in a house, apartment and other enclosed spaces;
- mini piglets have denser hair;
- They are expensive, so not everyone can afford them.
Before buying, be sure to ask the seller about the pedigree of the pig, ask for a passport and other documents to avoid deception.
