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Question:
Hi Jayce- we are picking up veggie scraps from
Food for Less and there has been ginger roots in it- I have picked them out
as didn't know if they are harmful to pigs or not - I wondered if you knew?
thanks Suzy
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Hi Suzy
Well I
dont know a lot about ginger root so
have done some web searching and this is
what I have found.
Ginger
contains pungent phenols called
gingerols and shogaols.
Ginger
is attributed to be useful for its
anti-inflammatory properties, antiseptic
qualities, may improve circulation, can
aid digestion in humans.
Ginger
is diaphoretic - causes humans to sweat
more. As pigs dont sweat I am not sure
what effect this would have in pigs -
may make them feel warmer perhaps so
maybe not good for them in summer heat -
just guessing here.
A
medical website said ginger should not
be given to children under 2 so do not
give to piglets.
The
dose rate for 70kg human adult was not
more than 4 gm per day. Since pig
digestive system remarkably similar to
human I would abide by that
recommendation.
Persons
less than 70 kg were advised to consume
proportionally less for example a 50kg
person was advised to consume only 50/70
or five sevenths of 4 grams which is
2.9gms.
I think
you are doing the right thing removing
the ginger root. If you are interested
to find out if ginger has a role in pig
health I suggest you make contact with a
vet who is interested in homeopathic or
complimentary medicine for animals.
I hope
this has been useful.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hi, I am researching minipigs as
a pet in a suburban area. Can you tell me: 1) When compared to a barking
dog, do pigs make much noise? 2) Can they be left alone during the day
without traumatising them? 3) How much exercise do they need?
Thanks
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Hi
David
Pigs
will squeal when excited, frustrated, in
pain or scared. Environment and
experience will affect their noise
making - there is no reason to assume
they would be worse than a dog. Group
pig squeals at feeding time can be as
loud as 100 dB which is up there with a
circular saw; however I cant find a
figure for a single pig so it possibly
not as loud. Frequency of squeals and
time of day that the pig squeals are
likely to be most important in closely
settled areas.
Also
people are less tolerant of pigs and
many find their feces odour very
offensive. I get many calls from people
complaining about the smell and flies.
Regulation wise it appears to depend
upon the council how the laws are
interpreted - the local government act
section 124 gives council the power to
refuse to permit pigs in sensitive areas
such as catchment areas. The Local
Government General Regulations 2005
Schedule 2 states that pigs and their
manure should be 60 m from human
habitation (dwellings, shops, schools
etc) - so on the space factor pigs
really don't belong in suburbia.
As for
exercise I guess it depends on the
individual - and attention given by the
owner. Some will be content to be lazy
and some will benefit from games and
walks. Training then is the key factor -
use a harness and start short distance
so you and pig learn to understand each
other. Train with treats as rewards.
I hope
that helps..
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hi, I'm thinking about getting a pair of
miniature pigs. The female is black, male white. He is the smaller of the 2.
They're about 5-6 months old at about 30-35cm tall. Can you estimate the
size they will grow too if fed properly? Also what are the costs for
registration with council, worming & general care? I'm in Canowindra NSW
(not far from you).
Cheers. Any info is appreciated.
Debbie
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Debbie
Humble
apologies for taking so long to reply.
Without
seeing the pigs or their parents or
knowing what they were being fed and
what they will be fed I cannot speculate
what size they will grow to.
Unfortunately there are always some
'miniature' pigs that grow larger than
expected. The ones I have heard about
tend to grow to about 70 cm tall and
weigh in vicinity of 90-120 kgs. They
are smaller than a full size adult pig
but bigger than expected. Pigs are still
growing and maturing until they are
about 3 years old.
To my
knowledge there is no registration fee
for pigs with councils but there are
provisions within the local government
act and regulations for councils to
prohibit the keeping of pigs. Councils
seem to interpret the Act and
Regulations differently with some posing
strict guidelines and others seeming not
to care. If you are in a closely settled
area you should make sure noise and
odour are kept to a minimum. The local
government regulation 2005 does state
that pigs and their manure should be 60
metres from human habitation so make
sure there is a good space between your
pigs and your neighbours. Some people
find the odour of pig manure very
offensive so be considerate of your
neighbours.
There
are several products for worming pigs
that can be added to food or water -
most produce places that sell poultry
products would carry them as some are
suitable for use for pigs and poultry.
Always read the label if in doubt. The
best worm control is prevention of
infestation. Keep their area clean of
manure - if possible rotate their area
to give the grass area a rest. Pigs get
worms from ingesting worm eggs or larvae
which can build up in over used or
unclean areas.
It is a
good idea to get your pigs vaccinated
for leptospirosis and parvovirus if you
expect to be handling them a lot as both
these diseases can be contagious to
humans. Unfortunately I think these
vaccines dont come any smaller than
100ml bottles and don't keep very long
so this could be the most costly aspect
of keeping pigs for you. You may have to
cooperate with some other pig owners and
have a joint vaccination day. You can
source these vaccines through your local
vet or through Country Vet phone 1800
426 142 or website:
www.countryvet.com.au
Trish
Holyoake is a pig vet with Industry and
Investment NSW - Trish can help with
information and tell you what you need.
