Mini Pig Hoof Trimming

12/20/2023

Miniature pigs, what are they?

The definition of a miniature (mini) pig is any adult pig [5+ years or older] weighing less than 300-350 pounds. Miniature pig is not a breed of pigs. It is a classification. That classification encompasses multiple breeds. Some that are common place and others that are so rare they're nearly extinct!

Breeds that could potentially be included in the umbrella term "mini pig" are: Potbelly/Viatnamese Potbellied Pig, Göttingen Mini, KuneKune, American Guinea Hog, Yucatan/Yucatan Micro, Ossabaw, American Mini Pig, Meishan, Mulefoot Hog, & Juliana.

Without the option of genetic testing to determine exactly what the makeup of a pig truly is, it is hard for anyone to claim to know exactly what their pig is. As of right now, there is only a parentage test with a few breeds on file out of the 100+ recognized and claimed breed/breed types of swine.

Similar to our mutts now, most mini pigs are a Heinz 57 mixture of the above listed breeds. Two of the few breeds that tracks parentage and can trace back years prior is the KuneKune & Meishan. Most other breeds have been bred so spontaneously that there are few purebred of anything out there remaining.

Due to that, many people now use weight as a way to compare a pigs size. Unfortunately, a bulldog sized pig can weigh 130-200lbs but still be smaller in size than a large dog.

Since pigs are such dense creatures, it's nearly impossible to offer full-grown weight. Especially when pigs aren't fully mature until they're nearly 5 years old. The best estimate anyone can give you is measurement in inches of parents and grandparents. Length from tip of nose to tail head. Height from hooves to shoulder.

11/09/2023

10/14/2023

Just another friendly reminder! 🎃 🍃 Happy Friday the 13th! 👻

If you or someone you know buys pumpkins for decoration and don't know what to do with them after; Pigs can eat them!

As long as the pumpkin is free of chemicals and relatively fresh, pretty much all of your regular farm critters can enjoy a pumpkin.

Pumpkin is a natural dewormer, fun snack, and can be replanted by your critter anywhere they leave droppings. If you compile them, be prepared for your very own poo-plants (most veggies and fruit seeds).

03/14/2022

01/09/2022

https://www.facebook.com/1154756827951962/posts/4753445914749684/?d=n

What’s really awesome is seeing progression. Mr. Bruce went on a weight loss journey toward the end of 2021 which has led to some saggy skin (a GOOD thing) and much more wear on his hooves than usual. What was even more exciting—his laminitis has improved drastically! 😍

Excess sugar in the diet is often the main culprit of laminitis, a very painful and chronic condition. Once an animal has a bout of laminitis, nutrition is super important to help lessen future flares.

Diets high in fruit, corn, and human foods such as rice, spaghetti, cookies, potatoes (like those leftovers after dinner 😬) can lead to laminitis. Since pigs hide pain well, it can often go unnoticed until a hoof trim uncovers the yellow to orange striations—not to be confused with discoloration caused by litter box users.

Should we write a blog explaining more about laminitis in pigs, the culprits that play a part, and how to help prevent it and/or lessen flares? Comment below! 🤗

11/08/2021

11/06/2021

In case you’re new to following this page—welcome. 💚

One year ago, I took this picture in the exam room of my Neurologist’s office. You can tell how excited John was. I felt how John looked.

Little did we know minutes after, I would be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 30 days after my 30th birthday.

My relapse began months prior during a Houston and San Antonio pig hoof trimming route. I thought it was related to sinus pressure and allergies with the headaches. Then I began having issues in the heat while we were working at a few rescues. Then I began losing vision in my right eye. That’s when we knew something worse was going on.

A few months of doctors and specialists shooting in the dark. A few months of driving three hours one way weekly only to find no answers. A few months of tapping into all of our personal and business savings to afford to pay bills because we had to stop traveling due to my unexpected symptoms.

So on November 6, 2020, it was a day of relief to have an answer. It was also one of the darkest nights.

The last year has had its challenges. I’ve fought severe cluster headaches, light-induced migraines, severe heat sensitivity, balance issues, gone through the stages of grief multiple times, and have felt extreme guilt toward the life and marriage we had now because of my health.

It’s one thing to know someone with a chronic illness—it’s something entirely different to be that person with a chronic illness.

But as many of you know who have followed us since the beginning or had the pleasure of meeting us in person, we’re a team.

And we don’t give up.

Maybe it’s because of John’s stubborn Veteran side. Maybe it’s my spicy Latina side. Maybe it’s a mix of both. 😅

John and I learned to adapt and overcome so many of these challenges. We’ve learned how important it is to take care of ourselves or else we cannot care for anyone else.

John found his healing through creating wire tree of life art and spending more time working on the ranch.

A month ago I entered a new career as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist which has helped my symptoms dramatically.

November 6th is transformative day for us in the household. Thank you for holding the space for us to share part one with you.

10/24/2021

Curious about what all goes on behind the scenes of our mini pig hoof trims? Learn some tips for your pig's hoof care by checking out our blog at:
https://theminipigfarrier.com/mini-pig-hoof-trimming-blog/

Join our group where we will be diving more into mini pig hoof trimming, general health, and meet other fine pig parents all over the world: http://facebook.com/groups/minipighooftrimming

10/21/2021

Mini pig hoof trimming is not one size fits all. Pigs have vastly different genetics leading to various hoof shapes and sizes.

It can be difficult when attempting to trim your pigs’ hooves for the first time, especially if their hooves are overgrown. Most owners don’t know where to start.

The key is baby steps.

Sometimes a perfect trim takes a few sessions.

Sometimes the first step is taking a deep breath and lowering your frazzled energy before working with your pig.

Hoof trimming is intertwined with other aspects that affect the animal as a whole.

In our method, we address the hooves and the mental state of the animal for mini pig hoof trimming.

And we’re going to dive more into that soon.

theminipigfarrier.com/blog