A decorative pig, or, as it is often called, a mini-pig is an analogue of an ordinary pig, which was first bred in Germany back in the 50s of the last century. The progenitors of these miniature pets are the loose-lipped Vietnamese pigs and small wild boars, which are naturally small in size. The first of them are still very popular in the United States.
Intelligence
It is no secret that many people adhere to traditional views on animals that can be kept at home. These are mainly dogs and cats. But scientists have long proven that pigs have the same intelligence as monkeys and dolphins.
In mini-pigs, conscious behavior is much more pronounced than in the same dogs and cats, so we can say with confidence: pigs are smarter, which means that they learn to execute different commands faster. Here, the favorite treat plays a decisive role, so the pig will do everything possible to get it.
Cleanliness
It’s hard for many to imagine that a decorative pig at home will pace everywhere, climb into your arms and even jump onto sofas and beds. But believe me, they are very clean by nature. Even ordinary pigs, which are bred on pig farms, go to the toilet in only one corner. And dwarf decorative pigs and even more so. They literally in a matter of days get used to going to the tray and never upset their owners with numerous puddles in the wrong places.
In addition, these animals are practically odorless, which cannot be said about dogs and cats. If they are looked after and kept clean, then decorative pigs (reviews of happy owners of funny pigs are evidence of this) do not smell at all. The smell of urine can come only from boars, but after they go through the castration procedure, it immediately disappears.
Hypoallergenic
Mini-pigs have one significant advantage compared to other pets: they do not have hair - which means that the owner is not allergic to it. Yes, pigs have bristles, but their molting is not as pronounced as that of dogs or cats. These animals love to swim. During this procedure, most of the dead bristles can be combed out quite easily.
Character
Decorative pigs are very funny creatures. They are mobile, like to run and frolic on the street. The disposition of these cute animals is quite good-natured. They quickly become attached to the one who feeds them. In addition, they are curious and mischievous, watching their pranks is a pleasure!
Piglets peacefully coexist with other animals living in the house, especially for dogs. Moreover, it is better to start a pig if at least one pet is already in the house. The fact is that they belong to social animals, accustomed to living in groups. Therefore, remaining alone, they can clumsy out of boredom so that only marvel at their ingenuity.
Behavior
Those who decide to start a mini-pig, it will be useful to find out that pigs are able to produce a lot of sounds. It can be either a gentle grunt or a piercing, ears-screeching screech. Owners eventually get used to such communication with their pet and even begin to understand them.
These pigs are very smart and quick-witted and quickly understand where the food is stored in the house. Many of them can open refrigerators without problems, so each owner invents his own special way of saving his food reserves from a pet. But the easiest and most reliable option is to lock the door to the kitchen.
Feeding
Both the common and domestic ornamental pigs are omnivores. She eats almost any food. But so that your pet does not get fat, you must follow a simple feeding regimen. To do this, put in the kitchen two ordinary canine steady bowls: one with food, and the other with water. The pigs are fed two or three times a day, but clean and fresh water should be constantly, always at room temperature.
As for food, it is best to give pigs vegetables and fruits, various root crops and porridge cooked on water. Decorative pigs (their photos are presented in the review) are very fond of zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, beets, pumpkins, potatoes, turnips both raw and boiled. You can add grated raw vegetables to the porridge. Buckwheat, oat, barley and other cereals are suitable for feeding these animals. It is worth noting that they are very fond of apples, which contain a large amount of vitamins, as well as iron, necessary for harmonious development.
Do not forget about various mineral additives. Sometimes you need to give mini-pigs some brown bread and sprouted grain, as they are a source of vitamins. Small amounts of fish oil with bone meal will also be beneficial. Protein food must also be added to the diet of the animal, and it should be at least 10%. It can be whey, cottage cheese or kefir. Quite often, breeders themselves as a supplement to the main food give their wards dog food, which contains a little meat.
As you can see, the decorative pig is unpretentious and will eat with great pleasure everything that is offered to it. But it is worth remembering that you do not need to overfeed your pet. It is not recommended to treat it with too sweet, salty or spicy food.
Care
Both feeding and the maintenance of miniature pigs does not take much time. Periodically they need to be bathed. And here there are no problems, because animals are very fond of water. Therefore, such a procedure will not cause them any negative emotions. In addition, they like to be rubbed with a special brush. They bathe them in warm water, then wipe them and wrap them up. In hot summer, they can pour water into the bath, and they will be happy to splash around in it.
Like all pets, mini-pigs need fresh air and sunlight. Therefore, the piglet must be gradually accustomed to the leash and harness so that you can go out for a walk with it. A decorative pig needs them, because this allows it to be not only in good shape, but also to grind its hooves. In the warm season, when there are so many fresh herbs around, pigs find and eat dandelions and nettles. Plants are an additional source of vitamins that contribute to well-being in the animal. In winter, walks must be limited, since mini-pigs are very sensitive to cold and drafts, from which they often catch a cold and get sick. That is why they are dressed in the fall, and in the winter season they are recommended to be left at home altogether.
A decorative pig, like ordinary pets, needs routine vaccination. Although they are miniature, their diseases are typical of their type. The pet must be vaccinated immediately after its acquisition. To do this, you need to show him to the veterinarian, who must draw up a vaccination schedule, as well as give other recommendations for caring for the animal. You will also have to consult a specialist on the question of castration in case your mini-pig is a boar. Pig hooves also require care, so they should be carefully trimmed after some time.
Breeds
It must be said right away that there are no clear standards for mini-pigs yet, so often there is confusion with their varieties. Now they are divided mainly into weight categories. The most famous breeds of decorative pigs to date:
● Mini Mayalino. This breeding breed is listed in the world famous Guinness Book of Records. This pig is the smallest, as the weight of an adult does not exceed 10 kg.
● Bergstresser knirt, or karapuzik. A small piglet obtained in a selective way from a Vietnamese pig. It is considered the most popular breed in Europe. It weighs only from 12 to 15 kg.
● Göttingen mini-pig. The breeding pig, bred in Germany, looks very similar to the Vietnamese. The weight of representatives of this breed is already much more - 70-90 kg.
● Vietnamese lop-sided pig. She is the progenitor of all dwarf species without exception. Her selection was aimed only at reducing individuals. Their size can vary from 45 to 100 kg. They are popular only in America and are mainly found in country houses with plots, as they will be too crowded in small-sized apartments.
Life span
Like all living things, ornamental pigs are susceptible to serious diseases. How long these animals live is the question that interests many people who decide to make themselves such a pretty pet. In general, mini-pigs have good immunity and are in good health, so their average life expectancy is from 15 to 20 years.
The condition of the pet always depends on how it is taken care of. Therefore, if it becomes noticeable that the animal is coughing or sneezing, does not move much or has an indigestion, it is urgent to show it to the veterinarian. He will determine the severity of the disease and give detailed recommendations for treatment.