block, think again. Pigs get territorial and can exhibit unpleasant behavior when they’re looking for a mate. This can include headbutting and humping other animals or humans. However, if you’re prepared to take your pig to the vet semi-regularly, you don’t mind a housemate who eats more than a teenager, and you’ve pig-proofed your house, then you can form a special companionship with a pet pig. But don’t put “small” or “teacup” in its Instagram account, because your pig will grow quickly, and that’s sure to confuse and mislead its followers.
Cultivate Tips & Tricks you least expect it.” Pigs are smart, lovable, and great pets for the right people.
There Aren’t Enough Sanctuaries Because pigs aren’t as easy to care for as many people think and because they don’t stay teacup size, many people abandon their pigs within two years. Fortunately, there are kind souls committed to running pig sanctuaries, such as the folks at Central Texas Pig Rescue. However, due to the cost of feeding abandoned pigs, many of these sanctuaries struggle to keep up with the numbers of animals dropped off at their doors. According to the Central Texas Pig Rescue website, their “vision of rescuing a few pigs was soon overshadowed by an endless flow of owner surrender requests, shelters with pigs dumped, and rescuers all over the country in desperate need to place a pig.” If you’re thinking about getting a pig because you can dump it at a sanctuary if it turns out to be too much trouble, then you should stop now. Instead, donate the money you’ve set aside to a pig rescue. If you do decide to adopt a pig, then by all means start that Instagram account. Just use it to educate others about the realities of caring for pigs, and not to make it look more glamorous than it really is. Donate to a local sanctuary, foster a pig, or do your research and come to the conclusion that you are ready to take on a new, voracious companion. As Ms. Piggy once said, “Love is where
What Can You Do? If you’re thinking, yeah no, this sounds like a way bigger responsibility than I’m prepared for, then you can still help in other ways. Tell your friends about the realities of “teacup” pigs, and educate anyone who will listen. Combat misinformation with facts. Support your friends who do own pigs by babysitting their companions when they need a break. If you’re looking to adopt, check out Triple P Sanctuary, Maggy’s Piggy Friends: Adoption and Rehome, or Chicagoland Pig Rescue.
Already Have a Pig? Send us an image at cultivate@cultivate. com and we might include your image in an upcoming issue of Cultivate San Antonio! Check out my favorite pig on Instagram @scarlett.johamson
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