What is a CPH number?

Pigs are considered livestock (even pet pigs) so you will need a County Parish Holding Number to keep them.  This is a 9 digit code that identifies those keeping pigs and where.

• England – Contact the Rural Payments Agency on 0845 603 7777

• Wales – Contact the Welsh Agricultural Department on 01597 823777

• Scotland – Contact the Scottish Agricultural Department on 01315 568400

Allow up to two weeks for this to be processed, can be processed quicker over the phone if you request it.

Register as a Pig Keeper

Contact the Animal Health & Veterinary Laboratories Agency AHVLA to register as a pig keeper.  A list of AHVLA Offices can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth or by calling 01905 763 355.

How to house my pig?

We recommend a secure outside pen and a suitable water/draft proof house as by far the easiest way to keep them.  All ours are housed in this way, on either grass, soil or a nice thick covering of woodchip which is great when its particularly wet.  Pigs are instinctively very clean and will always choose to toilet away from their bedding if they are able to so for that matter we suggest a permanent open door so they can come and go as they please. For bedding you should use straw as opposed to hay, as hay can contain mites.

If intending to house your pig as an indoor pet you will need a large dog crate as the pigs permanent sleeping space and some blankets.  Someone should also be home with them through the majority of the day. They can thrive in this environment if you have the time, effort and dedication to give them. Pigs like dogs can become destructive out of boredom if left alone for long periods.

Companionship

Pigs are ultimately herd animals and they really do benefit from the companionship of other animals, especially pigs.  Our advice would always be to consider keeping a pair together in an outside pen.  Despite this if intending to house as an indoor pet, then singularly is a better option, but in doing so the stimulation and companionship would come from you or another pet. We are often asked what pigs are like with other animals; pigs are highly intellectual and it is quite extraordinary observing a piglet coexisting with other animals and the bond they are able to share.  From goats, dogs, chickens and even a tortoise (see our Instagram for proof of this).

Diet

If conditions permitted, domesticated pigs would feed continuously so its particularly important to control what they eat and keep an eye on their weight. Avoid overfeeding, not to stunt growth but to prevent significantly large weight gains that will reflect a much heavier and all round bigger pig.  The size of your pig is determined by two things, genetics and then nutrition. You cannot change the genetics of your pig by depriving it of nourishment, however you can cause a genetically small pig to grow excessively (something all to apparent in the majority of the negative media stories).

Feed – Non fattening sow, sow & weaner nuts or pot bellied pig feed, a handful in the morning and evening as a piglet is sufficient and increase this to a few handfuls each as adults.  Avoid ‘growers’ and ‘high fat/protein’ feeds used in commercial pig rearing as this will result in dramatic weight gains. Fresh water should be available throughout the day.

Vaccinations

Your piglet will be vaccinated using Panomec (Ivermectin) for the treatment of internal and external parasites prior to leaving.  This will cover your piglet for up to a year, however can be administered every 6 months should you wish.  This can be administered in the form of a medicated feed organized with a prescription from your vets enabling you to purchase the feed through your supplier or online.

Micro Pig Size

Micro Pigs can vary quite dramatically from one breeder to another due to the different mixture of breeds contained within their breeding line, their adult sizes, and the generation they are breeding from.  Ours are approximately 14-20 inches in height or a phrase we will often use welly to knee height.  They can weigh between 20-30 kg if a healthy balanced diet is maintained with a life span of between 10 – 15 years.

Adult images & video below.