Tea Cup Pigs

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tea cup pigs, also called miniature pigs, were originally bred for medical research. The breed began in Europe after scientists selectively bred larger pigs for smaller size. The smaller pigs were better conducive for scientific research. Later on the smaller pigs where brought to the United States and sold as pets. In Europe they primarily remained as test subjects for scientific research. Miniature pigs have been used for medical research including toxicology, pharmacology and aging. Sometimes they are still kept as pets in Europe and in the UK they are found in zoos, parks, and farms as well as pets and for medical research.

In the United States, keeping tea cup pigs as pets has become a fad of sorts. Celebrities in Europe first started the trend but it quickly spread to the US where actors and socialites turned them into the newest hot item. From them it quickly spread. One episode of a very funny and popular TV show featured a very tiny but apparently adorable tea cup pig. The tea cup pigs are sold when they are very tiny piglets. Breeders sometimes exaggerate how small they will remain in order to boost sales. Despite this reputation for being small, the tea cup pigs do grow to be about the size of a Labrador Retriever. Many other breeds of pigs grow to weigh 300-600lbs and some grow as large as 1,000lbs. Typically tea cup pigs weight from 20-30lbs to 150lbs and stand less than 21 inches at the withers. Although tea cup pigs are smaller than average, they are not small and diminutive. They are, however, smart, mischievous and looking for attention.

Tea cup pigs are sold by breeders and not your neighborhood pet store. Breeders commonly advertise their pigs through their websites. Here you can see the breeds that the breeders raise and learn about the specific needs of the pigs, which can help you determine which one to choose. Some websites are Tea cup Piggies, Teacup Pigs for Sale and Royal Dandies. The latter is where Paris Hilton reputedly purchased her own tea cup pigs.

Teacup pigs, like purebred and specialty breeds of dogs can be expensive. Unlike the typical pot-bellied pig, which you can purchase for about $150, teacup pigs run $1000 or more. The smaller the breed of teacup pigs, the more you will pay. The smallest breeds can easily fetch $4000 -$4500 per pig.

Purchasing a live animal requires special consideration for a number of factors. You need to consider the age at which the pig can be weaned from its mother, when it can be shipped and if there are any shipping restrictions that may apply. You need to know how to properly care for it and what the refund policy is if it should have health problems. You also need to look into local laws regarding keeping a pig. Some places require that teacup pigs be kept on property designated for farm use. Contact the breeder about these things and they should be able to supply you with the correct information.

Filed Under: Micro Pigs, Tea Cup Pigs Tagged With:

Pot Bellied Pigs, A Popular Pet

April 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Pot bellied pigs are on the rise in popularity. Known for their cute size and general intelligence, these animals make the perfect pet for homeowners all over the country. Considerably smaller than the standard American or European farm pig, potbellied pigs are usually the size of a medium or large breed dog. Normally, pigs are associated with the bacon industry. They are bred on farms strictly for the purpose of eventually being slaughtered and sold to supermarkets all over the world as a common bacon product to be eaten at breakfast. Luckily, potbellied pigs are the exception to the norm and are often too small to be breed merely for bacon.

The body of the potbellied pig is comparably denser than the body of a standard American or European farm pig and weighs about 136 kg, which is equivalent to a weight of between 20 to 300 pounds. You can easily tell the difference between a potbellied pig and a regular American or European farm pig by looking at its size, upper right ears, and its straight tail.

As with all species, there are considerable differences between the male and female potbellied pig, and it is advised that males get neutered to avoid problems later on as they age. Pot belly pigs are considered to be fully grown by the time they reach the age of six years.

You can get these animals at shelters that offer adoption or you can buy them from stores. More and more people are taking potbellied pigs into their home and keeping them as pets for their children and families to play with. Even celebrities have begun owning pigs. However, this animal is classified as a type of exotic pet, a pet that is not typically kept in homes. For instance, dogs, hamsters and rabbits are considered typical pets. On the other hand, pigs, and small monkeys are considered exotic pets. Exotic pets usually require special eating habits and domestication. Therefore, if you are going to get a potbellied pig as a pet, consider that you may be in for a few surprises.

However, in spite of the some of the challenges that come along with owning pot bellied pigs, the entire experience can be a rewarding one. These animals have many skills, talents and other valuable attributes that set them apart from dogs, cats or other typical domesticated pets. They make different sounds, and can be trained to do all sorts of unique things.

When making your purchase or adopting be sure to find out all the information you can about the animal. Consider the breed and ask about the size the pet will grow to. While many of these pigs are purchased or adopted small, they often end up surprising owners by growing to surprisingly large sizes. Make sure you are well educated on the habits and food requirements of the pig before bringing it on your home so you can have the best experience possible.

Filed Under: Micro Pigs, Pot Bellied Pigs Tagged With:
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