American Mini Pig

Description

American mini pigs are mixed-breed pigs. Their genes come from several different domesticated breeds and feral boars.

Though commonly known as just mini pigs, other names for the American mini pig include pocket, teacup, micro, super-micro, or nano pig. These nicknames are not indicative of separate breeds; they are tools used to describe the size of the pig. In comparison to other breeds, these pigs are small, but adults can range in size from 50 – 100 pounds. For example, adult potbellied pigs can reach up to 150 pounds.

Range & Habitat

American mini pigs are found throughout the United States in zoos and on smaller farms,

At the Virginia Zoo, the American mini pigs can be found in our ZooFarm in the Red Barn.

Behavior

Pigs frequently use vocalizations to communicate. More than 20 distinct vocalizations have bee identified in pigs, including grunting, squealing, and screaming. Grunting is common when a pig is rooting (using its snout to nudge the ground or objects) for food or during positive social interactions. Short, repetitive grunts can indicate excitement while longer grunts are used as contact calls. Squeals and screams are used as distress calls. Barks are used as threats, to indicate alarm, or during play. Pigs also use olfactory (scent) and visual signals to communicate.

Pigs are highly intelligent animals. To stimulate the pigs mentally, emotionally, and physically at the Zoo, they receive enrichment. For example, keepers may use puzzle feeders, new scents, music, and wading pools to encourage our pigs to engage in natural behaviors.

Diet

Pigs are omnivores. If raised on pastures, pigs naturally will eat invertebrates (e.g. insects and worms), mushrooms, roots, bird eggs, and plants.

At the Virginia Zoo, American mini pigs receive a balanced diet including vegetables and biscuits formulated with the proper nutrients.

Fun Facts

Pigs are considered to be the 5th most intelligent animal in the world and thought to have the same intelligence level as a human toddler.
Pigs can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.
Pigs can squeal as loud as 115 decibels — three decibels louder than a jet engine.