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Kim's Kreature Komforts

Miniature Pig Information-FAQ
There are at least six (6) distinct types of miniature pigs:
Vietnamese Pig (also called Potbellied Pig)**
Juliani Pig (AKA-Painted Miniature Pig-From England)**
African Pygmy Pig (also called Guinea Hogs)**
Yucatan Pig (also called the Mexican hairless)**
Ossabaw Island Pig (also called 'Feral" pig)**
Kunekune Pig (originated in New Zealand-Long hair and spotted)**
Royal Dandies are a hybrid that was developed in the Pacific Northwest.
There are "spin-offs" from some of the listed pigs as well.  The descriptions and sizes, of these pigs, will vary with the crossing of one breed to another. Teacup pigs are also known as mini pigs, micro pigs, and miniature pigs depending upon their size.                                         
                                We Sell Juliana Pig or Painted Miniature Pig
The Juliani pig traces its ancestry back to Europe and was developed through a selective breeding program to enhance small size, temperament and intelligence.  Juliana miniature pigs were then imported to the United States.  Juliana pigs are reported being the result of crossing several breeds.  They have small to medium ears, a slight potbelly, short hair and a straight tail. Sometimes called "The Painted Miniature," Juliana pig colors can be red, red and black, white and black, black, silver, brownish red and white and solid white/Pink as babies with spots emerging later.  The legs are longer on a Juliana pig than the potbellied pigs’ and they are slightly smaller with a straighter back line and a smooth forehead.  They have a gentle disposition and love to play.  Juliana miniature pigs litter box train very easily. Height: 13" to 16" (at the hip which is the tallest point on a pig) Weight:50# and up. Throughout history pigs have been held in the highest regard.  It is know that in the early 1800's pigs frequently were the choice for church carvings.  In those times the Wild Boar ranked with lions as the choice of animal on heraldic family crests.  In some cultures the pig, or its images, have been regarded as fertility and good luck symbols.  And, who knows what political legends really lie behind the tales of "The Three Little Pigs," or the rhyme that goes with kids' bare toes?  We only know that a lot of us grew up loving pigs. –Courtesy of CPPA

Frequently Asked Questions:

At what age do you let the babies go home to their new owners? The babies can go to their forever homes at 3 weeks if you complete their weaning with goats milk.  If their new families want them weaned here, it happens at 4-5 weeks. New piglets start to try solid food at 1 week of age.
How many hours do they sleep? If they are raised indoors they nap on and off all day and sleep through the night.  If they are not raised indoors they sleep days and they are up often during the night. They sleep about 16 hours total in a 24 hour period.
How often and how much do they eat each day? We leave food for them out all day so that their bodies do not feel they have to retain the calories.  If they are given small amounts they will retain the calories as food seems scarce and get very fat. Adults eat about 4 cups of pig food a day if their bowl is kept full all day.  They can eat about 10 cups of food if they are only fed in the morning and evening.
How often do they go to the bathroom? Generally, it is about 3 times a day, but if they are put in any water they will go also.
At what age can they get neuter?  Males are neutered at 2 weeks but anytime before 4 months is ideal.
What are some of the special needs that I should know about owning a miniature pig? There are too many special needs to list.  It is like adopting a new dog, cat and rabbit or a new human toddler. I recommend the following book: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=miniature+pig+book
What kind of vet visits are required? They should have their first visit to the vet as soon as you get them home so that they are comfortable with the vet. Much like dogs or cats, if you can give them their shots yourself, they only need to see the vet if they get injured.  If the vet is needed to administer their shots, that is done annually.
Are females more loving and easier to train then males? The neutered males are the most loving. Females are more independent as they get older. The trade off is that the females are a bit smarter.
What if I get tired of my pig and want to return it? There are no refunds for pigs.  You need to commit to a long, 18 year, relationship just as you would a cat or dog.  These are not disposable animals. If you can't commit-don't adopt or purchase any pet.
Are they scared to be left alone if I work? This is different with every pig. Some people that are away for lengths of time will purchase two pigs so that they have company or they often bond with other household pets.
Do they get sick easy if I decided to take him or her to work with me? No, they do not get sick easily. If they are current on their shots there is not much that gets them ill.  I have not had any illness in my pigs, ever.  Accident injury is the only risk, which is frequent in new environments because of their curiosity factor.
What are their personalities like? Their personalities are all different.  My litters are very mellow because they are raised indoors.
Can they bite? Yes, they can bite. When they are young they get excited about treats and will try to taste your finger.  Also, if they are scared they will try to bite anything.  They have a small mouth and small teeth but very strong jaws.
Should I put sweaters on them when it's cold? No-A sweater is stressful to them and harness training takes loads of time as well.  They are best to not be in the cold for over an hour.

Types of Miniature and Exotic Pet Pigs (Most hybrids were developed by Universities across the U.S. for research labs to be able to accommodate more pigs in a given area.)  
Copyright . Kim Milburn. All rights reserved.