Small Pet Series: Caring for your micropig
Source: EmerandSam
They are cute, small and are being promoted as the perfect pet for the 21st century. The micro pig is the latest craze and many celebrities now own one of their own. They are good for allergy sufferers as they have hair rather than fur, are intelligent and can be housetrained. But are they really as easy to look after as depicted and what is actually involved in their care?
It must be remembered that micro pigs are not a breed apart. They are just traditional pigs that are bred to be smaller. A micro pig will normally grow to about 14-16 inches high and will be stocky, and as such can be quite heavy! They come in all different colours from spotty (bred from Old Spots) to ginger (Tamworth) to black or just white. They can also live for up to 18 years, just like a dog or a cat, and just like a dog or a cat is a major time commitment. In addition to all that micro pigs can be expensive to buy!
Pigs are often thought of as being dirty and smelly but, in fact, they are very houseproud, clean creatures. Normal pigs will always choose the same place to go to the toilet and can be house trained relatively easy. However, it is important to realise that pigs are farm animals and have certain behaviours that need to be considered if your micro pig is to be a happy pig!
Micro pigs, like all pigs, will love to root so access to an outside area is essential. If you intend to keep your pig indoors their bed must have plenty of blankets for them to burrow under. Ideally, they should have a house outside that is warm and draught free with plenty of straw for bedding and burying themselves in, secure from foxes and that will keep them in too - pigs love to escape! A large well fenced pen or garden is essential.
Pigs are sociable creatures and will not be happy kept as a lone pet so, ideally, must be kept as a pair or more of the same sex. Boys (boars) should, ideally, be litter mates. Girls (gilts) should also be introduced at a young age. Natural behaviour means that introducing them later will mean a few scraps until they settle down. Boys can be castrated to prevent accidents later!
Of course, the whole point of having a micro pig is to be able to keep them indoors as you would a normal pet and there is no reason that you can't do this. However, make sure that you have a litter tray large enough for them to use and that you have the time and attention to give them. A dog flap is another alternative, giving them easy access to an outside space. Feeding is quite easy and a proprietary pig food bought from a pig feed merchant will be sufficient. Pigs also love fruit and vegetables but it is illegal to feed them kitchen scraps and meat, which brings us on to the legal requirements.
All pigs are regarded as livestock in the UK and, as such, are subject to strict rules and regulations laid down by DEFRA. Firstly, you will need to register your home with a County Parish Holding Number (CPH). Also, your pig will need to be microchipped or ear tagged for identification. In addition, you will need a herd number, even if you only have one pig. All of these things are legal requirements. Another consideration is that every time you move your pig off your land you will need to complete a movement licence. There are also restrictions with the number of days between movements. All of these requirements are available from DEFRA. Visit their website at www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/pigs/keeppigs.htm
In addition, if you want to take your micro pigs for walks then you will need a license. Unfortunately, it is not just a case of popping your new pet in the back of the car and driving out into the country for a stroll! The walking route must be designated and approved by DEFRA first and always adhered to.
So are there any downsides? Well, as with all pets, yes! Firstly, if your pig is unhappy in its environment it may become stressed and aggressive. Pigs have sharp teeth. Also, they can be destructive if they get bored so toys and time from you are important.
As a pet, a micro pig can be good company, loving and can be loyal and faithful. They are supremely intelligent, many believing that they are more so than dogs, and can recognise faces and voices just as humans can. Providing you can satisfy their natural behavioural urges and endeavour to understand normal pig behaviour and have the time commitment, you and your new micro pig can have a happy life together!
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