Be
aware that the feeding of swill is
illegal - swill includes table scraps or
bakery products that contain meat
products. The only meat product that is
allowed to be fed to pigs is in the form
of properly rendered meat meal.
I hope
this has been useful.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hi - my question has nothing to do with pigs
themselves - but the 'pig poles' American show people use to direct their
pigs during a show. I can purchase them in the USA - but there must be a
contact here in Oz. Apparently they come on all colours - and it is the
'neon' ones we are interested in. Any hints on where we can start ?
Kind regards Mark Naumann
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Question:
Hello,I was wondering if
anyone in Australia breeds mini juliana pigs?
Thanks,Emma.
____________________________________________________________________________
Apologies for the delayed response.
Unfortunately I am not aware of anyone
breeding mini juilana pigs in Australia.
These appear to be a distinct breed in
the USA with a specific pattern and
colour marking. There is no importing of
genetic material from overseas due to
biosecurity reasons. There may be
breeders with MPPPA who have similarly
coloured pigs to the mini juliana but
you would need to contact the MPPPA.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hello
Jayce, I am very interested in a miniature pig as a family pet. I have found
out that it is against council rules in my area (Old Bar mid north NSW. I
have also heard that may be changing. Could you if possible let me know what
the situation is, if it will be legal in 6 months for example I will hold
off on researching a different choice of pet. Also if I can follow updates
about keeping mini pigs myself can you tell me where I can do that.
Thank You
kindly. Terry (mini Pigs latest big fan)
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Hi Terry
I am unaware of
pending changes to the legislation affecting council
operations or regulations - that does not mean that
submissions for change have not been made.
You should think
carefully before buying a pig as a pet. Peoples
expectations and the reality do not always match.
Unfortunately not all pigs sold as "miniature"
remain small and this can cause problems.
Always check with
your local council before selecting a pig as a pet.
You should also consider your neighbours - not
everyone will have the same degree of enthusiasm as
your self.
There is no
distinction between pet pigs and commercial pigs in
NSW. As such the Stock Diseases Regulation 2009
pertains to all pigs. For example pig movements must
be accompanied by relevant documentation such as the
PigPass NVD which are obtained by registration on
the PigPass website. The sections of the regulation
pertaining to pigs can be found at
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/pigs/health/regulation
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Could
you tell me when micro pigs will start breeding in Australia?
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Hi Saskia and
Liefke
For biosecurity
reasons Australia does not import pig genetics from
overseas countries. I do not know of any breeder in
this country claiming to breed micro pigs. The only
micro pigs I have heard about originated in the UK.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hi!
I have a 4 month old pig who does this
squeaking noise w/ his mouth constantly!! How can we get him to stop??
Thanks!_____________________________________________________________________
Hi Heather
I am not sure what
you mean by a constant squeaking noise. First I
would suggest you take your pig to a vet - there
might be an obstruction in an airway that could
cause the squeaking. Whilst pigs can be very vocal
it is unusual for them to do it all the time.
Otherwise without seeing the pig first hand I can
make no further comment.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Our
miniature pig does not like water at all and squeals all the time if
outside, how do we wash her and get her to stop all the noise??
Thankyou
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Natasha
Apologies for the
delay in replying to your question.
Your pig's reaction
to water could be fear related to a bad experience
when young or fear of the unknown. Either way you
need patience and persistence and start with a wet
sponge to get the worst of the dirt off. When the
hot weather comes and it realises the relief from
the heat that water gives it may be a different pig
- it might be in the water all the time.
As for the
squealing when outside - pigs are social animals -
if you have had the pig inside all the time when it
was small you have become its herd mates and your
pig wants to be with its herd mates. The squealing
could be separation anxiety. Again patience and
persistence - build an enclosure for your pig
outside and put the pig in there when you are
outside - start for small amounts of time and train
your pig that it will be safe if separated from you.
Start with 5 or 10 minutes and build up the length
of time. Once it realises it cannot do just what it
wants when it wants but is safe and it knows you are
still around begin by going inside for 5-10 minutes
and then reappear.
Make sure the pig
is safe, has good shelter and water. Toys or another
animal to keep it company could help too. Animals
are creatures of habit and it takes time to develop
new habits. You cannot make sudden changes to
routine without consequences. I hope this helps
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hi
Jayce ,could you please tell me if the dna and pedigree papers supplied by
the mpppa for a registered pig will be sufficient proof that a pig is not
"feral or crossbred" when the dpi is deciding wether or not it needs to be
destroyed, under the feral pigs not allowed laws?
cheers Elle
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Answer:-
Hi Elle
I am no expert in DNA
profiling.
My understanding is that the
DNA profile will be able to be used to prove which pair of pigs
were the parents or which pigs maybe siblings.
The only way a DNA profile can
be used to determine breed would be the identification of gene
markers that are unique to that breed. I dont think enough
research work has been done to enable this to happen. As Dr Carr
has mentioned in one of his answers most pigs have common
ancestry. Feral pigs are descendants of domestic stock brought
to Australia by early settlers.
