Can Mini Pigs Be Destructive? Will they Chew on Things?

The Ultimate Guide to Living with Pet Pigs in Your Home (Part 3)

Can mini pigs be destructive?  Will they chew on things?

Yes, it is as simple as that.  Pigs will be pigs.  Even our youngest pig Millie at a mere 20 pounds can definitely make a mess or chew up a chord or the stray item when the opportunity presents itself.  And our largest pig, Pumpkin, has ripped several holes in our couch.   And Charlotte has been known to take down a trash can to search out any edible thing she can find.

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Below is Millie snuggled into the stuffing of the couch after Pumpkin ripped hole.

So, if you are very concerned about keeping a flawless house in which things are never damaged or broken, then pigs are not an ideal companion animal for you.  Some pigs will attempt to rip up flooring or chew on the walls.  This is especially true if the pigs are bored and not provided with adequate stimulation.  And most pigs naturally have a rooting instinct.  Some pigs have been known to find weakness in flooring and root up portions of the floor.  Pigs will need to be provided with an outdoor space where they can root up a yard in places.  This clearly will not work in shared yards like in a condo or apartment complex.  One way to satisfy a rooting instinct indoors is by providing the pigs with a rooting box.  This can contain play balls or smooth stones that your pig can root around in for treats.  For many pigs, this will help alleviate their need to root and help protect your flooring.  

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I must really stress that choosing to adopt a pig is a major life decision.  It is not something you should do on a whim.  Pigs can live for 20 years or more and become very attached to their families.  Abandoning a pig can lead to depression or stress for the pig.  Sometimes this cannot be avoided, but you owe it to the pig to make sure you are as well informed as you can be about making this decision.

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If you are prepared to take things as they come and work with your pigs when they get a little destructive, the rewards of living with pigs are definitely worth the trade off.   Pumpkin, Charlotte, and Millie are three of my best friends in the world.  I gladly live with a less than perfect home in exchange for having them around everyday!  But, this is definitely not an ideal choice for everyone.  And there is no guarantee of how easy or difficult your pig will be.  Just like adopting a dog, cat, or child, adopting a pig is a serious choice that should not be made lightly.   And just like with dogs and cats, so many pigs out there are in need of homes already.  So please adopt, don't shop!
Check Out These Great Photos of Pig Destruction
​Part 4: Does the Size of the Mini Pig Matter?
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