BASIC MINIATURE PIG CARE

• INTRODUCTION

The term “miniature” is used to describe a variety of smaller pig breeds as well as crossbreeds. There are at least 14 recognized breeds of miniature pigs, including the Vietnamese potbellied pig, the Juliana pig, the KuneKune, and others; many pets are mixed breed, of unknown origin. Terms such as “teacup”, “micro mini” and “nano pig” are marketing ploys rather than true breeds.

Miniature pigs usually weigh between (32-68 kg) and they stand (36-50 cm) at the shoulders. Miniature pigs reach half their adult weight by about 1 year of age and will continue to grow until 3-4 years of age, when their growth plates completely fuse. The life span of miniature pigs typically ranges between 14-21 years, with an average of 15-18 years. Minipigs begin puberty as early as 2-4 months of age.

• DIET

Domestic pigs will eat almost anything, but pet pigs should be fed diets specially formulated for miniature pigs. Pigs easily gain weight and cannot be fed free choice. Food should be fed in measured amounts.

Even though pigs can get messy as they go back and forth between food and water dishes, it is important to offer plenty of water. Restricted access to water can lead to health problems like bladder infections and bladder stones. Fresh water should ALWAYS be available.

• HOUSING

Temperature

Adult are most comfortable at environmental temperatures ranging between (15–24ºC) with a humidity of 50%. Pigs are incapable of sweating and they are susceptible to overheating at temperatures exceeding (30ºC).

Strict indoor life (e.g. apartment dwelling) is never a good option for pet pigs. Pigs restricted to the indoors will root on objects like carpet and walls. In addition, hoof overgrowth tends to be more extreme in indoor-only pigs and boredom is an issue as well. All house pigs should spend several hours each day outdoors exploring and rooting the ground.

Provide proper nesting material such as straw/hay, blankets (fleece recommended as these are more resistant to ripping), sleeping bags, aspen shavings (avoid cedar). Bedding must be deep enough to allow for rooting or for the animal to completely cover itself. Replace wet or dirty bedding daily. Replace ripped blankets to prevent accidental foreign body ingestion.

Pigs are highly social and intelligent animals that do best in a herd of at least 2 pigs. Aggression can stem from territorial disputes over sleeping quarters or food or may simply be an effort to gain status in the herd.

• PREVENTIVE CARE

Vaccination

Vaccination should be performed for both indoor and outdoor pet pigs. Routine vaccines for adult pets may include: rabies, erysipelas and leptospirosis. Depending on your pig’s risk of exposure, your veterinarian may also recommend vaccines for Bordetella, Pasteurella, and tetanus among others. Young pigs begin a vaccination schedule between 8-12 weeks of age. The initial series consists of 2 injections, 3–4 weeks apart. Vaccines are then administered semiannually or annually.

Fecal parasite testing

Although intestinal parasites are uncommon in pet pigs, infection still occurs. Fecal exams for parasites and ova should be performed when a pig is initially brought home and then periodically.

Surgical sterilization

Sexual behavior begins very early in pigs—before weaning—and can include: unpredictable behavior, aggression, rooting, destructive and mounting behaviors. Intact pigs can also be difficult to housetrain, and intact boars give off a strong odor. Spaying and neutering is recommended to improve pet quality, reduce destructive behavior, and prevent uterine infections and tumors in female pigs as well as testicular tumors in male pigs.

Pigs are able to reproduce at a young age. Male pigs are fertile between 6-12 weeks of age, and females can cycle as early as 12 weeks. Sur¬gery is often recommended between 8-12 weeks of age and older.

Hoof trims

Most pet pigs require periodic hoof trimming, typically every 6-12 months.

Tusk trims

Canine teeth or tusks stop growing at about 3 years of age in female pigs; however, tusks in males grow throughout life. Tusks in males can become long and extremely sharp, and trim may be necessary to prevent injury to humans and other animals or damage to household furniture or flooring. Tusks can also become caught on caging or they may even grow long enough to penetrate the flesh of the face. However, tusk trim may be a predisposing factor in tusk root abscessation, so trim is only recommended for the above-stated reasons.

• COMMON PROBLEMS

Obesity

Obesity is a very common problem in pet pigs that is often associated with free-choice feeding (or overfeeding of inappropriate items such as dog food or table scraps) and lack of exercise. Obesity contributes to heart disease, respiratory disease, excessive skin folds around the eyelids that cause vision problems, and lameness.

Toxic exposure

Be mindful of the risk of household hazards. Exposure to toxins is common in pet pigs due to their voracious appetite, strength, and rooting behavior, which allows them to access protected areas in the home (like closed cabinets or the area behind the refrigerator).

Arthritis

Arthritis is very common in pet pigs and the condition often involves the elbow, wrist and ankle joints as well as the spine. Obesity increases the risk of arthritis. Preventive measures include good hoof care, non-slip walking surfaces, adequate bedding, and weight control.

• ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL

Erysipelas

Sarcoptic mange

Swine influenza virus infections have been documented in people. Human influenza viruses have also been occasionally isolated from pigs.