Geoff Robinson Photography
Looks can be deceiving. Micro pigs maybe not be as manageable as they appear on the surface. Besides carrying a possibly unattainable $1,160 price tag, these cuties are more high-maintenance than you might think. The UK's Daily Telegraph has rooted up another side to ownership of the pint-size porcine that is considerably less cute than the pigs themselves, saying the micro pigs could be a maxi-disaster. The Telegraph spoke with Kirsty Bayley, who is the Pig Herd Manager at the Institute of Animal Health, and who shared a few details that might make you think twice before bringing home a tiny piglet.
For one thing, because the precious pigs are bred so exclusively for their size, the risks of inbreeding and its associated health risks go up. Among these myriad health risks is decreased fertility, which is a major problem if you're hoping for a portly profit.
Pigs are very social and surprisingly active creatures, so they're happiest with at least one companion pig, lots of room, and lots of toys. If they're not properly entertained, they can quickly begin exhibiting signs of depression, such as lethargy or repetitive movements, according to what Bayley told the Telegraph.
Bayley also warns potential pig purchasers to be wary of buying from a breeder without a reference, as there have been numerous documented stories of people purchasing what they believed to be micro pigs, only to have what were actually piglets grow into full-sized pigs once they hit their growth spurts.
Though the urge to get your hands on one of these delightful, darling pets may be irresistible, don't let it become an impulse buy. A toy-sized animal isn't a toy. Do your research, and make sure you and your family are thoroughly prepared to handle a micro pig or any other pet before you reach for your wallet.
Story update: For more information on this trend check out the video from ABC News below:
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I think it is totally immoral to breed any type of animal for profit. Animals are, like humans, meant to be loved, cherished and respected
I couldn't agree with you more, this is disgusting and there is one woman responsible for this and she should be ashamed of herself. This is not natural. STOP INBREEDING THESE ANIMALS. LET THEM LIVE THE WAY GOD PUT THEM ON THIS EARTH. IT IS CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT!!
I hope you don't eat meat then because they are raised and bred for profit and inbreeding among farm animals is not uncommon feeder pigs usually have a life expectancy of 6 months
You are so RIGHT! I agree 100%!
I totally agree, just take a walk thru a shelter near you and your heart will break. Even if you insist on having a pure breed there are rescue groups for all breeds.
Animals bred for profit? Look at the factory farming done with the chickens, turkeys, pigs and cattle in this country! If you are a vegen then I understand you're comment, but these animals endure cruelty beyond comprehension. Watch Meet Your Meat on You Tube..and have a box of kleenex ready. If these little pigs have love and good care, then it is better than the fate of the millions of animals that are butchered for our dinner plates!!!!
breeding for profit is the motive to breed better animals, inbreed linebreed and cull ruthlessly. you peta types have no clue as to how animals are bred. All your purebred animals were produced thru selective inbreeding, inbreeding DOES NOT cause defects, what causes defects are breeding the animals that carry the genes for the defect, inbreeding causes nothing. When you get defects thru outcrossing how cum no one blames the outcross
Not all breeders of animals for profit are horrible people, and not all animals being bred are treated like trash. Those who are breeding incorrectly and do not care for their animals are horrible, but those who are loving their animals and taking great care of them are boosting the economy, keeping people employed, and providing a wonderful life-time companion for carefully chosen homes across AMERICA. PUT THE BLAME ON THE PUPPY-MILLS and stop making all of those who raise animals look like trash.
OK inbreeding DOES increase the risk the offspring will have defects. Why? well say pig x is the mother pig, she gives birth to pig y and pig z. both of those pigs have a recessive gene for something like bad hips, so if you breed them together you get a 1/4th chance that their piglets will have bad hips. its genetics. i should know i raised showpigs for 5 years outbreeding CAN cause issues but they are no greater then breeding two pigs from the same breed and different families.
I AM APPAULED AT WHAT PEOPLE WILL DO FOR MONEY. WHO GAVE THIS LADY THE RIGHT TO MESS WITH NATURE? I FEEL BAD FOR THE ANIMALS IN THIS WORLD. THEY ALWAYS GET THE SHORT END OF THE STICK. PEOPLE ACT AS IF THEY FEEL NO PAIN. AND YES I AM A VEGAN.
I totally agree. If they were meant to be that way they would be. I don't know why this isn't considered animal cruelty.
I LOVE HAM!!!
r, you better go back to school, inbreeding DOES cause genetic problems, and linebreeding is NOT the same thing, inbreeding is the same as if you and your sis/bro produced children together. No I am not anything to do with PETA, I am a rancher.
r, you have no idea what I was trying to say in my comment. I am saying that factory farming is basically run 24/7 by alot of people who are money hungry. On the other hand, there are respectable people who do it the right way. The money hungry people are the ones who do not follow humane guidelines that are setforth by law. Sometimes these poor creatures are not even dead before processing takes place and they are skinned alive.The chickens can't walk because their bodies are so fattened up by hormones that their legs will not support them..I could go on and on..call me a PETA type or whatever label you choose to bestow upon me, but that is cruelty no matter what your views are, meat eater or not. I am not saying that in breeding is right, I'm just saying that there are many forms of abuse..all for the love of the mighty dollar.
peta sucks...
...and meat.
I also feel it is so immoral to breed and crossbreed any thing God created for a purpose. This has gone too far. It is time for all the people to stand united and be the voice these creatures dont have.
Well then you better not eat anything at all. All our produce (grains, vegetables, fruits, meat animals) have been selectively bred for the better of mankind. Guess you will just have to starve.
This is a damn shame, that so many dogs, puppies, cats,and kittens are in the shelter. Just go to your local Shelter and adopt one!
I absolutely agree! These piggies are super cute, but people should consider rescuing a helpless animal that may be facing euthanasia at the SPCA instead! My 2 rescued pit bulls look like little pigs too :)