How big do mini pigs get?

Mini Pigs WILL NOT stay “micro” sized. This is a lie that some breeders will tell people in order to sell piglets. The “micro” piglets being advertised are simply baby piglets. They WILL grow. There are different breeds of mini pigs; Juliana, Kune Kune, Potbelly, American, and etc. The term mini pig refers to any pigs under 200 - 300lbs. The determining factor in how big your mini pig will get is how you treat them and how you feed them. Also, the parents of your mini piglet will also be a good indication of their adult size. We do not advertise a “micro” sized pig at Post Legacy Acres. Our mini pigs will typically get to the height of a medium size dog. The weight/width of the pig will depend on how you feed it and how much exercise it gets.

How can I keep my mini pig from getting so big?

Mini pigs will gain unnecessary weight if provided with a poor diet. DO NOT feed your mini pig typical pig pellets from a feed store! These pellets are called growers and finishers and are created to feed out pigs for butchering. A daily healthy pig diet consists of high-fiber, nutritious pelleted feed. Vegetables, fruits, and yogurt can also be added in as treats or to supplement the pelleted feed. Pigs are VERY food motivated and will eat treats as long as you are handing them out. It is important to know when your pig has had enough food for the day to be satisfied so that over-feeding does not occur. Pigs also LOVE exercise. Inactive pigs that are kept in a small pen outside or in a kennel in the house all day are going to grow wider due to food intake and lack of movement. Pigs can be harness trained and enjoy running outside!

How will the piglet act when I bring it home?

The piglet may be scared at first and will want to run and hide. The piglet may also squeal and try to wiggle/run out of your hands. DO NOT let piglets fall. They will get use to your touch and petting. It’s important to understand that they are just scared and their natural response is to run. We suggest getting a play pen or kennel for the piglet to be in with food and water until they are able to calm down. Frequently hand feed the piglet to show love and care. Piglets WILL bond with you and your family. They do not like to be alone and are cuddlers by nature! Piglets love to sleep in a blanket or a pet bed with a blanket. Give the piglet a couple of days to acclimate to your house and family. DO NOT let a piglet run free outside without a proper fence. A piglet will be resistant to a harness and leash at first but will get to used to it with time!

How can I get my mini pig used to me touching them without being scared?

This can take a little bit of time as they get used to being in a new environment with new people. The majority of piglets will not liked being picked up initially due to their nature as a prey animal. They do not have any other defense than to flee so this is their natural instinct. Sit on the floor with your piglet and let them come to you. Avoid any fast movements or reaching over their head. Start out with chin and belly scratches instead of trying to pet them on their heads. Always support their full body when picking up and holding so they can feel secure without threat of falling. Pigs are very intelligent and will understand your word association with different tasks. When the piglet gets more comfortable with your touch, attempt to start picking up as you say something like “pick up” and provide a treat. Mini pigs are very food/treat motivated and will be able to learn a lot of tricks/daily tasks through a method of treat rewarding. *Avoid over-feeding with treats. It is easy to provide too many treats while training without realizing just how many treats a mini pig has consumed in a days time.*

Do I have to train my mini pig?

Mini pigs need to be trained on daily routines such as feeding times and sleeping area at night. Our mini pigs will come to you litter box trained but it is important that you provide a litter box area that is easily accessible and continue to direct the mini pig to the litter box should they have an accident somewhere else in the house. Mini pigs (like other pets) will chew on items in the house that are accessible, especially when they are piglets. Provide some chew toys for piglets to play with to help curb this behavior. Mini pigs can definitely learn and understand what “no” means. Tell your mini pig “no” and redirect when they are engaging in unfavorable activity or behavior. The sooner you correct and train your mini pig, the better it will be! You do not have to train your pig to do tricks if you do not wish. However, since they are so intelligent, it is typically easy to train them to do simple tricks such as “sit” or “spin.”

Are pigs dirty or do they smell bad?

Simply put, NO! The reason pigs roll in the mud is because they lack sweat glands so on hot days they roll in water/mud to cool themselves off. Pet pigs that are in a temperature controlled environment do not have this need. Since our mini pigs do not have sweat glands, they do not sweat, which is why they do not emit an odor. Pigs also do not like to use the bathroom where they sleep or eat. They are easily house trained to use the bathroom outside. They are also easily trained to use a litter box inside the house. Will the litter box smell? Yes, of course. It will need to be cleaned out just like you would clean a cat’s litter box.

Are mini pigs considered hypoallergenic?

Pigs are considered hypoallergenic because they have hair instead of fur and have less dander than a typical cat or dog. Pigs also go through shedding once or twice a year. However, unlike cats or dogs, you will not notice big fur balls in your house since pigs do not have fur. Pigs will grow back their hair. Piglet hair is very fine and soft but as pigs grow their hair becomes coarse.

Do mini pigs like being petted/touched?

Yes! Once a pig bonds with you and your family they will always seek out petting and belly rubs! They may want to go outside and explore or run around but will always end up back with you where they feel safe.

Do pigs get along with other animals?

Yes! Introducing them to your other pets as a piglet will allow them to grow up enjoying being social. Pigs do not like to be alone. They are very social animals and will enjoy being with you and your pets! Pigs get along great with non-aggressive dogs, cats, and other pets that people typically have in their homes.

Are mini pigs aggressive or do they bite?

There are videos on social media showing “pet” pigs attacking their owners and biting them. This is largely due to mistreatment. People will sometimes purposefully agitate or instigate a pig to react in a harsh way or even go as far as subjecting the pig to abuse and that is why you see videos like this. The majority of mini pigs are scared of new people and their new home until they learn they are safe and cared for, which is the same for any pet that you bring home. Mini pigs are quick to warm up to you and be your best friend when you show them care and love. We have not experienced any acts of aggression from our mini pigs at the farm and do not anticipate to experience that due to the care that we provide for our pigs.

Do mini pigs make sounds?

Yes! Mini pigs have a variety of sounds they use to communicate. They can squeal when excited or hurt. You will learn the difference. They will oink while wagging their tails when happy! They are vocal and enjoying hearing you talk to them. Oinking is a way they can communicate back!

Do mini pigs have curled tails?

Our mini pigs do not. They have short tails that either hang down or they will raise them occasionally when walking around. They will demonstrate their happiness by wagging their tails!

Can I get my mini pig spayed or neutered?

Yes! Some breeders will require that you pay hundreds of dollars for spay and neutering before you are able to adopt your piglet. They do not give the new owner a choice in this matter. We do not believe in that practice here at Post Legacy Acres. We believe that you are free to make that decision on your own. Most veterinary clinics will spay and neuter mini pigs. Just call your local vet and ask what the age/weight requirement is so you will know when to take your piglet in for the procedure. We can castrate male pigs here at the farm for an additional fee before they are adopted if that is the wish of the new owner. However, we do not spay female pigs.

*Please let us know if your question or concern was not addressed so that it can be added! We strive to provide all information needed for mini pig owners to be successful when adopting one of our piglets.*