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January 03, 2019

There’s No Such Thing As A Teacup Pig!

This is Remi – at seven months old. She was initially sold as a teacup pig at a pet store. She has gained 20 lbs and is four inches taller than she was in this photo!

You’ve seen the adorable videos of tiny little pigs scampering and snorting around a home, or walking on a leash. You may have even considered getting a little oinker of your own – but is this teacup pig fantasy too good to be true?

The answer is YES. There is absolutely no such thing as a “teacup” pig.

The pigs you see for sale on the internet are just potbelly pigs that are underfed. Most of the videos and commercials featuring tiny pigs use baby potbelly pigs that are no more than a few weeks old. Yes, potbelly pigs are smaller than farm pigs, but they can still grow up to 300 pounds. In fact, pigs can continue to grow throughout the first five years of their life!

Pigs are supposed to be big!
Irresponsible pig breeders that claim to sell “teacup” or “mini” pigs are taking advantage of your desire for an animal that only exists in fantasy. The piglets will indeed appear quite small to begin with, and may stay small for a time if you follow the breeder’s dietary instructions. Unfortunately, the feeding plan they outline will merely starve the pig so they remain unhealthy, malnourished and smaller. That’s why the SPCA of Texas always recommends making adoption your first option! There are plenty of pigs waiting for their forever homes at rescues, sanctuaries and the SPCA of Texas! You can help stop the cycle of this cruel breeding practice by refusing to buy pigs from breeders.

Potential medical problems aside, it can be difficult for owners of “micro” pigs to keep up with this restrictive diet. Eventually, the pig will begin to grow…and grow…and grow until it outgrows their lifestyle. Pigs are incredibly smart, and can become destructive if they get bored. A wrecked living room later, and that pig ends up needing a new home. 

Remi (right) is one of those pigs. Now in her forever home, she is a happy, healthy and growing young pig who will one day be almost as big as her sister (another rescue pig) Pickle!
So, although your dreams of walking around with a soft little pig in your purse might be just dreams, there are plenty of regular potbelly pigs looking for homes. Pigs can be excellent pets for people who have the time, resources, space and ability to care for them properly. 
Properly socialized, pigs can be friends with cats, dogs and other household pets.
As with bringing any new pet into your life, do your research before you go looking for a new friend. A pig sanctuary, rescue or even the SPCA of Texas livestock team can help guide you to make the right choice for your home. 
 

Sammi is just ONE of many pigs we have available for adoption at the SPCA of Texas!
The SPCA of Texas currently has several pet pigs available for adoption. If you’re interested in adopting a potbelly pig, please fill out an application.
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