3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[Ziggy]

Hello,

 

Has anyone got micro pigs? We are not looking at getting one soon, but considering it for the future. I have looked at websites, and read books, but in my view nothing beats an experienced opinion.

We live in a city but have a huge garden, and the housing and roaming are kind of planned. We'd need to find a vet that comes to us, as I understand you don't transport pigs without Defra recordings, and the vehicle rules are strict.

I also read some pigs can be stroppy and charge around... I'd worry a bit about that with kids and other pets...

 

Anyway we are just starting our research, and if anyone has experience, or knows of anyone who does, we'd be happy to get feedback!

 

Thanks,

[Redwing]

I dont know too much about them , I have heard that often they grow much larger than expected though - I am not sure if thats unscrupulous people selling other piglets as mircopigs or not but even the genuine ones get to the size of a labrador which isnt very micro!

 

Its best to keep any animal or bird in at least twos, pigs are sociable and really need the company of their own kind

 

The Defra stuff is pretty straightforward, you need a CPH and flock number which are easy to obtain and then you fill in records yearly thats about it but you could have a 'flock' check

 

All vets will have had some experience of farm animals but some deal mainly in small animals so its wise to check as you say, careful records need to be kept regarding medication too but you can get a booklet to keep those which indicates what information is needed

[Lesley]

There was a lot of chat about them on the River Cottage forum a while back.......

[Ziggy]

Thanks. I'll check the River Cottage forum too

[helenp]

The original breeder of micro pigs is in the Lake District. his website is www.valleyofthepigs.co.uk. He has all the info you need when considering getting a few!!

Have been looking at getting a couple, but trying to persuade OH is proving rather difficult!

[Ziggy]

I know the feeling... persuading OH has always been the challenge before... but recently I just charged at him and 'informed' him we were getting more chooks, another bunny, some turtles and some dragon lizards, and a pig, and he just sighed and said ok...

 

Oh yeah... he has finally given up!!!

 

Thanks for the link, I am trying to research this absolutely thoroughly before we proceed...

 

I am cautious about the Defra thing... I am worried that, as all pigs have to be registered with Defra, they can be taken from you if a piggy illness hits the country and a cull is ordered... I know it's far fetched, but this piggy would be our pet and I want to consider all possibilities. I couldn't bear a pet being taken away from me and kids for any reasons...

[surfer_chicken]

I doubt there would be a mass cull, but don't take my word for it. Reason being, they wouldn't want to kill healthy stock as it would devastate the farming industry further. They are more likely to test a 'herd' and cull the group if the disease is found. As you'll be keeping pigs as pets (and therefore in small numbers) I don't think yours should be at risk

 

Also, you can apply to DEFRA for a walking licence ad if there are no other pigs on route, they will clear it. A lady in one of the villages near me walks her pigs and it's really cute.

 

Another thing to consider is that pigs are quite friendly animals, and should really be kept in groups, so you'd need at least two.

[snowberry]

[http://www.oinkminipigs.com//url]

 

I haven't read the book yet but an article I read about it looked really interesting. Are mini pigs the same as micro pigs?

 

Edit: Sorry,,put the link into your browser or perhaps a Mod could help here, it isn't working for me

[surfer_chicken]

http://www.oinkminipigs.com

 

That should be it I think

[Ziggy]

I typed a whole reply to this then my connection failed and the reply was lost... sigh... will re-write it in a shorter way...

 

Thank you for the link to that book, it was a very enjoyable, relaxed read... it has a nice, light sense of humour too, and I really liked reading it. Most importantly, it highlighted some of the issues I've been thinking about when thinking about whether or not to get a pig. I'm now clearer about all the things I need to investigate.

DD3 has been nagging a lot about it, and I've now told her that it would take me a long time to fully do my research, so I hope the nagging will stop...

[Space Chick]

I researched until hubby put his foot down and said no

 

They are best if you have 2, as like the company of their own kind