alih Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 We would love to have a couple of pigs. As pets rather than for eating, not through squeamishness but because we have not got the room for full-sized pigs. I have looked at the so-called micro pigs which are very cute and despite my horror of anything designery, they do match the size and space requirement. Lots more research to do but if anyone has any direct experience of pigs in general or micro pigs I would be very grateful for advice or tips. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffy chick Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 No use I'm afraid but I love pigs! My friend keeps them for the table. Her and her daughter cried all the way through their first portion of 'home grown pork' but it got easier apparently. They all love the pigs and treat them like pets before they go for slaughter. She often goes and sits and talks with them with a cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Someone near to where I work has totally gigantic piggies in a wonderful semi forested semi open area. They seem to have acres to themselves. Always seem happy & healthy. Very would love this lifestyle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Many so called 'micro pigs' are micro for a very short time and then end up as full sized pigs. They need to root around and dig and so can turn a patch of green into a patch of sludge very quickly. They are lovely but you do need space to do it properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I don't think you can just go & buy some pigs. You should have a County Parish Holding Number & be registered with Defra - due to the movement of livestock. According to all my pig books anyway. A decent breeder won't sell you a pig without these. No such things as Micro pigs, they will still grow as big as an Alsation dog. Pot bellied pigs may seem more squat & dumpy, but are still big. Yes they do need space for rolling about in the mud - their way of keeping cool. It's also good if you can have several areas for moving them about. Someone on this forum has a fab set up. They had Bert & Ernie. I intend to copy that exact set up , as it looked like piggy paradise. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Hiya You'll need a CPH and flock number to keep pigs, that is pretty easy to sort out. A breeder will ask for the CPH number to fill in the movement forms before you can take the pigs away and you'll need to send off one of your copy's of the paperwork within a few days so you need to be organised and know where that needs to go We actually have a pig ark and pig pen but have put off dabbling with them at the moment, we know we will need to reinforce the fencing and even consider electric fencing so keeping them confined is a worry A bit of space is ideal if possible as they'll wreck a small area very quickly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 I would LOVE pigs, a friend in Wales has a smallholding and had two BIG pigs which had piglets - she said it was like owning a yacht - you might as well stand there and tear up £50 notes!! So that rules me out then BeckyBoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
