Micro-Pigs (or miniature pigs to give them their correct name) have taken the Country by storm in recent years. With a number of celebrities now owning the curious creatures, they are now considered to be one of the ‘must have’ pets. With stories surfacing of unsespecting owners being sold regular pigs however, we thought we’d see what makes a micro or mini pig different from everyday pigs.
“One of the common misconceptions is their size”, says breeder Bill Hatchman. “Everybody relates ‘micro-pigs’ to being very very small. They see a piglet and they’re not told it’s genetic make-up – so they go home thinking that that pig is not going to get any bigger”.
Bill has worked with pigs for most of his life and even breeds miniature pigs of his own. Having spent more than 10 years studtying the creatures – he’s considered to be an expert on the breed. He explains how some people are left surprised when their micro pigs begin to grow. “That all comes down to the breeder. If the breeder gives the right information there are no surprises. If I’m selling one of my pigs I invite the person down to see the pig and see the parents so they know how big they can expect their pig to grow”.
Micro pigs continue to grow up to the age of three years old and will usually grow to the size of a medium sized dog. They can live for up to 18 years and so should not be taken on lightly.
Video by Kristen Hobden.