Mini-Pigs - Smart noses with lots of character
Species-appropriate husbandry – How to make them feel comfortable
Please do not leave them alone!
Mini-pigs are highly social animals and must never be kept alone. They need a stable herd – ideally with animals of similar age and temperament.
Space to Root and Rest
A minimum of 6 m² of stable space plus 10 m² of exercise area is required per animal. For each additional animal, 3 m² (stable) and 10 m² (exercise area) are added. Grass areas should be used as rotational pastures – and be large enough not to be overused (> 500 m²).
Comfortable Retreats
The stable must be thermally insulated and protected from the wind. Ideal: lying boxes with lateral visual protection through PVC strips. The animals must be able to lie down stretched out on their side – approx. 1 m² per pig.
Safe Exercise Area
A stable fence (at least 80–100 cm high) protects not only the pig but also the surroundings. For free-range husbandry: double fencing is necessary to avoid contact with wild boars (disease protection!).
Cleanliness & Hygiene
🧼 Weekly Change
💦 Fresh Water
Freshness Every Day
The feces and urine areas in the stable and in the exercise area must be cleaned daily. This keeps the environment hygienic and the animals healthy.
Regular Stable Care
The litter should be completely renewed at least once a week. With intensive use, this is also necessary more often.
Clean Drinking Water
The drinkers must be stable and clean. Only fresh water prevents diseases and contributes to well-being.
Nutrition
🥕 Fruit & vegetables
🚫 No food scraps
Mini-pigs need structured, balanced feed with an adapted energy content. Fruit, vegetables, root vegetables, and special pig feed are well suited. Attention: no leftovers from the table! Drinking water must always be available – in clean, stable drinkers.
Feed a Balanced Diet
The basis is structured pig feed with an adapted energy content. This keeps the animals healthy and vital.
Fresh Supplements
Fruit, vegetables, and root vegetables provide variety on the menu. They provide important vitamins and fiber.
No Kitchen Scraps
Food scraps are taboo, as they can promote diseases. Fresh water must always be available.
Nutrition
Activity
🧩 Games & stimulation
🍂 Straw & natural materials
Mini-pigs are curious, playful, and intelligent. They want to root, explore, and be challenged. Employment opportunities such as hidden food, straw piles, wooden toys, or diggable areas prevent boredom – and prevent behavioral problems.
Promote Curiosity
Mini-pigs are very intelligent. Hidden food or search games stimulate them mentally and help to prevent boredom.
Active in Everyday Life
Digging areas, straw piles, and natural materials enable species-appropriate behavior. This keeps the animals balanced.
Variety is Fun
Wooden toys and changing employment opportunities provide variety. They promote movement and well-being.