Will a DNA profile and pedigree
papers be sufficient proof that a pig is not feral? Good
question.
Breeders have a responsibility
to make sure they do not use feral pigs in their breeding
programs - it is illegal in NSW.
The formation of breed
societies such as the MPPPA helps legitimise the pet pig as a
breed and it is important that as a society you establish links
with state DPIs and/or LHPA (previously rural lands protection
boards in NSW) so that the presence and popularity of pigs as
pets is realised.
At present pet pigs tend to be
seen as a passing fad or even as a biosecurity threat by the
commercial pig industry. In NSW all legislation that applies to
commercial piggeries applies to pet pigs as well. This includes
council laws pertaining to where you can have pigs and how much
land you need.
I do not know of any objective
definitive description of a feral pig that could be used to say
yes this pig is feral or no this pig is not. That doesn't mean
one has not been created or could not be created.
My advice to any intending pet
pig owner would be to
- be aware of
the laws and regulations that apply to pigs in your state
including feral pig laws.
- Find out as
much as you can about the breeder of your pet pig - where
their breeding stock came from etc before you buy a pig.
- Consult their
breed society if they claim to be a member of one.
- Records -
keep records - purchase records, DNA profiles, veterinary
records etc
My advice to pet pig
breeders would be
- Be aware of
the laws and regulations that apply to pigs in your state
including feral pig laws.
- Do not use
feral pigs in your breeding program.
- Find out as
much as you can about your foundation breeding stock -
pedigrees etc.
- Join a breed
society
- Records -
keep records - purchase records, DNA profiles, veterinary
records etc.
I hope that answers your
question.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Can
you lay a pig down.?
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Hi Gwynn
I am not sure of the context of your
question.
If you are asking can you train a pig
to lay down then my answer would be yes I am sure you could but I am no
animal trainer so cannot tell you how to do it.
Pigs are intelligent animals and I
imagine a technique similar to that used with dogs - lots of patience
and food rewards would work.
The younger the animal is when you
start will probably make it easier also but I would make sure the piglet
was no younger than 6 weeks old.
If you are asking if pigs do lie down
then the answer is yes but they must be feeling relaxed and comfortable
in their surroundings.
If I have missed the meaning of your
question I would ask that you supply more information and I will try
again.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Hello!
I live in Russia. In our country there are not enough experts on ìèíè
ïèãàì.You could help me with detailed to consultation on breeds? American
Minipig; Gottinger Minipig; Wiesenauer; I cannot understand than these
breeds differ.Thanks! Yours faithfully, Anna.
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Hi Ann
I am not familiar with the breeds you
mention in your email. I have looked on the internet and offer 3
websites for you to look at:
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/swine
http://www.thepigsite.com/info/swinebreeds.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Pig_breeds
Many pig breeds that claim to be
miniature breeds are based on the Vietnamese pot belly pig crossed with
a small local variety (often some wild pigs).
Interestingly the pot belly pig can
grow to 70 to 90kgs - small compared to commercial pigs but not so small
as some people would expect.
Regards
Jayce
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Question:
Are there really minipigs in Australia? How are breeders allowed to sell these pigs as mini when they grow huge? Please answer.
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Answer:-
Dear
Annie
There are several issues that I see.
Firstly there is the interpretation of
the words "mini" and "miniature", and the customer expectations that the
use of these words invokes.
A shetland pony is miniature when
standing next to the largest draught horse but is larger than a
miniature
horse. For some people miniature means pocket sized while others have a
better understanding of animals, and their expectations are more
realistic. Given that an adult commercial pig can be up to a metre tall
and 2 metres long in the body, a pig described as miniature that grew the
size of a labrador would be considered by some as a realistic
compromise. However for a person expecting a pocket size pig or
something the size of a foxie, this would be a disaster.
Secondly breeders need to determine
where the expectations of their customers sit. They then need to be
honest with themselves and their customers in recognising whether they
are able to deliver the customer expectations. Breeders do have a duty
of care to provide the type of animal that they claim to be breeding.
Thirdly the true genetically miniature
pigs do not exist in Australia - we are talking here pot bellied pigs
and the Kune Kune. These are unlikely to ever be imported due to the
biosecurity restrictions to prevent accidental importation of exotic
diseases - for example Foot and Mouth disease which is just one of many.
Size can be affected by both genetics
and nutrition. If a breeder is using a combination of a controlled diet
and careful breeding and selection program, then offspring from this
program may grow larger than anticipated when exposed to a different
diet regime.
It is a difficult situation for both
breeders and pet owners. Pigs make fun pets however to have a successful
pet owner relationship you need to learn all you can about pigs before
you get one. It is no different than if you were to get a pet snake. You
need to learn about the animal before you get one as a pet. That way you
have some knowledge of what to expect in size, appetite and behaviour
and you can build upon this knowledge as you develop more experience
with your pet. I hope this answers your question.
Regards
Jayce
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