Debunking Myths About Mini Pigs
Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue
Your Educator for this Post
Thinking about adopting a Mini Pig? Read below for information and resources regarding the sizing of Mini Pigs!
Myth: Mini pigs do not exist.
Fact: Mini pigs do indeed exist! These charming creatures can vary in size, with healthy adults maturing to as small as 50 pounds at 5 years old. Over the years, mini pigs have been bred through selection and mixing of breeds to achieve their smaller size. These breeding programs have been ongoing since the 1940s and continue today in laboratories across the US and Canada, focusing on characteristics like personality, color, size, and conformation.
Myth: Mini pigs will all be the same size.
Fact: Healthy mini pigs typically range from 50 to 150 pounds, with some smaller breeds averaging between 50-80 pounds. The focus is often on their height rather than weight. Mini pigs can be over 150 pounds and should be assessed to ensure they are at a healthy weight for their size.
Myth: Teacup, micro, nano, pocket pigs, etc., are specific breeds of mini pigs.
Fact: These terms are not indicative of a particular pig breed but are used by breeders to describe pigs of various sizes. The American Mini Pig Association classifies mini pigs as "The American Mini Pig," a mix of over 12 different pig breeds initially brought into the US for research purposes.
Myth: Mini pigs are merely potbellies.
Fact: Mini pigs are not all Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs. Current mini pigs are a mix of various breeds, some with no potbellied genetics. They have a distinct build compared to other miniature breeds.
Myth: Mini pigs only stay small if they are underfed.
Fact: Mini pigs' size is influenced by genetics, diet, environment, and lifestyle. Ensuring proper nutrition and care is key to their health, and being underweight or overweight adversely affects their well-being.
Myth: A fat pig is a happy pig.
Fact: Mini Pigs should have a proportionate and streamlined body. Obesity in pigs leads to physical and mental health issues, and it's essential to maintain a healthy weight to avoid complications. The excess weight puts a huge stress on their body since they can develop painful arthritis and lose interest in everyday activities. Allowing a Mini Pig to become obese is irresponsible.
Myth: Mini Pigs are so tiny they can fit in your pocket like Chihuahuas.
Fact: Mini pigs should not be compared to small dogs. Their muscle and bone structure make them denser and heavier than dogs, even medium-sized ones. On average, fully grown mini pigs fall in the 14-18 inch size range.
Myth: Mini Pigs stop growing when they are just 1 or 2 years old.
FACT: Contrary to popular belief, Mini Pigs are not fully grown until they reach 5 years of age. Unfortunately, some breeders use this misconception to deceive buyers into thinking their pigs will remain small forever. It's crucial to remember that the parents of these pigs also take up to 5 years to reach their full size.
Myth: Mini Pigs grow at the same pace. For instance, siblings from the same litter will be identical in size by the time they are 6 months to one year old.
FACT: Each Mini Pig grows at its own unique pace. They are born with a specific genetic size that they will naturally reach at different points in their lives. While some pigs experience rapid growth during their first year, others may have significant growth spurts in their second or third year.
Additional Resources:
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#EducationandTraining------------------------------
Amanda LeFebvre
Volunteer
Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue
AK
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