One of my younger sisters has wanted pigs for years. We just do not have the ability to raise them yet though. We could maybe do feeder pigs, but breeding them would be out of the question. The trouble is we think it would cruel to have to get pigs for her just to butcher them every year. So we've come up with the idea that maybe we could just get her a potbelly or mini pig as a pet to so she can have a permanent pig to love on. I'm thinking that maybe we could rotate it between my four pastures wherever the goats are not. Does anyone know how much damage a potbelly pig will do to a pasture? I know that we need to be careful about who we buy from, that the phrase "mini pig" could be a scam, and that we also need to be careful not to over feed it, but any advice on raising a pet pig would be appreciated as well as recommendations on books websites and such would be awesome!
Thinking About Getting a Pet Pig (Got Something Else Instead)
MellonFriend
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If you get a boar, I really suggest a Kune. They’re know for their good disposition and friendliness. You’ll also have to make the choice of getting their tusks removed And related costs. Just food for thought. When I researched Kunes, I used these sites:
nationalzoo.si.edu
Heritage Breed Pigs: Kunekune - Grit
Learn all about keeping the KuneKune pig, from its history to characteristics, to housing needs. This unique little pig will steal your heart!
www.grit.com
Kunekune pig
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences...
I'll be sure to pass on those resources. I had no idea that tusk removal was even a thing. Do you know if it would be more wise, as it is in goats, to have a castrated male instead of an intact one as a pet?If you get a boar, I really suggest a Kune. They’re know for their good disposition and friendliness. You’ll also have to make the choice of getting their tusks removed And related costs. Just food for thought. When I researched Kunes, I used these sites:
Heritage Breed Pigs: Kunekune - Grit
Learn all about keeping the KuneKune pig, from its history to characteristics, to housing needs. This unique little pig will steal your heart!www.grit.com
Kunekune pig
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences...
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I will second removing the source of male hormone production will result in a calmer and more even natured critter no matter the species.
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Actually, if you read the article from grit you really don’t have to castrate Kunes because they’re so gentle and really like people. It’s backed up by everything I’ve read.
Kinder Goats, Idaho Pasture Pigs, Silver Fox Rabbits, and Chickens
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I've been MIA on TGS for a while so I'm just now seeing this but I really would recommend a KuneKune over any of the mini pig breeds if it's going to live in the goat pastures. I had a couple potbelly piglets for a short while that the previous owner could no longer care for and they dug so much that they'd tunnel out of their pen. I'd recommend a barrow or two (castrated male) rather than an intact boar or gilt. While I do keep my boar in his own pen outside of breeding season, he lives close to other pigs and still very obviously prefers having a buddy. I can't say I'd recommend keeping a single pig even if it were to have lots of human attention. Of course, whatever you decide, we need pictures!
That's all very helpful. Thanks so much for that. 🤗
What makes you say barrows over gilts? Same reason wethers are better than does as pets?
Kinder Goats, Idaho Pasture Pigs, Silver Fox Rabbits, and Chickens
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Yes, not having to deal with the drama and mood swings of heats.
So my sister was told that she is allowed to get a pig or two. She is extremely excited to finally be able to fulfill her dream. She's wanted pigs just as long as I've wanted goats. We got her a few books on pig care, one of which is specifically about mini pigs. So she will be doing her research on what breed and which direction she wants to go in. Basically what we're thinking is that if she decides she wants to go with kune kunes then we'll consider breeding them now, but if she wants to go with just a pet breed then we'll hold off on raising pigs for meat until later. She is so relieved to finally have a farm animal of her own to manage!😃
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That’s great news. I bet she’ll be so happy to have animals of her own to take care of and manage.
Awww I see piggy pictures comeing!🥰
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Awesome 👏
I may have an update about that tomorrow actually! 🤐👀😁
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Now I am really curious! 🤔
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