How Much Does a Teacup Pig Cost?
Pigs are often bred to become food, but there are also pigs that are kept as pets.
Although the most common types of pets are cats and dogs, some prefer a unique pet such as the teacup pig, often referred to as a miniature pig or potbellied pig. However, while most think these type of pig will stay tiny for its entire life, this isn’t the case as there isn’t such thing as a teacup pig. In fact, when a breeder refers to a teacup pig, they are usually referring to its size at the time, and many naive buyers, unfortunately, will adopt one for thousands without realizing what they have gotten themselves into. No matter what kind of pig you plan on adopting, plan on it weighing at least 50 pounds or more.
These pigs are rather small and are no more than 45 to 100 pounds when grown. While the word “teacup” is mentioned, these pigs definitely don’t stay the size of one. In fact, they only stay small in their youth for only a few weeks..
How much does a teacup pig cost?
According to various sellers and websites, the price for teacup pigs can range from $500 to as much as $6,000; however, from our research, most are within the $600 to $3,500 range. The price for the pig depends on the age, the quality and breeder, and on the market, what you’re going to find is that breeders will use other terms aside from “teacup” such as micro, mini, nano and miniature. Again, keep in mind that these pigs don’t exist and 99 percent of the pigs you see online will grow into average sized pigs, weighing more than a few hundred pounds, but in some instances, a pig that caps out at 60 pounds or less can be considered a teacup pig by some. If you do think you have found a breeder who isn’t pulling your chain, then ask for a previous reference and ask to see their pig as of today to see if everything matches up. The key here is to see how the pig grew up two to three years down the road when it matures.
According to this Modern Farmer article, they recommend avoiding this type of pig and say the prices can range anywhere from $750 to over $3,500. They also note that many breeders will advertise their pig as a “miniature” pig, but in reality, it will grow up to the size of any other pig you commonly see on a farm.
What is going to be included in the adoption fee?
Reputable breeders should always include registration papers, up-to-date vaccinations, a health checkup from a licensed veterinarian and a health guarantee, protecting your investment for up to six months. Most pigs, from our research, were already spayed or neutered.
What are the extra costs?
If the pig has to be shipped via an airline, the costs can be anywhere from $150 to $350, depending on the airline and the distance traveled. Do keep in mind, however, that some breeders may want to drive to your location or meet in the middle to deliver the pet. If this were the case, you may have to pay the breeder by the number of miles she or he has to drive.
Like any animal, let’s not forget the recurring maintenance such as food, shelter, accessories and vet visits. On average, plan on spending upwards of $50 to $85 per month for a healthier pig and much more than this if your pig were to come down with a disease and/or required surgery. Like a cat, a pig can be trained to use cat litter, but unlike a cat, the litter box will need to be much bigger.
All pigs love blankets to dig under and sleep in. Since pigs are born to root, blankets provide an outlet for the instinct they have. The same can be said about a smaller kiddie pool since pigs need lots of water to play in and help keep their body temperature regulated during the warmer months.
Tips to know
Their lifespan, as long as taken care of properly, can be anywhere from 15 to 20 years.
Always be cautious when adopting from a breeder who says the pig won’t grow past a certain size. Oftentimes, with the photos shown, there will be pictures from the pig’s earlier years, and like a puppy or kitten, it will still have some growing to do. Depending on the type of pig you adopt, it’s not uncommon to see a piglet turn into a 200-pound beast.
Sadly, some unethical breeders will purposely starve their pigs to keep their weight low, effectively starving the poor pig. Even while being starved, the internal organs continue to grow, causing problems in the future since they don’t have the skeletal structure to support their size.
Pigs, in terms of temperament, will be a lot different than raising a cat or dog. With a pig, they can be raised in a happy household with people they are familiar with; however, it’s not uncommon to find pigs that don’t trust certain people and acting aggressive because of it.
Pigs are extremely sociable and active, so they will be at their happiest when they have lots of room and toys to play with. If they don’t have adequate entertainment, then depression may kick in. In fact, like a dog, pigs love to for a walk.
Research the laws in your local area to see if a pig is even allowed. What you may find out is that it could violate local zoning laws.
How can I save money?
Like cats and dogs, pigs are up for adoption as well as local rescue groups and even the Humane Society. While you may not find a “teacup” pig, you may be able to find a pig that you fall in love with for a fraction of what it would cost to adopt from a breeder who’s in it for the money.
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Average Reported Cost: $100
How much did you spend?
- jazmin (Lexington, Tennessee) paid $100 and said:
Was it worth it? Yes
