Are you interested in owning one of the countless cute teacup pigs available for sale? If so, you aren't alone.
But all too often, potential owners don't take the time to understand how to care for their teacup pig and instead purchase one without studying up on what it's like to actually own one for decades to come.
If you've been considering purchasing your own piglet, the following 10 tips can help clarify whether or not owning a pig is the right move for you.
1. Ensure Ownership is Legal Where You Live
It's not legal to own a pig in every county, town, and state. This means that you need a proper license for your new pet and if you don't want to be reported by a neighbour for illegally owning livestock, you must properly investigate the law in your area prior to making a purchase.
2. Ensure You Can Handle a Fully Grown Pig
Falling in love with any teacup pigs for sale isn't difficult, but they won't stay the same size forever. And while these pigs are designed to be smaller as regular pigs, they will grow to be approximately 50 or 60 pounds.
3. Ensure You're Comfortable With Their Lifespan
If you move around a lot or have trouble committing to a pet, a pig might not be the right option for you. That's because teacup pigs can live for 15 to 20 years, meaning that you must be ready to care for your pet from a long-term perspective.
4. Ensure You Can Afford Your New Pet
Pigs are more expensive than most pets and cost approximately $1,000. Of course, this doesn't include the cost to ship your new pet to your home or nearest airport, spaying or neutering, as well as routine feeding and healthcare expenses.
5. Ensure That You're Prepared to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
While dogs and cats can survive and live a healthy life without being spayed or neutered, the same isn't true for pigs. If you don't spay or neuter, you run the risk of having an unmanageable animal once they reach adulthood.
This is particularly true for male teacup pigs as they will begin to smell, become aggressive, and grow tusks that can destroy your home and make it difficult to keep them as a pet.
6. Ensure That You Have Time to Train Your Pig
Like dogs, teacup pigs can be trained to behave as you wish. Often, it's best to use positive reinforcement for training purposes so that you can give your piglet a treat whenever they perform tasks or tricks properly.
You can even use dog training manuals for guidance in how to train your pig, making it easier to care for your pig when you invest proper training time.
7. Ensure You're Prepared to Potty Train and Clean Up After Your Pet
Like cats, many owners choose to litter train their pet pigs. However, litter training is often only manageable when a piglet is still young.
Once your pig grows older, you're going to be taking care of a mess you would expect from other adult pigs. Of course, accidents also happen so you must be prepared to be handling rather large messes at times.
8. Ensure That You Have Time to Exercise Your Pig
Just like every other pet, pigs need exercise too. This means that you must make time for daily walks to ensure that your pig stays in prime physical health.
If you don't, you might experience more messes in the home as well as costly health problems if your pig becomes overweight.
9. Give Your Pig the Comfort They Want
Designed to root, a teacup pig will want blankets that they can use to feel comfortable and secure. It's often best to keep blankets in the key areas that your pet enjoys staying whether in its pen, crate, on the couch, in the car, or in other areas of your home.
10. Give Your Pig the Resources They Need
Pigs need water not only for drinking but for playing too. Investing in a small pool will give your new pet a place not only to cool off and regulate its body temperature but also to play and create mud.
Of course, this is also why potential pig owners must be comfortable with constant cleaning and typical messes, as pigs naturally want to play outside and in the mud.
Are You Still Thinking About Buying One of Many Teacup Pigs for Sale?
A teacup pig can make for a great pet, especially to owners who fully understand the implications of owning one of these exotic creatures.
If you still feel as if a miniature pig is the right pet for you, invest in your own and enjoy the companionship of a true friend for years to come.