Frequently Asked Questions

Pig Luv Co is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Valley Springs, California, dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of mini pigs in need. We specialize in fostering, rehoming, medical care, nutrition, and providing long-term sanctuary for these animals.

Sadly, many mini pigs are abandoned or rehomed due to unmet expectations, especially the misconception that they will remain "small." In addition to these challenges, mini pigs often suffer from abuse and neglect, as our country faces a growing crisis of mistreated animals.

At Pig Luv Co, we act with urgency to raise awareness about the critical issues affecting mini pigs. We are actively raising funds and promoting initiatives to create lasting change for these animals.

We invite you to join us in our mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of mini pigs. Your support is crucial to our efforts.

You can donate to Pig Luv Co by clicking on the 'Donate' button on our website or by sending a check to our mailing address: 39 California Street # 254, Valley Springs, CA 95252

Mini pigs have needs different from other house pets. Aside from specific nutrition requirements, mini pigs require certain vaccinations, worming protocols, hoof trimming, dental care and tusk trimming to maintain good health. It's also important to train your pig to tolerate such important mini pig care practices.

Owning a mini pig can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it's essential to be aware of the potential downsides. These include their intelligence, which can lead to boredom and destructive behavior if not adequately stimulated. They also have a strong desire to root, potentially damaging your property. Additionally, they can be prone to obesity and require specialized care, including finding a vet who can handle them. Here's a more detailed look at the cons:

Behavioral and Psychological:

• Boredom and Destructive Behavior:Mini pigs are incredibly intelligent and get bored easily if not mentally stimulated. This can lead to destructive behavior like chewing, pulling up carpet, or digging. 
• Rooting:Pigs have a strong instinct to root, which can damage yards, gardens, and even furniture. 
• Messy Eaters:Mini pigs can be messy when eating and may not be the cleanest of pets, potentially creating a mess in their enclosure or around the house. 
• Stubbornness:Pigs can be stubborn and difficult to train, especially compared to dogs. 
• Dominance Challenges:They may challenge family members for dominance, requiring consistent training and handling. 

Physical and Health:

• Obesity:Mini pigs are prone to obesity if not carefully monitored and given a balanced diet. 
• Specialized Veterinary Care:Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating mini pigs can be challenging. 
• Hoof Trimming and Other Care:Mini pigs require regular hoof trimming and other specialized care, such as tusk trimming and dental care. 
• Heat and Cold Sensitivity:They are susceptible to heat and cold, requiring shade and potentially heat sources in different climates. 

Other Considerations:

• Cost: The initial purchase price, along with ongoing costs for food, supplies, and vet care, can be significant. 
• Local Regulations: Some areas have restrictions on owning mini pigs, and owners may need to obtain permits or licenses. 
• Time and Attention: Mini pigs require a significant amount of time and attention, including daily walks, play, and interaction. 
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to pigs, potentially causing health issues. 
• Noise: Pigs can be loud, especially when squealing or being upset. 
• Socialization: They may not be suitable for households with other pets, especially cats or dogs, due to prey instincts and potential aggression. 

Mini pigs typically reach their full height (14-20 inches at the shoulders) and weight (75-150 pounds, potentially up to 200) by the time they are 4-5 years old. While some smaller ones might be 15-17 inches, they can still weigh up to 150 pounds.

More Details:

• "Teacup" or "Micro" Mini Pigs: These names are marketing terms and don't guarantee a smaller size. Mini pigs, regardless of marketing terms, can still grow to be 75-150+ pounds. 
• Growth: Mini pigs continue to grow and add weight until they are 4-5 years old. 
• Genetics and Environment: Genetics, diet, environment, and lifestyle (activity) can all influence the size of a mini pig. 
• Denser Build: Mini pigs are denser than dogs, so their weight can be misleading compared to dogs. 
• Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health problems. 
• Underfeeding: Underfeeding can stunt growth and cause health issues. 

While these terms are sometimes used, they have no official definition, and the size of a mini pig is best estimated from the size of their parents, with the understanding that they will continue to grow.

Here's why the terms "teacup" and "micro" are misleading:

• Misrepresentation:Baby piglets are often mistakenly advertised as teacup or micro pigs when they are simply potbellied pigs that haven't fully grown yet. 
• False Promises:Breeders may make promises about the pig's adult size, often misleading potential buyers about the pig's potential growth, warns PETA. 
• Underfeeding and Health Issues:Some breeders may underfeed piglets to keep them small, which can lead to health problems and stunt their growth. 
• Size Variation:Even within the potbellied pig breed, there can be significant size variations, notes the American Mini Pig Association. 

