Pigs as Pets – Learn about the animal some important things to consider about pigs

Pigs as Pets

Pigs can make great pets. They have a gregarious, inquisitive nature and are responsive to training. However there are some important things to consider for responsible pig ownership.

Do your homework before making Pigs as Pets

There are no true breeds of miniature pigs in Australia. Small pig size is the result of selective breeding for small size. Seek out a reputable breeder. Ask to see the parents of the pig so you have an indication of potential adult size and temperament. However there are no guarantees that your pig will stay small. Complaints received have included pigs growing a lot larger than expected and one pig that became very territorial and aggressive to visitors.

Pigs as Pets Natural behavior

Natural behavior for pigs includes rooting with their snouts. They like to dig in the garden and can be quite destructive. Ensure that you have enough space and suitable housing for your pig before you buy. Some people advocate the use of nose rings to minimize the rooting behavior of pigs but this is not recommended. It causes the pig pain when it roots around and it is the pain that causes a decrease in the rooting behavior. Be aware that some pigs can become expert at opening doors and cupboards in search of food if you allow your pet pig inside your house. This might be funny the first time, but can be a nuisance. Keep pigs away from food storage areas such as refrigerators as the doors are easily opened. Get your pig desexed to avoid unwanted sexual behaviors. Pigs in the wild and domestic pigs (including pet pigs) will kill and eat small animals. Feral pigs in Australia do kill and eat baby lambs and other wildlife. Never leave young children unsupervised alone with a pig.

Rules or Laws related to having Pigs as Pets

Swine must not be kept (and swine’s dung must not be deposited) within 60 metres (or such greater distance as the council may determine in a particular case) of a dwelling, shop, office, factory, church or other place of public worship, workshop, school or public place in a city, town, village, or other urban part of an area”

Prohibited pig feed

It is illegal to feed meat or meat products or anything that has been in contact with meat to pigs. This includes table scraps and bakery waste that contains meat such as pies or pizzas. This is called ‘swill feeding’ and it is illegal in all states and territories of Australia. This regulation is an important component of Australia’s bio-security plan to keep exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease out of Australia. Milk, milk products, or milk by-products either of Australian provenance or legally imported for stock-feed use into Australia can be fed to pigs. Note: waste milk from dairy farms should not be fed to pigs because of the risk of antibiotic residues.

Feeding

Pigs are omnivorous and will eat most feed-stuffs including grains, eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The purchase of pig pellets is recommended as these will be formulated with the necessary protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for a healthy pig. Very young pigs should be fed at least twice per day with high quality feed such as grain based porridge or moistened pig pellets. Addition of milk powder will improve palatability. Vegetables such as diced carrot and broccoli; fruits such as banana and apple; dairy products such as cheese; and bread or biscuits can be fed as treats. Cool fresh water for drinking should be available at all times. Establish a routine from the beginning and you will avoid most problems.

Pigs as Pets Housing

The comfortable temperature range for pigs changes as they mature. Very young pigs do best in a temperature range of 28 to 30˚C. Adult pigs are most comfortable with a temperature range of 18 to 22˚C. Provide a sheltered sleep area with a thick bed of straw so the pig can burrow in for warmth in winter. In very cold areas you could provide a dog coat for your pig. In summer you need to provide a shaded wallow so pigs can wet themselves for cooling. Pigs do not sweat and suffer heat stress when the temperature is above 30˚C.

Diseases Pigs as Pets

Pigs can carry several zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that are transferable from animals to humans and include leptospirosis, brucellosis (Brucella suis) and Streptococcus suis infection. Pigs are also susceptible to internal and external parasites. You should discuss an appropriate vaccination and worming/treatment protocol with your private veterinarian. Brucella suis is common in feral pigs in Queensland and has been detected in feral pigs in northern New South Wales (NSW). Prevention is to avoid contact with feral pigs. Brucellosis (Brucella suis) has been detected in dogs that have been pig-hunting in northern NSW, and dogs that have been fed raw feral pig meat. Pigs can become infected with the human influenza virus. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was first diagnosed in pigs in NSW in 2009. This virus became a seasonal virus in the human population. Infection in pigs did not show systemic clinical signs typical of ‘classical’ Swine Influenza, which is exotic to Australia.