Pig Care Guide
Sus scrofa domesticus (marketed as "mini pig" or "micro pig")
"Mini pig" is a marketing term, not a guaranteed adult size — many pigs sold as miniature still reach 70-150+ lbs, which changes the housing and bylaw picture considerably from what buyers expect.
Lifespan
12-20 years
Adult size
Highly variable; many "mini pigs" reach 70-150+ lbs despite marketing
Diet
Formulated mini pig pellets plus vegetables; prone to overfeeding and obesity
Temperament
Intelligent, social, food-motivated; can be stubborn without consistent handling
Housing
Secured outdoor rooting area plus indoor/shelter space; not suited to small yards
Legal notes
Many municipalities classify pigs as livestock and restrict or ban them in residential zones — check local zoning and bylaws first
Pet pigs are intelligent, trainable, and genuinely social animals, but the "teacup" or "micro" marketing around them has led to a lot of pigs outgrowing their owners' expectations and housing. Before bringing one home, it's worth confirming both that you can provide the space a full-grown pig needs and that your municipality actually permits keeping pigs on residential property.
Housing & space needs
- Provide a securely fenced outdoor area — pigs are strong diggers and can root under or push through weak fencing
- Include a dedicated rooting area with soil or mulch since digging and rooting are core natural behaviours
- Provide a dry, draft-free shelter with deep bedding for sleeping and winter warmth
- Indoor pigs still need daily outdoor access for rooting, exercise, and mental stimulation
- Avoid concrete-only or small apartment setups long-term — space restriction is a common cause of behavioural problems
Diet & feeding
- Feed a formulated mini pig or potbelly pig pellet as the diet base rather than regular livestock hog feed, which is calorie-dense for a companion pig
- Add fresh vegetables and limited fruit; avoid feeding to the point of visible weight gain
- Split daily food into two meals rather than free-feeding, since pigs will overeat given the chance
- Obesity is one of the most common health problems in pet pigs and shortens lifespan and mobility
- Provide constant access to clean water
Behaviour & handling
- Pigs are highly intelligent and can be trained with positive reinforcement, similar to dogs
- Establish consistent routines and boundaries early — pigs test limits, especially around food
- Provide rooting boxes, puzzle feeders, or foraging opportunities to prevent boredom-driven destruction
- Socialize pigs to handling and routine care (hoof trims, nail checks) from a young age
Health & common problems
- Obesity: the most frequent health issue in pet pigs, worsened by high-calorie treats and lack of exercise
- Overgrown hooves and tusks: need periodic trimming, more often in pigs on soft ground
- Sunburn: pale-skinned pigs need shade or sunscreen during outdoor time
- Find a veterinarian experienced with pigs before an emergency arises, since not all clinics treat them
Want this whole guide as a printable PDF?
Everything on this page — quick facts, every section, and the FAQs — as a clean, print-ready PDF you can keep with your pet care notes.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. "Mini pig" is a marketing term rather than a guaranteed size, and many pigs sold as miniature still reach well over 70 lbs as adults, sometimes considerably more.
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