| $ $ Continuous Expenses: $500 - $1,1K | $ $ $ Primary Expenses: $645 - $8K |
We have all seen pictures and videos on the Internet about Teacup, Mini or Pygmy pigs.
They are the size of a tiny dog, and you can carry them with you, just as you would with a dog that size.
They are adorable and come in a variety of colors.
The problem with Teacup pigs or Miniature pigs is that they don’t exist.
Yes, we could argue that they are smaller than regular farm pigs, but they don’t stay in that miniature size you see in pictures or videos.
That’s only when they are piglets.
Over the past few decades, there has been a misunderstanding of what Teacup or Mini pigs are and how large they get.
These pigs are generally Vietnamese potbellied pigs, Ossabaw Island pigs, and Kunekune pigs from New Zealand that have been inbred and underfed to keep them as small as possible to later sell them as Teacup pigs.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a Teacup or Mini Pig, there are a few things you should know first.
Table of Contents
Is A Teacup Pig The Right Pet For Me?
Teacup Pigs are not a pig breed, that’s the name that became popular when describing pig breeds that were smaller than regular farm pigs.
Teacup pigs are still big pigs that need a lot of attention, care, and a large budget to take good care of them.
One of the first things you should check is whether it’s legal to have pigs in your city and neighborhood.
Pigs are social animals and they need the company of other pigs to have a better and healthier life.
They usually live from 10 to 20 years, so they represent a long-term commitment.
Pigs need a lot of outdoor space to stay active and be pigs!
It’s not possible to always keep a pig inside the house, it’s just not healthy nor right.
Pigs are very intelligent animals and they enjoy the company of humans, so they could be a good choice for you and your family.
Primary Expenses
In this section, you will find the most common things you will have to buy when getting a Teacup pig as a pet.
Adopting Or Buying A Teacup Pig
Some owners are not prepared to take care of Teacup pigs because of the misunderstanding about their size, so you can find a diversity of pigs waiting to get adopted in local shelters or rescue organizations.
Adopting one of these smaller size pigs can cost from $100 to $700 per pig.
The adopting fee usually includes vet check-ups, vaccines, parasite treatment, or neutering or spaying procedures.
If you prefer to buy a pig from a breeder, make sure it’s a reputable, professional breeder that puts the health of their pigs first.
Small pig breeds can cost between $450 and $6,000, depending mostly on the breed and age of the pig.
Habitat & Fence
Your pig will need a large space outdoors to stay healthy and in good shape.
Some of the options are buying a fence and enclosing a specific area of your backyard where they can stay during the day, like a dog run.
They will need also a space to rest and protect themselves from outside elements.
An option could be to buy a large doghouse that’s big enough for your pig or build a small barn just for the pigs.
A price range is difficult to determine, but you could spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to keep your pig in a secure place outdoors.
Accessories
Pigs need a constant supply of water, so automatic waterer systems for farm animals are a great choice for pigs, and they cost between $20 and $40.
Plastic fence feeders for pigs cost from $25 to $40.
Continuous Expenses
In this section, you’ll find the basic monthly or annual expenses you’ll have to make when having a Teacup pig.
Food
Pigs can eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and protein.
For your small pig breed, you can find prepared food that comes in pellets and it’s specially designed to meet the nutritional requirements of your pig.
The usual cost of feeding a small pig breed is from $300 to $500 per year.
Foot Care
Pig’s hooves need to be properly trimmed every few months, but this will vary according to the type of flooring where they spend most of their time.
This is usually done by a veterinarian or grooming professional, and it can cost between $100 and $300 per year.
Vet Visits
Pigs are sensitive to different health issues and they need to be vaccinated, dewormed periodically, and have regular check-ups with the vet.
These vet visits can cost from $100 to $300 per year.
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