NEW OWNER CHECK LIST

The "To Do" List:

1.  Confirm local code, zoning statutes and requirements.  It is the sole responsibility of the prospective owners to research and to comply with all local zoning, codes, ordinances or associations, etc.  Pigs have been kept as pets since the 1980's but many municipal zoning and code regulations have not been revised to reflect this.  The USDA classifies miniature pigs as swine.  Unless stated otherwise, swine are usually prohibited in residential districts unless certain conditions are met, whereas an exception is granted.  PeeWee Piglets is not responsible for advising, conducting or evaluating any code research.

• Contact your local Zoning and Building Code offices.  Inquire if there are any regulations, restrictions or exceptions governing pet pigs. Contact animal control to verify applicable leash laws or registration fees.  Remember to check any neighborhood or homeowner's associations also.

• Be sure to document.  Write down the date, department, name and title of person you spoke with and the outcome of call.

• Two links listed below have some zoning ordinances online.

http://www.amlegal.com | http://www.municode.com

2.  Find a local veterinarian.  Some veterinarians will not treat many pigs.  Locate a vet that has experience and preferably has current mini pig patients.  Make sure to inquire about boarding, after hour care, house calls wellness exams, etc.   You may want to schedule an appointment to examine your piglet when you first get him or her.   Write down office hours, after hour and emergency numbers along with any information you might need and have it readily available.   In the event of an emergency, you want to be prepared.

3. Create a safe haven for your piglet.  This can be a wire crate, exercise enclosure or a small area in your house.  A child's playpen will be suitable for a young piglet, the first week or so.   A small space large enough to accommodate the food and water bowls, litter box, bed, a few toys and the piglet will suffice.  Allow enough distance between the litter box, and food and water bowls to avoid contamination.  This area needs to be in a quiet area free of drafts where piglet is able to be confined.   For more information about  Bringing Piglet Home   

Need help building your pig pen?   For inspiration and information about design, different material types, construction tips and to see actual pig pens designed and built by pig owners, visit our pig pen design page. Go To Pig Pen Design

The wire crate and canvas enclosure will collapse for easy storage.  The large or extra-large sizes are suitable for young piglets as an enclosure, but can be converted to adult sleeping quarters too.   Piglets can also use a playpen on retailer's links below to find these products and similar items.

4. Select the bedding and blankets.   There are hundreds of pet beds to choose from ranging in price from $10 to $500.  Pillow style, crate fillers, cushion side bedding, mattresses and dozens of other styles to choose from.  The main things to consider are size and comfort.  Select a bed that will be large enough with enough padding and support to be comfortable.  Provide several blankets and a couple stuffed animals to cuddle up with.  Beds can be purchased from most retailers.  The three beds listed below can be found at Tractor Supply Co.™

5.  Purchase the litter box and litter.  The litter box we recommend is 20" x 26" HPDE ((High Density Polyethylene) Tub that can be found at Lowes for $5.75.  It is listed as  MacCoeurt Drywall Mud Pans, Item #: 19251 | Model #: AT2606.  This is what we use to train our piglets so they are familiar with this set up.   Use flake pine shavings or pelleted litter; both can be purchased at Tractor Supply.   Do not use cedar as some pigs are allergic to it.  Flake pine shavings contain the lowest amount of dust than regular shavings.  The average cost is under $6 for 8 cubic ft.  Equine Pelletized bedding is virtually dust free and comes in 40 lb. bags for around $6.

6.  Select the water and feeding bowls.   It's best to have non-tip or tip resistance bowls.  For piglets we use the smaller sizes, Spot brand, non-tip, non-skid bowl for both water and feed  For adults, all bowls below can be used for water, food or hay, and can be found at Tractor Supply Co. 

7.  Pig Harness - You can use a type H or type A harness which can be found at most retailers.  Dog harness aren't designed for a pig and often fit improperly.  PigGear makes pig harnesses, designed just for pigs.  You can order online.  Their harnesses look and fit great!

8. Miniature Pig Feed -  Mazuri Mini Pig Food™ and Purina Natures Balance Sow and Pig Food are two brands of premanufactured miniature pig food that we reccomend.  For more information on miniature pig nutrition read.