What's the number one question asked about a mini pig? How much will it weigh?
Many people expect a direct, concrete number of how much the pig will weigh when its all grown up. The problem with this is no one can guarantee the weight your pig will mature to. Why you ask? It's because the mini pigs we see today are what's called a mixed mini pig. Even though they are under the classification of a mini pig same as the KuneKune and the Potbellied pig (meaning swine 350 pounds and under) they are not a purebred pig. The mini pigs we see today stem from multiple swine breeds bred together and selectively bred down over generations to get a more desired sized pet pig. Due to the genetics of the mini pig, breeders can not guarantee a size. The best way to judge the projected size the mini pig piglet will get is by knowing the linage of both the sow and the boar. As well, the size of the previous offspring can give you an idea of what to expect.
A pigs growth CAN be stunted do to improper nutrition. I have often seen people who purchased a piglet, thinking it will stay 30 pounds, become very upset when the piglet outgrown the parents by the time they are 6 months old. If the parents were underfed to keep them "small" and the piglet was fed properly, of course the piglet is going to grow. He will grow to the size he should based off his genetics. A great way to tell if a pig has been underfed is to first, run your hand down its spine, can you feel it? Can you feel the hip bones? If so... it's underfed! If you are not able to visit the breeder, ask for current pictures of both mom and dad. Do they have health, shiny coats? A well fed pig would have a sheen to their coat. The easiest way to tell if a pig is underfed is to look at the size of the head in comparison to it's body. If the head is larger than its body and looks odd, chances are it is not receiving the proper nutrients.
Many people expect a direct, concrete number of how much the pig will weigh when its all grown up. The problem with this is no one can guarantee the weight your pig will mature to. Why you ask? It's because the mini pigs we see today are what's called a mixed mini pig. Even though they are under the classification of a mini pig same as the KuneKune and the Potbellied pig (meaning swine 350 pounds and under) they are not a purebred pig. The mini pigs we see today stem from multiple swine breeds bred together and selectively bred down over generations to get a more desired sized pet pig. Due to the genetics of the mini pig, breeders can not guarantee a size. The best way to judge the projected size the mini pig piglet will get is by knowing the linage of both the sow and the boar. As well, the size of the previous offspring can give you an idea of what to expect.
A pigs growth CAN be stunted do to improper nutrition. I have often seen people who purchased a piglet, thinking it will stay 30 pounds, become very upset when the piglet outgrown the parents by the time they are 6 months old. If the parents were underfed to keep them "small" and the piglet was fed properly, of course the piglet is going to grow. He will grow to the size he should based off his genetics. A great way to tell if a pig has been underfed is to first, run your hand down its spine, can you feel it? Can you feel the hip bones? If so... it's underfed! If you are not able to visit the breeder, ask for current pictures of both mom and dad. Do they have health, shiny coats? A well fed pig would have a sheen to their coat. The easiest way to tell if a pig is underfed is to look at the size of the head in comparison to it's body. If the head is larger than its body and looks odd, chances are it is not receiving the proper nutrients.
