Pigs glorious pigs!!

Do pigs make great pets?
It depends on your situation.
If you live in suburbia, then no.
If you are able to give them a country lifestyle and lots of care, then yes.

Is it true pigs as intelligent as dogs?
Apparently more so.
It has been discovered that pigs rank 5th on the intelligence list after
1.people
2.humans
3.dolphins/whales
4.Parrots/ravens
5. pigs
6.dogs

How much room do they need?
Lots!! Pigpens won’t do, infact there are over 600,00 pigs being kept in factory conditions in NZ .Pigs are happiest in large interesting paddocks. They are very playful, social and intelligent.

What do you feed a pig.
Pigs eat a lot and it can be very expensive to feed them properly!
Lots of fruit and vegetables, balanced pignuts. If they are free ranging they can forage.
Most scraps are ok.
Remember they can get food poisoning and diseases too.

What else do you need to provide them

The company of other animals, good shelter and a place to wallow

Does it matter what kind of pig you have?

Yes the different breeds can have very different personalities and requirements.
Kune kune’s are the easiest to care for, as they are quite lazy.
Large white (pink Pigs) are very food driven and can snatch and grab if not trained well, they also need sun block applied in summer.
It is illegal to keep a captain cooker as a pet in NZ

Access your situation before getting a pig.
Pigs are intelligent and should be treated with respect.
They need large interesting paddocks with good shelter
Social stimulation
They can be costly to feed
Pigs can live for 15yrs

For more information on pigs go to love pigs.org.nz