Welcome to the American Mini Pig Education Course for New Owners. This course will give you the pre-education information you need to prepare for your new pig. We hope to set you up for success on this new adventure of mini pig ownership by providing you some of the most requested information by new owners. Below are links to the articles. We ask you to read thoroughly and take notes, as some of our AMPA registered breeders may ask you to take a quiz after the completion of this course.
You may complete the course in your own time. You may read one a day for 14 days or finish them all at one sitting. We do ask that you read every article provided.
Topic 1: Size Classifications
Mini pigs and their potential adult size is the most discussed topic by people looking to add a pig to the family. The information found on the web can be contradictory and confusing. The AMPA is the first registry to require breeders to provide proof of age and photo documentation of measurements when they register their breeding pigs. This allows for the collection of facts on the growth trends of mini pigs as they reach maturity at 5 years old.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/mini-pig-size-classifications/
Topic 2: Zoning
Not every city or township allows pigs as pets. It is important that your local zoning laws or regulations are checked prior to adding a pig to your family.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/ready-mini-pig-owner/zoning-regulations/
Topic 3: Frequently Asked Questions
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/ready-mini-pig-owner/frequently-asked-questions/
Topic 4: Mini Pig Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons when adding any new pet to the family. Mini pigs are not the traditional pet so you may not be familiar with all the positive and negative. Most pig owners will tell you the good far outweigh the bad, however not everyone is up for the challenge. Your AMPA registered breeder has agreed to support you and offer advice for the lifetime of your pig.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/ready-mini-pig-owner/mini-pig-pros-vs-cons/
Topic 5: Items to Have for Your Pig
You will want to set up an area for your new pig that is similar to what your AMPA register breeder uses if your pig has been raised indoors. Here is a list of items that are great to have before your pig arrives.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/ready-mini-pig-owner/items-to-have-for-your-mini-pig/
Topic 6: Socialization
Pigs are not naturally trusting, friendly animals. They do not like to be touched, pet or held. They are very different from a new puppy or kitten. It takes many hours of handling and trust building by your AMPA registered breeder to prepare you piglet for the transition of becoming a pet.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/helpful-owner-articles/socializing-mini-pigs/
Topic 7: Potty Training
Your AMPA registered breeder has started litter pan training before your pig leaves, but even a pig that is using a litter pan 100% can regress after the transition into their new home.
Topic 8: Enrichment
Mini pigs are highly intelligent and they need constant interaction or enrichment activities to prevent boredom.
Topic 9: Deworming
Mini pigs require a maintenance deworming every 6 months. This can be done at home or by your veterinarian. If you are purchasing a piglet from an AMPA registered breeder your pig will be wormed for you.
Topic 10: Vaccinations
Mini pigs require vaccinations that can vary depending on your pig’s lifestyle and the area in which you live. Vaccinations should be discussed with your veterinarian.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/mini-pig-education/caring-for-your-mini-pig/vaccinations/
Topic 11: Healthy Pelleted Diet
What will your mini pig eat? Healthy diet is incredibly important. Ask your breeder what brand of feed they are providing. You may have to ask your local farm or feed supply to order in mini pig specific feed.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/healthy-pellet-diet/
Topic 12: Dippity Pig
Dippity Pig is a skin condition that can occur in pigs with little or no warning. It can be very startling to new owners as it is very painful for the pig.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/mini-pig-education/mini-pig-health-care/dippity-pig-syndrome/
Topic 13: Spay and Neuter
Mini pigs must be spayed or neutered. Your AMPA registered breeder has neutered males and spayed females or provided you with a spay agreement. A pig that is intact or not spay/neutered will have behavior problems including aggression. Females are at risk for cancer if left unspayed.
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owners/helpful-owner-articles/spay-and-neuter/
Topic 14: Veterinarian
Before you add a mini pig to the family it is important to have a veterinarian that is familiar with mini pigs. We encourage every new owner to schedule a healthy pig visit soon after receiving your mini pig so that you can meet and establish a relationship with your vet. You will also want to discuss vaccinations and spay/neuter if needed. You can find a mini pig vet here:
https://americanminipigassociation.com/owner-mini-pig-vet-search/
You made it through all the topics! Congratulations! You are now more prepared to start your adventure as a new mini pig parent!! You can find an AMPA registered breeder to help you add a piglet to your family by clicking here: ampabreders.com
Visit our website to learn more about mini pigs, find a registered mini pig breeder, become a member of the AMPA and register your mini pig in the official mini pig registry! www.AmericanMiniPigAssociation.com