How Long Does It Take to Roast a Pig

How to Buy a Teacup Pig

Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, George Clooney and dozens of other celebrities have pet pigs. They're adorable and make great companions. If you're considering adding one to your family, find out where to buy teacup piglets and what to expect after you bring it home.

Reputable Breeders

You'll find ads for micro mini teacup pigs listed online in pet classifieds and social media. Beware buying pet pigs from "backyard breeders." Pigs may have health issues or other problems not disclosed by the seller. Instead, find a reputable breeder through a local pot-bellied pig organization. These breeders take the time to socialize the pig with other pigs (or other animals), provide basic training and invest in vaccinating and registering the pig.

Pig Rescues

Many people do not research teacup pigs or what's involved with their care. As a result, many are surrendered within the first year as they get bigger and harder to handle. This means that there are numerous pot-bellied pigs looking for homes. Pig rescues and sanctuaries make sure that pigs are in good health, invest in spaying/neutering and work hard to find the right pig for your home. This helps reduce the chances of the pig being surrendered again. However, if your home does not work out for the pig, they will often take the pig back — something most breeders will not do.

Recurring Costs for Caring for a Pig

The cost for buying a pig from a breeder is between $750 and $1,500 plus additional costs for deposit and spaying/neutering, according to CostHelper. Adopting a pig from a rescue comes at a much lower cost — usually just a couple of hundred dollars — and that includes the cost of spaying/neutering. Paying for the procedure on your own is between $300 and $500, depending on the vet and the size of your pig. The cost of feeding your pig ranges between $20 and $60 per month, and increases with the size of your pig. You also need to factor in the cost of routine and emergency vet care each year.

Making a Home for Your Pig

As adorable as teacup pigs are, they are still pigs. They won't be happy being treated as prizes, and will need to have all of their pig needs met. This means that they need a home with a yard or large outdoor space for them to explore. Pigs also need proper socialization. Some are happy spending lots of time with their human companions, but most need to interact with other pigs to avoid destructive behaviors.

Understanding the Realities of Pig Ownership

Before purchasing or adopting a teacup pig, it's important to understand the realities of owning one. A teacup pig is not a breed. It's also not a guarantee of size. Be wary of breeders who claim the pig will stay under a certain weight. The term "teacup pig" refers to the current size of the pig. When they're full grown, miniature pigs reach between 150 to 180 pounds or more. Farm pigs can weigh 600 pounds or more. On top of that, most pigs don't reach their full size until they're five years old. While there's a chance your pig will stay on the small side, don't purchase or adopt one unless you're prepared to care for one that reaches several hundred pounds.

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