Pig in the house: whether to get myself a mini-pig, even if you really want
Cute pygmy pigs can now be found in the contact zoos and restaurants — cafes “Fanny Kabani”, for example, all built around such a pig. “Bill Daily” to find out what it’s like to keep the house mini-pig.
Where they came from
Dwarf pigs began to withdraw in the second half of the XX century as donors for transplantation of organs: the experiments were conducted both in the USSR and in the West. Scientists have sought to reduce the weight of ordinary pigs (300-500 pounds) to the weight of the person. In the 80s in the United States noted that the resulting miniature pigs can be kept at home and started the fashion for mini-pigou, which eventually spread to Europe.
First teacup pig appeared in Russia 12-15 years ago. The head of the Russian mini pig club birthplace Elizabeth says that one of their pervootkrivateli in the country was a daughter of Edith of PGI artist Ilona Bronevitskaya. Then the pigs were on the category “glamorous overseas animals” — we can say, more radical version of the Yorkshire Terrier, the tails of which in the 2000s was already no surprise. When it Pumbaa increased to 100 kg and had long sharp fangs, not get rid of him, not sent to the farm or to the zoo, and build a cosy kennel in house. “Not so long ago, we met with Stas Piekha, says homeland, and he told us that Pumbaa was gone. He was 16 years old, a Russian vintagerider”.
Who and why buys mini-pigou
According to breeders, miniature pigs take completely different people — often it is the representatives of creative professions. Although the mini-pig can be kept in the apartment, those who consciously makes a purchase, acquire the pig into a private house, where he has ample space. However, often people would look at cute pictures of pigs in the Cup, get yourself this, expecting it will not grow.
The animal, on the contrary, grows up to 50-80 pounds, bites, spoils repair, and pigs sent to the objector or a mini-zoo, where it is hard going through separation from the host. And Yes, often, dying. 
What are decorative pig
Although breeders distinguish between different, distinct breed classification of the mini-pigou does not exist. Under this name are animals weighing like 30 pounds, and 120. The only exceptions are the so-called micropipe — the smallest representatives in the family.
Mini-piggies weigh on average from 40 to 80 pounds, can grow up to 100, if you feed them enough. MicroProse grow up to 25-30 kg. Valeria Nesterovnesterov community “Mini-piggies — human friends
The reason of fierce dispute is the “mini-maialino” — which originated in Italy a kind of very microscopic pigs, the weight of which does not exceed 10-15 pounds. On the Internet you can find a lot of ads on the sale of these pocket pigs; sellers say they guarantee the adult size of a Guinea pig — they say, will not outgrow. However, Nesterov claims that this breed does not exist. Usually, it’s either sick individuals microphon that will not live long, or simply underfed often breeders consciously observe and recommends that the owners of such a diet, which will not allow the animal to grow to its normal size.
How to choose a mini-pig
The first thing I advise breeders to assess whether you are able to adopt such a specific pet at home. Mini-piggies can cause allergies, so better to consult a doctor. A sample of the so-called allergen E83, epithelium of pigs, is in Moscow from 500 to 1000. According to a survey of the community of owners of small pigou in a month for upkeep takes 5-10 thousand rubles. In addition, it is necessary to assess if you can adjust your life for the needs of the domestic pig.
Ask yourself: are you 15-20 years of your life to devote to such an animal? Many owners of mini-pigou over time, radically change his life: moving to a country house, buy a car, for transporting the animal, cancel the leave if the pig no one to leave. Pig will not be arranged under you, dogs look up to us, cats look down on us, and pigs see us as equals.Elizabeth Radialogical Russian mini pig club
As a rule, the price of domestic pig varies from 3 to 45 thousand rubles. To buy a mini-Piga on “Avito”, and in special nurseries. The second option is preferable: so you can see different animals, to talk with the owner and carefully consider your future pet. In Russia there are about 5 large kennels and many small breeders who raise the animals right at home.
Owners of dwarf pigs suggest before buying in a particular place to communicate with those who have already taken the animal there. You can also view an album with pictures of other adults pigs grown in the nursery in order to assess the prospects.
When purchasing be sure to pay attention to the skin: it should not be too dry, there should not be a RAID. Healthy mini-pig moderately well-fed — if the hip bone sticks out, it is an indicator of rickets. Note on behavior: a mini pig needs to be mobile, active and happy.Valeria Nesterovnesterov community “Mini-piggies — human friends”
The average lifespan of a pig is 10-15 years. As a rule, buyers take pet at an early age. “The first two weeks Piglet sucking the milk, and then goes on a self powered, says Moscow breeder Ksenia Remizova, on the one hand, the sooner you take the pig to the house, the faster mini pig you will bind. On the other, in three months it will no longer have exactly the problems with food and stomach, which are characteristic of very young piglets.”
It should also be defined with the floor of your mini pig. Gender does not affect the size, but in males to 4 years to grow tusks can injure you or the wall. Solution: either the rasp’s teeth, or removing them altogether.
