Domestic decorative pig: description, photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A decorative pig, or, as it is often called, a mini-pig, is an analogue of an ordinary pig, which was first bred in Germany back in the 50s of the last century. The progenitors of these miniature domestic animals are the bellied Vietnamese pigs and small wild boars, which are naturally small in size. The first of these are still very popular in the United States to this day.

Intelligence

It's no secret that many people hold traditional views about animals that can be kept at home. Mostly dogs and cats. But scientists have long proven that pigs have the same intelligence as monkeys and dolphins.

In mini-pigs, conscious behavior is much more pronounced than in the same dogs and cats, so we can state with confidence: pigs are smarter, which means that they learn to perform various commands faster. Here, a favorite treat plays a decisive role, so the pig will do everything.possible to get it.

Cleanliness

It's hard for many to imagine that a decorative pig at home will walk around everywhere, climb into your arms and even jump on sofas and beds. But trust me, they are very clean in nature. Even ordinary pigs, which are bred on pig farms, go to the toilet in only one corner. And dwarf decorative pigs and even more so. They literally get used to going to the tray in a matter of days and never upset their owners with numerous puddles in the wrong places.

In addition, these animals are practically odorless, which cannot be said about dogs and cats. If you take care of them and keep them clean, then decorative pigs (reviews from happy owners of funny pigs are evidence of this) do not smell at all. The smell of urine can only come from boars, but after they undergo the castration procedure, it immediately disappears.

Hypoallergenic

Mini-pigs have one significant advantage compared to other pets: they do not have hair, which means that the owner is not allergic to it either. Yes, pigs have bristles, but their shedding is not as pronounced as in dogs or cats. These animals are very fond of swimming. During this procedure, most of the dead stubble can be combed out quite easily.

Character

Decorative pigs are very funny creatures. They are mobile, love to run and frolic on the street. The temperament of these cute animalspretty good-natured. They quickly become attached to whoever feeds them. In addition, they are inquisitive and mischievous, watching their pranks is a pleasure!

Pigs get along peacefully with other animals living in the house, especially dogs. Moreover, it is better to start a pig if there is already at least one pet in the house. The fact is that they belong to social animals, accustomed to living in groups. Therefore, being alone, they can cheat out of boredom in such a way that you can only marvel at their ingenuity.

Behavior

Those who decide to get a mini pig, it would be useful to know that pigs are capable of making quite a lot of sounds. It can be either a gentle grunt or a shrill, ear-filling squeal. Owners eventually get used to such communication with their pet and even begin to understand them.

These pigs are very smart and quick to understand where food is stored in the house. Many of them can easily open refrigerators, so each owner invents his own special way to protect his food supplies from his pet. But the easiest and most reliable option is to lock the door to the kitchen.

Feeding

Both ordinary and domestic ornamental pigs are omnivores. She eats almost any food. But so that your pet does not get fat, you must follow a simple feeding regimen. To do this, two ordinary dog stable bowls are placed in the kitchen: one with food and the other with water. fedpigs two or three times a day, but they should always have clean and fresh water, always at room temperature.

As for food, it is best to give pigs vegetables and fruits, various root crops and cereals boiled in water. Ornamental pigs (their photos are presented in the review) are very fond of zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, beets, pumpkins, potatoes, turnips, both raw and boiled. You can add grated raw vegetables to the porridge. Buckwheat, oatmeal, barley and other cereals are suitable for feeding these animals. It is worth noting that they are very fond of apples, which contain a large amount of vitamins, as well as iron, which is necessary for harmonious development.

Do not forget about various mineral supplements. Sometimes you need to give mini-pigs some black bread and sprouted grains, as they are a source of vitamins. Fish oil with bone meal in small quantities will also be useful. Protein food must also be added to the animal's diet, and it must be at least 10%. It can be whey, cottage cheese or kefir. Quite often, the breeders themselves, as an addition to the main food, give their wards dog food that contains some meat.

As you can see, the decorative pig is unpretentious and will eat with great pleasure everything that is offered to it. But it is worth remembering that you do not need to overfeed your pet. It is not recommended to treat him with too sweet, s alty or spicy food.

Care

Both feeding and keeping miniature pigs does not take much time. They need to be bathed periodically. And here there are no problems, because animals love water very much. Therefore, such a procedure will not cause them any negative emotions. In addition, they like to be rubbed with a special brush. They are bathed in warm water, then dried and wrapped. In the hot summer, they can pour water into the bath, and they will splash in it with pleasure.

Like all pets, mini pigs need fresh air and sunlight. Therefore, the piglet must be gradually accustomed to a leash and a harness in order to be able to go for a walk with him. The decorative pig needs them because it allows him not only to be in good shape, but also to grind his hooves. In the warm season, when there is so much fresh greenery around, the pigs find and eat dandelions and nettles. Plants are an additional source of vitamins that contribute to the well-being of the animal. In winter, walks should be limited, as mini-pigs are very sensitive to cold and drafts, from which they often catch colds and get sick. That is why they are worn in the fall, and in the winter season it is recommended to leave them at home.

Ornamental pig, like ordinary pets, needs routine vaccination. Although they are miniature, their diseases are typical for their species. A pet must be vaccinated immediately after its acquisition. To do this, it must be shown to the veterinarian, who must draw up a vaccination schedule, as well as give other recommendations for caring for the animal. Contact a specialistyou will also have to deal with the issue of castration in case your mini-pig turned out to be a boar. The hooves of the pig also require care, so after some time they need to be carefully trimmed.

Breeds

I must say right away that there are no clear standards for mini-pigs yet, so there is often confusion with their varieties. Now they are divided mainly into weight categories. Today's most famous ornamental pig breeds:

● Mini Mayalino. This breeding breed is listed in the world famous Guinness Book of Records. This pig is the smallest, as the weight of an adult does not exceed 10 kg.

● Bergshtresser knirt, or karapuzik. A small pig, selectively sourced from a Vietnamese pig. It is considered the most popular breed in Europe. She weighs only 12 to 15 kg.

● Goettingen mini-pig. The breeding pig, bred in Germany, looks very similar to the Vietnamese. The weight of the representatives of this breed is already much more - 70-90 kg.

● Vietnamese bellied pig. She is the progenitor of all dwarf breeds without exception. Her selection was aimed only at reducing individuals. Their size can vary from 45 to 100 kg. They are popular only in America and are kept mainly in country houses with plots, as they will be too crowded in small apartments.

Lifespan

Like all living beings, decorative pigs are also prone to serious diseases. How long do these liveanimal - this is the question that interests many people who decide to have such a cute pet. In general, mini-pigs have good immunity and are distinguished by good he alth, so their average life expectancy is from 15 to 20 years.

The condition of a pet always depends on how it is taken care of. Therefore, if it becomes noticeable that the animal is coughing or sneezing, moving little, or it has a digestive upset, it is urgent to take it to the veterinarian. He will determine the severity of the disease and give detailed recommendations for treatment.