Pigs are intelligent, inquisitive, social animals, who require mental stimulation just like your family dog.
Like your furry friends, a pig can learn their name very quickly, learn tricks such as sitting on command and can be trained to use a harness and can be toilet trained.
Pigs are known for having good long-term memories and can recall which person has been nice to them and which hasn’t in the past.
Our pig friends are sensitive and complex animals, who exhibit emotions and feel pain as deeply as we do.
Any adoption is a commitment, to help you make the right choice we have put together a list of what you need to know before adopting a pig.
Check with your Local Government Authority
The first thing you must do before considering adopting a pig is to check with your local council and acquire a permit for the pig to be kept on your premises. Not all local councils in Australia will grant the permit, therefore it is vital to have one before going through with the adoption. Without this, your new piggy friend will unfortunately need to be rehomed again and you may be fined.
Secondly, you must be aware of, and adhere to, the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Pigs. This document outlines the minimum standards for animal welfare for keeping a pig. These standards are aimed at the commercial pig industry, however, still must be followed when keeping a pig as a pet.
We know with all our hearts that anyone who adopts with ‘Til The Cows Come Home will surpass these very minimal standards and love their piggy pal like family.
Housing
Before your pig arrives at their forever home, housing should be considered. Your pig can be kept indoors or outdoors, the choice is yours.
Remember wherever you choose to keep your pig must be spacious. If your pig becomes bored, they can start to destroy the area around them as they try to remedy their boredom.
We recommend that you provide your pig with nesting materials such as old blankets, or straw, as they love to nest.
You must provide your pig with an outdoor area, especially a shelter to protect them from the elements, especially the sun. Pigs are prone to sunburn and skin cancer due to their light colouring. Providing a mud bath in summer is a great way to keep them cool and protect them from the sun.
Having a spacious outdoor area is also vital because it ensures that your pig has room to run, exercise and use their natural instincts to forage.
Please be aware that your pig’s natural instincts are to forage and root around your property. Therefore, it is normal for them to dig up their outside areas.
Food and Drink
Pigs will eat almost anything! Ideally feeding your pigs either wheat, barley or oats, as well as apples, kale and root vegetables is best.
Food scraps that are destined for the compost can also be given to your pig. To ensure they get enough protein, feeding them small amounts of beans, peas or pellets is vital.
Your pig will need fresh water daily. Don’t be alarmed if they tip over their water. Pigs do this to create mud to wallow around in. If you would like to prevent your pig from doing this, we recommend obtaining a heavy container for the water.
Health Needs
To avoid any surprises, it is recommended that pigs be desexed. If not, female pigs will become restless, vocal and moody every three weeks. Males will become aggressive, restless and smelly.
You will also need to annually worm your pig and ensure their hooves are trimmed.
Feel you are ready to welcome a pig companion into your home? Head to our adoption page to see the pigs available for adoption or to register your interest now.
