How to Find a Good Mini Pig Breeder
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For people who are interested in purchasing a mini pet pig, finding a trusted breeder may become a challenge! There are many ads on the internet claiming to be breeders of "micro" mini pigs. Shuffling through these ads to wean out the truthful breeders from the scammers may take some time and knowledge.
To help, we have outlined a few helpful tips below to find the best breeder, which is one step towards finding the perfect piglet to add to your family! |
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#01 Updated Websites and Photos
The breeder should have a website and a Facebook page where you are able to see updated pictures and/or videos of not only the piglets but also the parent pigs. Pictures of the parents should be posted on their Facebook page regularly, as this is a great way to track the age of the parents. Keep in mind that pigs are fertile at VERY early ages and unfortunately there are many people who will breed pigs under a year old. The website should be updated often and have detailed information on behaviour, training, health etc. I have viewed breeders websites where they have very minimal information on mini pigs. If a breeder does not have the time to provide an educational site, do you think they will have the time to answer your questions after they sell you a piglet?
#02 In-Person Visits Allowed
The breeder should be willing to have you visit the parent pigs as well as the piglets in person. Pictures only say so much. Viewing the pigs in person will help you become more aware of their behaviour, health and size. This will help you to determine if a pig is the right pet for your family. The adult pigs should be social and not shy away from you or especially the breeder, as that is who they see on a regular bases. If the adult pigs are shy, that is a RED FLAG that the breeder spends limited time with the pigs.
If you are not able to visit the breeder in person, ask for updated photos. To make sure they are CURRENT pictures of the parents ask the breeder to write your name on a blank piece of paper in large letters and place it beside the parent pigs. This will be a way of guaranteeing the pictures are current and not ones saved on their computer or phone.
If you are not able to visit the breeder in person, ask for updated photos. To make sure they are CURRENT pictures of the parents ask the breeder to write your name on a blank piece of paper in large letters and place it beside the parent pigs. This will be a way of guaranteeing the pictures are current and not ones saved on their computer or phone.
#03 Beware of Guarantees
If the breeder guarantees weight for the piglet, this is a HUGE red flag! There is no way that a breeder is able to guarantee weight on a pig, definitely when it is no longer in their care. There is NO pig in Canada or the United States that is fully matured at under 40 pounds! Don’t be fooled by scammers promising weight!
Ask for proof of age and weight from their vet or Facebook posts (so you can track the age of the pig by the dates the photos were posted). Anyone stating they have a pig at 4 years old and only 40 pounds will NOT be able to provide you proof! All recognized breeders within Canada (and there are not many of us) will let you know the estimated height (at the shoulder) the piglet will reach. This measurement is based on the genetics of the parents as well as a healthy and nutritious diet. It is best to expect your piglet to be about the size of a bulldog when matured. This is a VERY manageable size for a pet pig!
Ask for proof of age and weight from their vet or Facebook posts (so you can track the age of the pig by the dates the photos were posted). Anyone stating they have a pig at 4 years old and only 40 pounds will NOT be able to provide you proof! All recognized breeders within Canada (and there are not many of us) will let you know the estimated height (at the shoulder) the piglet will reach. This measurement is based on the genetics of the parents as well as a healthy and nutritious diet. It is best to expect your piglet to be about the size of a bulldog when matured. This is a VERY manageable size for a pet pig!
#04 Spayed and Neutered Piglets
The breeder should have your piglet spayed and neutered before they leave their care. An unaltered pig does not make for the best house pet. Boars have a musky odor and are sexually active at an early age. They will “practice” on almost anything and anyone. Gilts will come into heat every 21 days and will become moody, loud and will urinate in several places to “mark” for a boar.
No recognized breeders in Canada will sell unfixed piglets for an inexpensive price, as good bloodlines are hard to find. We have noticed that some breeders sell their female piglets on a spay contract. They leave it up to the new owner to find a veterinarian who is comfortable spaying pigs. This leaves the new home with the financial burden of the vet bills and the recovery post surgery. Any responsible mini pig breeder should be willing to make the drive to a vet for a spay (no matter the distance) to ensure the piglet fully recovers with no complications post surgery.
*** Keep in mind that not every veterinarian will feel comfortable in altering a piglet as they are much different than a dog or a cat.***
We would STRONGLY advise all potential piggy parents to purchase a piglet who has already been spayed or neutered. The recovery is sometimes difficult for them and so is the procedure. The strain of this emotionally should never be placed on the new owners. Have your breeder take care of the altering before your piglet comes home.
No recognized breeders in Canada will sell unfixed piglets for an inexpensive price, as good bloodlines are hard to find. We have noticed that some breeders sell their female piglets on a spay contract. They leave it up to the new owner to find a veterinarian who is comfortable spaying pigs. This leaves the new home with the financial burden of the vet bills and the recovery post surgery. Any responsible mini pig breeder should be willing to make the drive to a vet for a spay (no matter the distance) to ensure the piglet fully recovers with no complications post surgery.
*** Keep in mind that not every veterinarian will feel comfortable in altering a piglet as they are much different than a dog or a cat.***
We would STRONGLY advise all potential piggy parents to purchase a piglet who has already been spayed or neutered. The recovery is sometimes difficult for them and so is the procedure. The strain of this emotionally should never be placed on the new owners. Have your breeder take care of the altering before your piglet comes home.
#05 Veterinarian Record
A breeder should provide you with a veterinarian record for your piglet. The breeder should have the piglet seen by a licenced veterinarian to ensure the piglet is of good health before it leaves. The piglet should have been wormed at least once before leaving. Responsible breeders take great pride in the health of their pigs. Most breeders also offer a health guarantee. The guarantee offered may vary between breeders, from a few days to one year. Ideally with any animal it is beneficial to have a longer guarantee. This will tell you the breeder you are purchasing from takes pride in the overall health of their piglets.
#06 Housing Conditions
The environment where the parent pigs are kept should be kept clean and have some natural light. If they are living in a barn setting they should have fresh straw and shavings. If they are in a house setting (like our breeder pigs) they should be provided with warm clean blankets. They should have access to an outdoor area that is CLEAN and also be provided with adequate shade during the hot summer days. For the winter and the colder months, the breeder's pigs should be provided with a warm shelter to keep them from the cold and the wind.
#07 Socialized Parent Pigs
The parent pigs should be well socialized. Most of this temperament will be passed onto the piglets. The breeder should also be able to tell you each parent pig’s individual personality type. This will tell you that they spend time interacting with their pigs. For breeders like this, their pigs are an extension of themselves and not seen as “money makers”. If the adult pigs are scared of the breeder, chances are the breeder will not be spending much time with the piglets either. All good and honest breeders breed these beautiful animals because of their passion for them and to help bring awareness about pig ownership. They put countless amount of hours into raising happy and healthy piglets!
#08 What's in a Name?
Keep in mind NOT every Kijiji ad claiming "micro" pigs is in fact a "micro" pig. Don't forget a micro pig, teacup pig, dwarf pig, nano pig, etc. is NOT a breed of pig. These are just marketing terms used by breeders. They are ALL mini pigs! Make sure you ask lots of questions before you purchase your piglet. This way you will be happy with the decision you made!
Research! Research! Research!
Research! Research! Research!
