Today’s hed gif comes from the YouTube channel PiggyGirl2010 and features a young Hamlet the mini pig. I love how he throws himself at the bowl of oatmeal at the end there. That’s the sort of commitment to food to which I can certainly relate.
On paging through the channel, I see that Hamlet is still living the good life. In May 2023 he celebrated his 13th birthday and seems to show no signs of slowing down. He’s also a terrific helper in pumpkin carving activities.
While there’s no denying that mini pigs are super cute, be aware that choosing one for a pet is a huge commitment. While they are indeed likely to be smaller than other breeds of farm pigs (assuming the breeder is a reputable one), they still can get quite large. A standard mini pig ranges from 35 to 50 cm tall and can weigh between 50 and 150 pounds when fully grown. But any pig that weighs less than 350 pounds is considered a “mini pig.”
Pigs, even the small variety, are not always legally allowed in municipal zones, so of course checking on your local regulations is a must before adopting a mini pig. And be ready for a long-term commitment: a well-cared-for mini pig lives for 15 to 20 years on average. As you can imagine, an animal this large will require a lot of space and feeding, and because pigs are curious and intelligent, they will also need a great deal of regular stimulation. But if you are the type of person willing to put the effort in for pig ownership and providing a “forever home” for the long haul, they can be an affectionate companion.
Learn more about the challenges of mini pig adoption here, at the BC SPCA website. The National Farm Animal Care Council of Canada also has an extensive 137-page report for the care and handling for pigs, and there are other online education sites, such as the American Mini Pig Association.
Oh, hell that video is funny, especially the jump into the oatmeal bowl.
I remember seeing a short segment on tv (pre internet days) about a family that got a pot bellied pig as a pet but it was just a baby pig and grew to be farm sized. It was still their pet and took up all the room on the couch and roamed around the house like a large dog. One of the treats they gave her was bacon which she loved. Pig cannibalism!