Micro Pigs - peoples thoughts?

Humphrey10

A quick google search for 'small pig breeds' finds stuff about Kune Kune pigs, which according to this website (http://www.britishkunekunesociety.org.uk/) are the smallest domesticated pig breed (not including these new 'micropigs' because they don't consider them a proper breed!). They are 24-30" inches full grown which is quite big but I frequently see larger dogs.

If micropigs are smaller I would have thought they'd make quite good pets, can't see that they'd be much more trouble than a dog, just need enough outside space for them + mud to wallow in when it's hot. And less fur to be shed everywhere. Plus if you have any problems with them eg they get too aggressive, you have to move somewhere smaller, or you just get fed up with them, you can always just eat them!

lostinrates

kune kune pigs, I believe, are slightly advantaged in the pet stakes over micro pigs because, unusually they graze rather than snuffle up the ground. I'm NOT a pig expert in any way shape or form though so am happy to be corrected on this. Pigs are highly intelligent animals, and often used in behavioural research: to provide a stimulating and appropriate atmosphere for them would be difficult in the majority of homes. There are of course, many homes where pigs can be catered for and I'm sure make superb pets, because of their intelligence and affection. (on the other hand an unhappy or angry pig is not a pleasant chum and thus the need to provide adaquate facilities for pigs is for the human benefit.)

foreign_correspondent

lowis wrote: »

i wonder how the breeder would react if someone asked her, in the name of responsible breeding, to post pictures of the fully grown pig on the front page of her website, alongside the pics of the micro-pigs? this whole 'cute little pig' thing is already out of control

- the ones above are sold as breeding stock (by the same woman as in the articles) - they are up to 18" high, according to the ad, which is not tiny, especially as pigs are much longer than they are high - the one in the piccies above must be about three foot long...

As the pictures show, they also need mud to wallow in (the idea of pigs being clean is perhaps a little misleading, they do love to root about, dig your garden up, and roll in mud)

.. so whilst they are indeed small for pigs, the photos of the pig rooting around above show the reality of the adult pigs, which is rather different from the photos on the website, which portray l the pigs as being like this:


It is misleading to say the least...

The website does a good job of making them look lke theyhave been doing this for years... not six months! (bearing in mind that pig gestation is over 4 months!)

Here at LITTLE PIG FARM, we specialise in breeding Micro Pigs, Mini Pot Bellied Pigs & Pet Pigs. We are the UK's only specialist breeder and breed the smallest in Europe. As the founder of the British Micro Pig Club, our health and welfare standards are paramount and we truly love and care for every one of our little pigs. This reflects in their temperament, physique and nature.

C_Mababejive

Oh yes...i can see all the chavs now,,booting out their "lickle staffies" and buying some kind of pig to sh&t all over the house and garden instead.

Does anyone remember the outbreak of Vietnamese pot bellied pigs that sprang up in chavtowns maybe 10 years back??

moggylover

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Oh yes...i can see all the chavs now,,booting out their "lickle staffies" and buying some kind of pig to sh&t all over the house and garden instead.

Does anyone remember the outbreak of Vietnamese pot bellied pigs that sprang up in chavtowns maybe 10 years back??

They were also purchased and then rejected by many a well heeled "got to have" family as well so your comments really are not much help to the debate:rolleyes:

What we actually need to do is get rid of the "one up-manship" in pets and return them to the rightful place of "beloved pet" not "showing-off possession" and then the animals might get a decent deal out of the human race for once!!! I also wish that people like the distinctly chavvy and tasteless Beckhams could stop with their always tacky show and then perhaps the general public would as well!!

Pigs are lovely, and there used to be one who was a pet in a local pub (vietnamese pot belly) around here who was house trained and clean and fun. BUT he had a large area outside to be a "proper pig" before being hosed down and coming in for his shower:rolleyes:. My personal feeling is that a pig is happiest when being a "real" pig and that anyone who cannot offer them a "real pig" habitat should not have them:o.

As others have said, they are restricted for movement by DEFRA regulations and I believe that during any scares over foot and mouth or swine vesicular disease then there could be fairly hefty veterinary costs involved in having them checked and certified.

Personally I abhor the selective breeding of runts that must be going on to provide any dwarfing for human amusement: but then I happen to think nature did a nice job of all she created (except perhaps humans) and that the human race should have learnt to leave well alone by now!:o

creased-leach

How long at 850 watts?

lostinrates

newsworthy: you have to ask permission to post something like you are posting. Thats why it will be removed.

lowis

lostinrates wrote: »

newsworthy: you have to ask permission to post something like you are posting. Thats why it will be removed.

i hope MSE give permission - it sounds like newsworthy is looking to expose some of the realities of 'micro' pigs.

~Chameleon~

There are some rather interesting comments on her Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1794496592&v=wall&viewas=527821819&ref=name

lowis

i've just sent the breeder the following message, i am not in anyway attacking what she is doing, but i do think she needs to make it clear how big these pigs get:

Hi Jane
I am wondering whether it might be a good idea to make it a bit clearer on your website as to just how large these micro-pigs can get. The media have latched on the cute factor without broadcasting any of the reality alongside it. Do you think it might be a good idea to actually publish a picture of a fully-grown pig (and not just publish their height in text), alongside the pic of the tiny baby one by a tea-cup, on the entry page of your site?
I am sure as a breeder you are completely responsible, and your website is very informative, but some potential owners (which I am sure will balloon in numbers, now the Beckhams have two), may need things made clear to them at an early stage.
Kind Regards