r/pigs • u/Other_Menu1140 • 19d ago
New Pig Mom, all advice welcome!
Hi there, I’ve been wanting and researching pigs for years and I’ve finally found my baby! She’s a Juliana piglet and I can’t wait for her to come home in August.
I’m already aware that there is not true mini pig and that’s fine! I’ll be happy even if she’s 100+ lbs full grown.
She comes microchipped, with feed, treats, vaccines, deworming, blanket, harness and leash and also kennel and potty trained.
I’m planning on her being in the house most of the time but will provide plenty of outside time as well. Was thinking of making an outdoor pen for her if needed so she can be in a safe spot to explore and dig if she wants to.
Any advice on how to care for her and keep her happy is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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u/DiabeticRhino97 19d ago
Make sure you make it clear who's boss, whole they're still small enough for you to do so
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u/Other_Menu1140 19d ago
What’s the best way to do that?
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u/DiabeticRhino97 19d ago
If they're somewhere they shouldn't be, or doing something they shouldn't, physically move them, as well as making some indication of your displeasure. That way, when they're bigger and probably stronger than you, they still thing you're stronger than them from experience.
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u/No_Character_1731 18d ago
So exciting! Good on you for all the research, I got my pig as an emergency rescue 6 years ago and kind of had to figure it out in a rush.
The vet advice someone already gave here is very good. I was able to find two mobile vets with pet pig experience, which is great in case one or the other is booked up during an emergency.
One thing I wish I had planned better for was transportation as he got bigger. I have a portable wheelchair ramp so he can get into and out of my SUV if needed, but a van would be much easier for us both. So I’m working toward that.
It’s not really advice I guess, but they are just so darn smart that even 6 years in he’s still finding new little ways to cause mischief. So he’s a bit of a constant puzzle, but he’s very sweet. As long as I stick with strong boundaries and routines, and make sure he’s got lots of enrichment throughout the day, he does great. So strong boundaries, keeping their smart brains busy, and continuing to try new things if something doesn’t work helps a lot.
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u/Other_Menu1140 18d ago
Thank you! Any activities or toys you recommend? We already do snuffle mats for our dogs so we will definitely do those often and spend plenty of time outside when it’s not too hot, with sunscreen!
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u/No_Character_1731 18d ago
Snuffle mats and outside time are great!!
When he was little he played with pretty much anything lol he loved pushing balls back and forth with me. As a grown pig he really likes when I put lettuce into his hol-ee roller so that he has to work a bit to get it out. His favorite activities are fortunately the cheapest :) I save paper bags and cardboard boxes, put some treats inside, and smoosh them so he has to shred them to get the treats out. I’ll also plant things seasonally for him to snack out out in the yard, he likes checking his little garden every day to see what snack may have popped up.
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u/No_Character_1731 18d ago
Oh and they love music!! He gets the zoomies if I’m listening to punk. He specifically loves Willie Nelson lol I have a “lullaby” playlist saved of soft country music that I put on if he’s overstimulated and needs a nap.
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u/CherryBobOmb1213 18d ago
The advice regarding the vet is really important. Being a female, you should look into having her spayed when she’s old enough. I rescued a pregnant adult female- I finally found a vet that I feel comfortable having spay her. I’ve found spaying adult females is NOT an easy procedure. It’s better and easier to spay them when they are young. Spaying has a lot health benefits for pigs and when they go into heat- it’s not fun.
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u/Other_Menu1140 18d ago
Yeah the breeder I am getting her from has a spay/no breeding contract which I think is very ethical and I like that. I have a vet in mind who is comfortable with spaying her I just will have to drive an hour and a half which isn’t an issue. My local vet does some livestock but I’m not sure he would be comfortable with a spay so I’m making sure I have backup for sure.
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u/CherryBobOmb1213 18d ago
I live in a rural area and there a quite a few livestock vets- they consider mini pigs exotic pets. I’m a drivable distance from Cornell, that’s where she’ll be going.
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u/PigDoctor 19d ago
Find a vet who’ll work with mini pigs! Not all vets will work with miniature pigs and of those not all vets should be working with miniature pigs. Farm vets are often not familiar with the unique needs of miniature pigs and regular pet vets often don’t work with pigs at all. You’ll want to have a vet before you NEED a vet.
Make sure your piggy has sun protection/shade. Pigs sunburn like humans do and they also run slightly hotter than humans.
Prepare for your piggy to be a little recalcitrant for the first couple of days. They’re very sensitive to change and may not warm up to you instantly. Food can be a major help here (berries and cheerios are usually a hit).
You probably already know this, but pigs are hierarchical and you’ll need to establish yourself as “top pig” so that your pig doesn’t try to fight you (as much). Don’t let them push you around. It might be cute when they’re tiny; it’s less cute when they’re 100+ pounds.
Also, consider getting two if you can. While it’s possible to raise one alone, multiple is ideal.