What to do:

• Research:Do your research on potbellied pig sizes and growth rates before adopting one. 
• Beware of Promises:Be cautious of breeders who guarantee that their pigs will stay teacup or micro-sized. 
• Consider Adoption:Many adult pigs in shelters and sanctuaries are in need of good homes. 

Yes, it is strongly recommended to spay or neuter mini pigs to improve their health and behavior. Spaying females prevents the risk of uterine tumors and infections, and eliminates the monthly heat cycle.

Reasons to spay/neuter:

• Health:Spaying prevents uterine tumors and infections, which can be fatal in females. Neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate infections in males. 
• Behavior:Spaying eliminates the heat cycle in females, reducing mood swings, aggression, and the urge to mate. Neutering reduces aggression, mounting, and territorial marking behaviors in males. 
• Odor:Neutering eliminates the strong, musky odor associated with boars. 
• Prevent Overpopulation:Spaying and neutering help control the overpopulation of mini pigs.
• Easier Training and Maintenance:Spaying and neutering can make pigs more docile, easier to train, and reduce the need for aggressive or territorial behaviors.

Mini pigs can be prone to dry skin, particularly during colder months, and hoof problems requiring regular trimming. They can also be susceptible to lung infections, especially in young pigs.

Here's a more detailed look at some common health problems:

Common Health Issues:

• Obesity: Mini pigs are prone to obesity due to their love of food. Overweight pigs can develop arthritis, diabetes, heart and liver disease. 
• Respiratory Issues: Upper and lower respiratory tract diseases are common, including pneumonia. 
• Skin Conditions: Dry skin, sunburn, sarcoptic mange (scabies), and yeast dermatitis are frequent problems. 
• Foot Abnormalities: Issues with hooves, such as foot infections and cracks, can occur. 
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Gastritis, gastric foreign bodies, and constipation are possible. 
• Urinary Tract Problems: Urinary stones (urolithiasis) are common in young male mini-pigs. 
• Reproductive Tract Problems: Various reproductive issues can affect mini-pigs. 
• Parasitic Infections: Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is a common ectoparasitic disease, and internal parasites can also be a concern. 
• Other: Eye problems, tumors, and dipity pig (a rare condition) can also occur. 

Mini pigs exhibit a range of behaviors, from playful and curious to dominant and even aggressive, influenced by factors like age, social interactions, and individual temperament. They are highly intelligent, social animals, and their needs for mental and physical stimulation are crucial for their well-being. 

Key Behavioral Traits of Mini Pigs:

• Intelligence and Curiosity:Mini pigs are known for their high intelligence and strong curiosity, often outperforming dogs in learning tests. They are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their environment. 
• Social Nature:Mini pigs are social animals that thrive when housed with other pigs of similar size and age. They form social hierarchies, with some individuals being more dominant than others. 
• Rooting:Pigs have a natural instinct to root, using their snouts to dig and forage for food. This behavior is essential for their well-being and should be encouraged through appropriate environmental enrichment. 
• Aggression:While generally social, mini pigs can exhibit aggressive behaviors towards other pigs or humans. Aggression can stem from various factors, including territoriality, food competition, fear, or even hormonal influences. 
• Food Motivation:Pigs are highly food-motivated, which can be leveraged for training and enrichment. However, it's important to manage food access and prevent obesity. 
• Vocalizations:Mini pigs communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including snorts, oinks, squeals, and grunts, which can convey different emotions and intentions. 
• Restraint Sensitivity:Pigs generally dislike being restrained and may struggle, scream, or even bite when held or picked up. 
• Playfulness and Bonding:Mini pigs can be playful and affectionate, enjoying interactive play and bonding with their owners. 
• Temperament:Individual temperament can vary, with some pigs being more docile and others being more challenging to manage. 

Mini-pigs don't sweat like humans; they have very few sweat glands. While they do have some sweat glands, they are not sufficient to regulate body temperature effectively. Mini-pigs primarily rely on other methods to cool down, such as wallowing in mud or water, seeking shade, and panting.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Limited Sweat Glands:Mini-pigs have a very small number of sweat glands compared to their body size. 
• Ineffective Sweat:The little sweat they do produce doesn't significantly contribute to heat dissipation. 
• Cooling Methods:Instead of sweating, mini-pigs use various methods to cool down, including:
  • Wallowing: Rolling around in mud or water helps cool them down through evaporation. 
  • Seeking Shade: They seek out shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight. 
  • Panting: Similar to dogs, they may pant to increase airflow and help dissipate heat. 
• Overheating:Due to their limited sweating ability, mini-pigs can easily overheat, especially in hot and humid conditions. 
• Importance of Cooling:Providing access to cool water, shade, and opportunities to wallow in mud is crucial for keeping mini-pigs comfortable and healthy, especially during warmer months.