Mini Pigs are wonderful little pigs that win hearts with their incredible character and attractiveness. These charming creatures are descended from Vietnamese pigs, which attracted the attention of breeders with their strong immunity, compact size, high level of intelligence and cleanliness.
The history of mini-pigs is related to the study of genetic mechanisms responsible for the growth and development of animals. With the use of this knowledge, it was possible to carry out selective crossing to obtain miniature breeds of pigs. The most famous breeds are: Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (45-100 kg), Göttingen mini-pig (70-90 kg), Siberian miniature pig (up to 50 kg), Wizenau (20-25 kg), Bergstresser Knirt (7- 15 kg) and minimayalino (10-12 kg).
On average, these animals live from 10 to 15 years, but some of them can enjoy life up to 19 years. They grow up to two years, after which there is a period when they only gain weight. The color of the bristles can be different: from red to black.
Today, mini-pigs have become popular as pets, because they differ from their larger relatives not only in size, but also in character. They are known for their friendliness and sociability: they quickly get used to people and other pets, understand commands well, can be taught various tricks, are neat and unpretentious in care. All this makes them excellent companions for those looking for a reliable and cheerful friend.
Care for mini freckles
Feeding minipigs
First of all, you need to take care of a balanced diet consisting of vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin), fruits (apples, pears, grapes), porridge on water, fermented milk products and vitamin supplements if necessary. We do not recommend feeding your pet with food for cats, dogs and ordinary pigs due to the high protein content. If you want to add meat to your diet, give it only once a week.
Prohibited foods include beets, corn, seafood, sweets, spicy, smoked, fried and salty foods. In guinea pigs, all these products can cause digestive problems and cause an allergic reaction.
How to arrange a corner for a minipig
Pay special attention to arranging a cozy corner for a mini-pig. The ideal environment for him will be a private house with a yard. A large apartment can also become a comfortable home for them. Since these animals are smart and restless, it is better to allocate a separate room for them or a part of the room with a fence. Otherwise, when you return home, you may be unpleasantly impressed by the chaos that your pet has created.
Minipig activity: walks and games
Be sure to allow enough time for walks, games and training. This will allow you to keep the pig in good physical shape, develop various skills and strengthen the common bond. During walks, keep in mind that guinea pigs do not tolerate heat and can quickly hypothermize.
Keep an eye on your mini pig’s health
Schedule visits to the vet. They will help you monitor your mini-pig’s health and detect any problems or diseases in time, such as: skin problems (eczema, fungus), gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence), dental problems , respiratory tract diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia), eye and ear diseases (conjunctivitis, ear mite).
Hygienic care
Caring for mini-pigs includes several important stages that affect the health and appearance of the mini-pig. We share the main secrets with you.
- Combing Pigs are considered hypoallergenic, they have bristles that shed seasonally. The change of the coat is not intense, but regular brushing with a silicone brush is important both for increasing blood circulation and for continuous correct change of the bristles themselves.
- Cleaning ears and eyes. Check your mini-pig’s ears regularly for dirt or earwax, and gently clear mucus from the eyes. Use cotton pads and sticks soaked in a special solution.
- Hoof trimming. Avoid cutting the hooves too deeply to avoid damaging the blood vessels, as they are almost invisible. If you often walk with your pet on the asphalt, the hooves will shrink on their own and the procedure can be done less often. Pigs’ hooves can crack in winter, so after every walk it is important to take care of them by applying a special cream or balm.
- Bathing. Mini-pigs do not need frequent bathing, although they adore this procedure. If necessary, you can use a mild hypoallergenic shampoo and warm water. Do not buy cosmetics for dogs and cats, because they can dry out the sensitive coat of the guinea pig. Thoroughly wash off the shampoo and dry your pet with a towel or hair dryer at a low temperature. You can use oil for additional moisturizing after bathing or a mask directly during bathing.
Over the past few years, the popularity of mini-pigs among pet lovers has grown rapidly. Many owners of guinea pigs share their lives and the lives of their pets on social media, which contributes to the spread of their population. If you decide to adopt a mini pig into your family, you need to understand all the intricacies of care and follow them to ensure a happy and healthy life for them.
Team V.O. G DOG is always aware of all trends and can help you take care of your pig in a salon convenient for you in Kyiv. Our masters know how to cut hooves correctly, buy and carry out other procedures, focus your attention on the first manifestations of the disease and provide detailed advice on all issues that may concern you. We are extremely pleased to see how our little clients grow up in the love and care of both owners and groomers.
And now we offer you to enjoy wonderful photos of minipigs:
