'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Tracy Windler RVN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:38:30 GMT

I would LOVE one of those Pygmy Hippos, though. That can't be too hard to keep on a balcony, could it??!! sorry, serious topic, I've lowered the tone. Don't have anything useful to contribute though!

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Sal the 1st — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:27:22 GMT

I thought the 'boil in the bag' goldfish had been stopped as well - I used to hate fundraising for an animal charity at one regular 'fair' I used to go to. Very close to our charity stand we had all these goldfish gasping their last in these little plastic bags in full scorching sun. Sad it hasnt been stopped it bloody well should be

as to micro pigs ..... how different are these to the potbellied pigs that were all the rage about 10 years ago - and look how many problems there were with these

pigs living in dog kennels in pokey little gardens and owners who got fed up with them when they outgrew their initial charm, pigs roaming free and causing road accidents because owners had no idea how to keep them in and stop them escaping. Owners who either didnt recognise illness in their pigs or didnt have the money to pay for veterinary care, fed on totally unsuitable diets, digestive problems, foot problems, owners that thought they would breed them to make a quick buck. Not easy rehoming a pig when you get fed up of it!

Have even come across a potbellied pig being kept on the balcony of a multistory flat

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Kate Claxton DipAVN(Med)VN — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:23:36 GMT

Julie's correct about the fish unfortunately

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

LoveCat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:06:26 GMT

My sister in law was very interested in getting a micro pig (she's really not suited to keeping pigs - believe me, my grandpa used to be a pig farmer!) She was under the impression that the micro pigs would be the size of a cat or similar. I found an ad that was for 'micropigs' and it gave a height for them when fully grown which came up to my knee - thats not so micro, especially if people think they can keep them in their house. Not sure if thats correct though?

Concerning that people might be totally misled and a few years down the line there may be lots of piggies looking for new homes...

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Julie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:33 GMT

[quote user="Princess Ophelia Hermione MacBeth"]

You cannot buy fish as prizes at fairgrounds anymore for welfare reasons[/quote]

I thought that you couldn't but you can still win them. It apparently has something to do with your local council and whether the fair is on private land (or something like that).

I was really shocked when a friend told me that her friend had taken her daughter to a fair in Northants. and came back with one.

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Joel Dudley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:25:46 GMT

Thanks all for what you've said. I'm away for a little while but will look forward to catching up when back.

Hope you have a good weekend, best wishes, Joe

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Louise B — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:51 GMT

Hi, one of last weeks trash-mags - Best I think - was running a competition to win a real live Micro pig piglet off of the breeder Jane Croft. I think you could get alot of mileage out of that. You cannot buy fish as prizes at fairgrounds anymore for welfare reasons - so I am guessing that what they are doing is illegal. I haven't kicked off as I cannot quite believe that it is not a spoof but if you want to investigate there might be your angle!

I could tell you the mag but I would need to check it which I cannot do until either sunday or monday.

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

A Little TLC — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:27 GMT

I find it really depressing that ‘fads’ now include animals. It’s just not fair on them. For example, look at all the owls that were dumped/re-homed after the fad of owning one that stemmed from the Harry Potter films. Parents really should know better.

Also the little dogs carried around in bags by celebs, resulting in the same with all these Paris Hilton wannabies.

Posh Spice has bought two micro pigs for David Beckham for Christmas. Can we really see either of these two looking after them themselves? I think not. Lucky for them they can afford to pay someone else to do it, I can’t see her scrapping pig poo off her Jimmy Choos.

It will cause another fad and more animals being dumped after people realise they might be mini pigs, but they are still pigs, and still act as such and need the right facilities.

Its bad enough people taking on any pet and dumping them when they realise they can’t afford them. It makes me so angry; animals are not toys for crying out loud, they are living creatures! You can’t take a baby back after it poos on you and wees on your sofa.

I would like a pig, I really would, but I am certainly not prepared to take one on until I have the space, money and know-how.

Rant over.

Re: 'pet' pig popularity - problems?

Heather Christie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:02 GMT

Never owned a pig but would love to have one. Apparently they're really sociable animals once you've built up a rapoort with them and they'll recognise your voice come to you when you call, a bit like an overgrown and very rough-feeling puppy. Have to admit i know nothing about their care and husbandry over than you have to register them with DEFRA as they're classed as livestock. I'm sure there's lots of info on internet telling you how to care for them.