Pigs

Hi everyone and welcome our new ‘pet profile’ style critter chat. After many inquiries about people wanting miniature pigs we decided to feature Buttercup & Perkins- two beloved staff pigs.

Buttercup

Star Sign: Aries. She is energetic and lively and not afraid to explore the unknown.

Interests: Food, digging and digging for food

Best Feature: Funny and affectionate

Worst Features: Pig headed and obsessed with food!

Size: 45cm high and about 35kg

Perkins

Star Sign: Libra. He is easygoing, very social and a little lazy.

Interests: Eating and Snoozing and Belly rubs

Best Features: Funny & Affectionate

Worst Features: Pantry raider and Tantrum chucker

Size: 65cm high and probably over 70kg- at this size he’s a little difficult to get on the scales!

Miniature pigs live to about 10-12 years and during those years go through a lot of food! If you are considering getting a miniature pig be aware that the terms ‘pig headed’, ‘pigsty’, and ‘eating like a pig’ are in our vocabulary because they are so true. Pigs are great fun and hilarious pets, but their food-obsession is all consuming. Buttercup is not afraid to invite herself to the neighbors Sunday brunch if she can smell the barby on, and doesn’t take it personally if bacon is on the menu. And both Jo and I are (too) well acquainted with any of our neighbors with a veggie patch.

Both pigs love to be involved in everything that is going on and generally get on well with our other pets, however introducing new pets is done with care as pigs are often harmed or harmful when there are new animals on the scene.

Miniature pigs bought from a reputable breeder usually come desexed, microchipped, wormed and vaccinated. They need 3 monthly worming and annual vaccination throughout their lives.

We hope this gives some of you thinking of buying a mini pig some food for thought. As a final note- please be warned, all my other pets are well trained and well behaved, and cause me very little drama- Buttercup, however, is out there! But that personality is why I love her! So take note, even a mini pig is a handful!
We hope you like this new lighthearted format. Please drop into the clinic if you think your pet may be a good feature pet for our column, and happy patting!