These are some facts about teacup pigs that aren’t so cute

Teacup and Juliana pigs, regular potbellied pork pigs, are small and susceptible to malnutrition. They are often misrepresented as miniature. These four-legged pets can be found not only on farms but also in their homes.

There are many misconceptions and myths about Teacup Pigs. If not addressed, it could cause serious health and happiness problems. A “teacup”-pig can have serious consequences for you and your family. It’s crucial to do all the research before you contact a breeder.

Continue reading to learn more about teacup pigs and why they may not be the right pet.

Teacup Pigs Don’t Exist.

No, “teacup” is not a breed. It’s also not the name for an entirely new breed. Instead, “teacup” is a name that breeders give to regular potbellied porks that have been malnourished to stunt growth or are misrepresented as miniature.

The pet potbellied pig is smaller than the average farm pig. The average pet potbellied pig weighs between 100 and 200 lbs, while the farm pig weighs around 1,000 lbs. However, this is far from the 10- to 12-pound “teacup” claim many breeders make. Even the smallest potbellied pig can weigh in at 60 to 80 pounds. They could be considered underweight depending upon their stature, activity level, and environment.

A “Teacup Pig’s Small Size is a serious health risk.

Although it may sound strange, many teacup breeders use cruel methods to stunt the growth of their pigs. The most common methods are:

• Inbreeding: Potbellied pigs are inbred to propagate their smaller stature. The lack of genetic diversity in the offspring can cause a host of health problems.
• StarvationAnother way that many “teacup” breeders ensure a smaller stature of their pigs is to underfeed them to slow down their growth. Many teacup breeders encourage their owners to restrict their diets severely. These pigs will not thrive if they are starved. What is the result? The result?

What you see is not what you get with “Teacup Pigs.”

A “teacup” breeder may show you the parents of your potential piggy, but they are likely only showing you chubby children. Pigs can breed as young as three months of age. This is why piglets’ parents are often piglets. Based on its appearance and size, you can’t predict how big your “teacup pig” will grow.

Some “teacup” breeders may also show potential buyers potbellied pigs, which will eventually mature into full-sized adults and adolescents.

The “Teacup Pigs” are extremely expensive.

A “teacup” pet pig will cost you $750 and $3,500. The cost of maintaining a pig for your pet grows from the moment you buy it.

Many teacup owners think their pigs will stay small, so they don’t consider the costs of keeping a 100-pound pig at home. It can cost thousands to own a pet pig. This includes adequate food supply (potbellied pork can eat a lot), regular check-ups with the veterinarian and other supplies. Spaying or neutering pet pigs is a good idea to reduce undesirable behaviors and lower the risk of developing certain cancers. 1 However, this can be costly as it can be difficult to find a specialist vet who can do the surgery.

The lives span of “Teacup Pigs” is very short.

The average potbellied pig will live 12 to 18 years. However, the lifespan of a teacup pig typically hovers around 5 years because of problems with their immune and skeletal systems. Inbreeding and genetic disorders can lead to shorter lives.

Pigs need lots of space.

Pigs are generally large and take up lots of space. To keep them happy and healthy, pigs need to be exercised daily. Many pigs are abandoned or given up to shelters because they don’t have enough space.

It may be illegal to own any kind of pig in your area.

It is possible to keep a pig as your pet in some areas. Many states have zoning laws prohibiting pigs from being kept in non-farming and non-agricultural settings.

You should check the local zoning laws to consider adding a pig to your family. It is possible to prevent many domesticated pigs from being abandoned or surrendered each year by doing some research.

Pigs Are Herd Animals

Did you know that pigs are very social? Pigs are very social, much like dogs. They form “packs” and often play, lounge, and sleep together. A pig deprived of social interaction may become restless, bored, depressed, or aggressive.

It’s best to have at least two pigs, but teacup owners will struggle with more than one 100-pound pig. Not to mention that having more pigs will double the cost of food, supplies, and vet bills.