Preparing for the arrival of your new mini pig is super exciting, but can sometimes be overwhelming. Having the right setup from day one ensures a smooth transition and helps your mini pig feel secure in their new environment.
Here is a checklist of essential supplies and preparations to have ready before bringing a new mini pig home:
1. Housing & sleeping essentials
- A secure indoor space: A dedicated area like a laundry room, a large playpen, or a “pig-proofed” corner where they can get away from everything and feel safe while acclimating.
- Crate: A large dog crate can be useful for transport and for providing an indoor “den.”
- Warm bedding: Heavy blankets, sleeping bags, or specialized pig beds if your mini pig is sleeping in the house. Mini pigs love to nest and burrow, so providing multiple layers is key. Do not use fabric bedding/blankets if your mini pig is an outdoor pig, as they will retain moisture and mold, and actually make them feel cold.
- Outdoor shelter: If your mini pig will spend time outside, or is living outside the home, a sturdy, insulated house that is protected from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures is necessary. Use lots of straw for bedding in cold weather. Shavings are a good warm weather bedding.
2. Safety & cleanup
- Fencing: A secure outdoor perimeter. Mini pigs are very good at finding small gaps or rooting under fences. Having a fence also protects your mini pig from wandering away from home or other animals who may come into your yard.
- Litter box (if potty training indoors): A low-entry pan (like a puppy pan or even a plastic dryer tray) with pine pellets or puppy pads. Avoid using cat litter, as it can be harmful if ingested.
- Child locks: If your mini pig has access to the kitchen, cabinet locks are a must. Mini pigs are notorious for learning how to open fridges and cupboards!
3. Feeding & nutrition
- Age-appropriate pellets: High-quality mini pig specific pellets (avoid farm hog feed, which is designed for rapid weight gain). Follow feeding instructions according to the bag, but also be aware of your mini pig’s body score to gauge healthy weight.
- Heavy bowls: Ceramic or weighted rubber bowls to prevent them from being flipped over during enthusiastic eating.
- Fresh water access: A constant supply of clean water in a heavy, non-tip dish or a sturdy trough.
- Healthy treats: Small portions of Cheerios, cucumber slices, or leafy greens for training and bonding.
4. Health & maintenance
- Veterinarian: Contact a local veterinarian who specifically treats swine—not all local veterinarians do. Consider checking your local university for vets trained in swine care. The best practice is to become an established patient BEFORE there is an emergency. Ask in advance whether they do farm/home visits. If they do not, it is important to make your mini pig familiar and comfortable with travelling in a vehicle. Practice this regularly.
- Hoof care professional: FInd a farrier in your area that practices safe techniques and DOES NOT USE SEDATION. Reach out to be added to their schedule as soon as possible. Farriers often have dedicated routes and fill their schedules months in advance.
- Skin care: Coconut oil or unscented baby oil for dry skin, and pig-safe sunscreen if they will be spending time outdoors. Consider putting any lotions or oils besides sunscreens on your mini pig in the evening to avoid sunburn and discomfort from heat and sun.
- First aid kit: This should include items like antiseptic spray, gauze, benadryl, and a thermometer.
5. Enrichment & behavior
- Rooting box: Filling a shallow container with large smooth stones, plastic balls, or crumpled paper where they can safely root for hidden treats is a great enrichment and entertainment source—specially if your mini pig lives mostly indoors. Keeping your mini pig entertained and able to satisfy their natural instincts of rooting is important for their happiness and well being. A bored mini pig is a destructive mini pig!
- Durable toys: Heavy-duty rubber toys like those made for large dogs or treat-dispensing balls.
- Sorting board: A plastic board used to gently guide your mini pig’s movement during training or transitions. Understanding and learning how to perform the “Move The Pig” technique is extremely helpful to mini pig parents in helping curb naughty behavior and directing your mini pig to a certain spot or into a vehicle.
Mini pigs are prey animals and can be naturally cautious. Mini pigs thrive on routine, having everything in its permanent place before they arrive so they can get used to the layout of their new home without constant changes to their environment helps make their transition easier. Give them time to decompress and familiarize themself with you and their new home at their pace.
