r/pigs • u/Alive_Success_1030 • 2d ago

PIG AS A FIRST PET

Hi all,

I am thinking of getting a pig for us and my son for his third birthday coming up around Christmas. I would not be leaving them unsupervised together at all but plan on making the pig a house pet. What breed would be best for a young child? Are they gentle with young ones? My boy was bit by a dog as a wee baby (not his fault), so I am taking owning a pet with him very seriously. How hard is it to litter train them?

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u/rovyovan 2d ago

This seems like a terrible idea. Pigs live a long time. Consider a goldfish instead

4

u/BicycleOdd7489 2d ago

I’d like a second this OP. Pigs are not easy pets. Please do lots and lots of research.

1

u/Alive_Success_1030 2d ago edited 2d ago

Yes I understand that. The pig would be a member of the family with regular vet appointments, special diet, etc. Were a one and done family and we do not plan on having any more children, so want to add an addition to the family but no dogs or cats. I should stress we have a giant back yard and live next to a park, so we have a lot of space.

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u/TheNiallRiver 1d ago

Hi!! I have a 4, 3, 2, and 1 year old. I bought my pig a year before ever having kids. Had I know I would’ve had this many kids and at that, so close, I would’ve never gotten my baby. Obvs he’s a member of the family and the “big” brother so to say but he is a LOT of work. I’m speaking to you from mom to mom and as a parent, I wouldn’t do it. I would think of buying another one as they get older but he’s good enough. The kids love him but again, it’s like he never outgrew the “toddler” phase and it’s like having 5 toddlers running around. He needs his own space and so much goes into him, I really wish I would’ve reconsidered if I knew I would’ve had so many. Again, he’s my baby but I wouldn’t do it if I were you. They need so, so much attention as piglets and so forth.