Micro-pigs start life as tiny little piglets and don't become much bigger than a spaniel when they mature. The diminutive size makes them a more practical consideration for a pet than the larger farm pigs. Like their larger relatives, micro-pigs are intelligent, clean and relate well to people, including children. However, they are not low-maintenance pets. A new piglet needs as much care and training as a new puppy. Vet bills are another cost to bear in mind. If micro-pigs suit your lifestyle, financial situation and future plans, they do make excellent pets, being affectionate and easy to house-train.
Instructions
1. Set up appropriate living quarters for the pig. It needs a sleeping area, a large plastic tray as a litter tray, and food and drink bowls. A small room with a hard floor where you can confine the pig during toilet training is ideal. Outdoor accommodations need good insulation and possibly heating in winter. Old blankets and sweaters make suitable bedding material.
2. Provide clean water in a large heavy bowl. Change the water daily.
3. Feed the pig pellets specifically for micro-pigs, and supplement with grain, hay, fresh fruits and vegetables. Micro-pig dietary requirements are not the same as those of larger pigs. Moreover, the aim of most pig farmers is for their animals to gain weight quickly. For these reasons, commercial pellets for meat pigs are not a suitable staple diet. You can provide healthy human food scraps as treats, but do not feed your pig anything high in fat, salt or sugar.
4. Toilet-train your pig as early as possible. Keep the pig confined to one area until it is house-trained. To house-train a micro-pig, lead it to the litter tray several times a day, especially first thing in the morning and after meals. Alternatively, take it outside, and wait until it does its business. Take the pig to the tray on a schedule, remove any other messes immediately, and keep the litter tray in the same place. Pigs are instinctively clean, and you can usually house-train them within a week. Piglets under 6 months old, however, may still have accidents.
5. Arrange an appointment with a veterinarian who has experience with pigs. Your pet needs an initial checkup, any necessary vaccinations and an appointment for spaying or neutering. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the animal's care, diet or training.
6. Accustom your pig to a harness. Harness training makes it easier to exercise the pig.
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