Pedigree is unimportant — it does not give any guarantees and notions about who you will grow.
Dogs from breed includes some features: for example, if a Sheepdog, she will be the watchdog. The pig there is no such thing: the behavior depends not on heredity, from education owner.Ksenia Remizovka breeder in dwarf pigs
The problem slipped pigs
In sietech from time to time there are scary stories about how people bought a pygmy pig, and an unscrupulous seller slipped him a baby pig that grew and began to weigh 300 pounds. In fact, to confuse the mini-pig with its close relative is difficult, since they vary greatly in size, being still a young dwarf significantly less. In addition, they can be distinguished by the large head, thin legs and tiny ears.
How to keep mini-pig at home
Fans of mini-pigou insist that to make them better in a private home where no problems with the neighbors, and where the winter and summer, the pig will be free to spend time on the street. However, many pig producers it does not stop you from having to buy a mini-Piga, living in an apartment building.
You have to be prepared for the fact that the new tenant will spoil the build. “The piglets are curious animals, they love to watch and pick,” says Valery Nesterov.
I lot of people recommend buying a lockable cages where the animal can leave, while you are not home. So it is possible to avoid a situation when the person returns home after work, and there tore the floor, unsealed parquet and torn curtains.Valery Nesterov, an Administrator of community “Mini-piggies — human friends”
Before buying often raises the question of how hygienic it is to keep the house a pig. According to the owners, mini-piggies are very clean. It is sufficient to wash them 1-2 times a week, do some plucking, as they fade, and wipe paws after a walk.
Every animal has its peculiar smell is nature. I, for one, barely tolerate the smell of skunk, but the smell of my Guinea pigs I really like. My Josephine smells tart with cinnamon and nuts, and Napoleon — clean skin, especially when warmed up in the sun. It usually smells in the departments of leather and suede in shopping malls.Elizabeth Radialogical Russian mini pig club
What to feed
As a rule, mini-piggies living in the apartment, eat cereal, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Fried, stewed, sweet and salty pig are forbidden. For dwarf pigs there is a special food that can be purchased on Amazon, but the Russian breeders prefer to feed the Pets organic foods.
Are there any mini-piggies aggressive
The pigs of both sexes sooner or later happens the “transition period” when the animal tries to figure out who’s boss. To mini-pig were more flexible, his advice is neutered or spayed. However, you can negotiate with the breeder and buy a pig, which has passed all the necessary procedures.
From time to time you can read the complaints of owners that the mini-pig did not get along with the child, considering himself more important than his.
Comes to the fact that the owners of the animal have to give it up. In this case, the experts recommend either to wait until the child grows up, or explain to him that this animal and it is not necessary to offend and to convey to the pet who’s boss.
Do I have to walk with a mini piggies
The first time mini-pig can use a tray, but when you’re older, it needs to walk twice a day, including winter. Some owners buy clothes for dwarf pigs, so they froze in winter and was not burned by the sun in the summer. Moreover, the hot season in the course of going sunscreen.
As for the leash, the owners, the pigs have no desire to run away from the owner, so they can walk freely.
Typically, the policy of cafes and restaurants about guests with Pets extends to pigs, although some institutions argue against the visitors with a mini piggies. In October 2016, Muscovite Roman Ogarev has filed a lawsuit against Burger King because of the fact that he was expelled from the restaurant. The owner of the pig tried to feed the pet potatoes that did not like the administration of the institution. Elizabeth Rodina, head of the community of fans of mini-pigou, in such cases, advises:
If someone objects to the pig, I ask the question: that is, killed and dismembered in your restaurant the pig to be, a living and healthy animal, no? Most often it is triggered.Elizabeth Radialogical Russian mini pig club
Ill do mini-piggies
If you believe the owners, pygmy hogs, which care of and well fed, almost sick. If the animal receives the necessary vitamins walks in the fresh air, the problems likely will not.
Mini-Pigi vaccinations: you can put the animal on account of the place of residence at a veterinary clinic, where you are required to do them annually.
To register you will need if you plan to travel with your pet. “I often go with my mini-pig in Belarus, and for this we have to obtain the consent of the veterinary Committee, says homeland — the fact that there are ASF — the so-called African swine fever that is not treated. When the epidemic begins, the animals in a certain radius just destroyed. To prevent such situations, dwarf pig should stand on the account”.
Training a mini pig
The pig, like the dog, you need to teach the commands that he was well-mannered, knew his place and came when called. Mini-piggies respond well to training, but they should be motivated by food. This task can cope and the owner, however, it is common practice that the dwarf pigs withdrawn on dog training.
Ksenia Remizova, who runs his own mini-pig show, claims that dwarf pigs have developed intelligence: “Scientifically established that pig can learn to use a computer faster five children,” she says, ” the Pig is able to collect information and draw their own conclusions. In addition, mini-piggies skateboarding and able to master puzzle games which are intended for children.”