Domestic decorative pig: description, photo

Decorative pig, or, as it is often called, a mini-pig is an analogue of the usual pig, which was first brought out on the territory of Germany in the 50's of last century. The ancestors of these miniature pets are the Vietnamese pigs and small wild boars, which by nature are small in size. The first of them and to this day are very popular in the United States.

Intelligence

It's no secret that many people adhere to traditional views on animals that can be kept at home. Basically it's dogs and cats. But scientists have long proven that pigs have the same intelligence as monkeys and dolphins.

In mini-pigs, conscious behavior is expressed much more strongly than in the same dogs and cats, so we can state with confidence: pigs are smarter, which means that they learn to perform different commands faster. Here the favorite delicacy plays a decisive role, so the pig will do everything possible to get it.

Cleanliness

Many hard to imagine that the decorative pig at home will walk around, climb your arms and even jump on sofas and beds. But believe me, they are very clean by nature. Even ordinary pigs, which are bred in pig farms, go to the toilet only in one corner. And dwarf decorative mumps and even more so. They literally in a matter of days get used to going into the tray and never upset their owners with numerous puddles in the wrong places.

In addition, these animals have almost no smell, which can not be said about dogs and cats. If you look after them and keep them clean, then decorative pigs (reviews of happy owners of funny pigs are evidence) do not smell at all. The smell of urine can only come from boars, but after they go through the castration procedure, it immediately disappears.

Hypoallergenicity

Mini-pirogas have one significant advantage compared to other domestic animals: they do not have wool - hence, the owner does not have allergies to it. Yes, pigs have bristles, but the moult is not as pronounced in them as in dogs or cats. These animals are very fond of swimming. During this procedure, it is easy enough to comb out most of the dead bristles.

Character

Decorative pigs are very funny creatures. They are mobile, like to run and frolic on the street. The nature of these lovely animals is quite good natured. They quickly become attached to the one who feeds them. In addition, they are inquisitive and mischievous, watching their antics - it's a pleasure!

Pigs peacefully coexist with other animals that live in the house, especially dogs. Moreover, it is better to get a mumps if there is already at least one pet in the house. The fact is that they belong to social animals that are used to living in groups. Therefore, while remaining alone, they can bore you with boredom so that only a miracle is given to their ingenuity.

Behavior

Those who decide to start a mini-pig, it will be superfluous to learn that pigs can produce a lot of sounds. It can be like a gentle grunting, and a piercing, piercing ears screeching. Hosts eventually get used to such a communication with their pet and even begin to understand them.

These pigs are very smart and smart and quickly understand where the food is stored in the house. Many of them can open refrigerators without problems, that's why each owner devises his own special way how to save his pet supplies from the pet. But the easiest and most reliable option is to lock the door to the kitchen.

Feeding

Both the usual and domestic decorative pig is an animal of omnivores. She eats almost any food. But that your pet is not fattened, it is necessary to observe a simple mode of feeding. To do this, put in the kitchen two ordinary canine sustained bowls: one with food, and the other with water. The guinea pigs are fed two or three times a day, but clean and fresh water should be constantly, necessarily at room temperature.

As for food, the pigs are best served with vegetables and fruits, various root vegetables and porridges cooked on the water. Decorative pigs (photos of them are presented in the review) like zucchini, carrots, cucumbers, beetroot, pumpkin, potatoes, turnips both in raw and in boiled form. You can add grated raw vegetables to the porridge. Buckwheat, oats, barley and other cereals are suitable for feeding these animals. It is worth noting that they are very fond of apples, which contain a large number of vitamins, as well as iron, necessary for harmonious development.

Do not forget about the various mineral additives. Sometimes you need to give mini-pigs a little black bread and sprouted grain, as they are a source of vitamins. Useful and turn out to be fish oil with bone meal in small quantities. Protein foods should also be added to the diet of the animal, and it should be at least 10%. It can be whey, cottage cheese or yogurt. Quite often breeders themselves as an additive to the main meal give their wards a dog food that contains a little meat.

As you can see, the decorative pig is unpretentious and will eat with great pleasure everything that will be offered to it. But it's worth remembering that you do not need to overfeed your pet. It is not recommended to treat him too sweet, salty or spicy food.

Care

Both feeding and the maintenance of miniature guinea pigs do not take much time. Periodically they need to be bathed. And here there are no problems, because animals love water very much. Therefore, such a procedure will not cause them any negative emotions. In addition, they like it when their tinder is a special brush. Bathe them in warm water, then wipe and wrap. In the hot summer, they can pour water in the tub, and they will be happy to splash in it.

Like all pets, mini-pigs need fresh air and sunlight. Therefore, the pig should be gradually accustomed to a leash and a harness in order to be able to go out with him for a walk. A decorative pig needs them, because it allows it to be not only in good shape, but also to chop its hooves. In the warm season, when there is so much fresh green around, the pigs find and eat dandelions and nettles. Plants are an additional source of vitamins that contribute to well-being in an animal. Winter walks need to be limited, since mini-pirogas are very sensitive to cold and drafts, from which they often catch cold and get sick. That is why they are dressed in autumn, and in the winter season it is recommended to leave them at home in general.

A decorative pig, like ordinary pets, needs routine vaccination. Although they are miniature, they have diseases typical for their species. The pet should be planted immediately after its acquisition. To do this, it should be shown to the veterinarian, who should make a vaccination schedule, and also give other recommendations for caring for the animal. Ask a specialist will also have to castration in case your mini-pig turned out to be a boar. Hooves pigs also require care, so they should be carefully cut after a while.

Breeds

At once it is necessary to say that there are no clear standards for mini-pigs, so confusions with their varieties often arise. Now they are divided mainly into weight categories. The most famous to date breeds of decorative pigs:

● Mini Mayalino. This breeding breed is listed in the world famous Guinness Book of Records. This pig is the smallest, since the weight of an adult does not exceed 10 kg.

● Bergstresser is a book, or a cappuccino. A small pig in size, obtained selectively from a Vietnamese pig. It is considered the most popular breed in European countries. It weighs only 12 to 15 kg.

● Göttingen mini-pie. The breeding pig, bred in Germany, looks very similar to the Vietnamese one. The weight of the representatives of this breed is much more - 70-90 kg.

● Vietnamese piggyback pig. She is the progenitor of all dwarf breeds, without exception. Her selection was aimed only at reducing individuals. Their size can vary from 45 to 100 kg. They are popular only in America and are found mainly in country houses with plots, as they will be too crowded in small apartments.

Lifespan

Like all living things, decorative pigs are also subject to serious diseases. How many live these animals - that's the question that interests many people who have decided to have such a nice pet. In general, mini-pigas have good immunity and are distinguished by strong health, so the average life expectancy is from 15 to 20 years.

The condition of the pet always depends on how it is taken care of. Therefore, if it becomes noticeable that the animal coughs or sneezes, moves little or has digestive disorders, it is urgent to show it to the vet. He will determine the severity of the disease and give detailed recommendations for treatment.