The Pennywell Miniature pigs have been specially bred here at Pennywell farm to be small and friendly. Each pig is unique with its own colour and markings.
They have been referred to in the media as mini pigs, micro pigs, pygmy pigs and after a famous photograph by Richard Austin was in the national newspapers they have even been called teacup pigs.
We have been breeding them since 1992. The average piglet weighs just 250g (8oz) at birth. They grow to about a fifth of the size of an ordinary piglet (approximately the size of a Springer Spaniel at maturity).
Buying a Pig
Before contacting Pennywell, you need to apply for a CPH number from the Rural Payments Agency on 0845 603 7777. Once you have received your holding number you can contact us to arrange payment of a deposit.
Email only please: mark@pennywellfarm.co.uk
The pigs sell from £550 and a £275 deposit is required. The deposit is non refundable.
The pigs can be exported but the purchaser must pay for and organise all licences, paperwork and transport. Pennywell cannot give advice or assistance with this.
Feeding
Pennywell pigs are fed on a diet of sow and weaner nuts, which are available from agricultural feed merchants. At Pennywell we use BOCM brand which are available nationally and are easy to obtain.
Depending on whether your pig will have access to grazing will determine how much of the pig nuts you need to feed them. If they don't have access to grazing they will need 1 big handful of pig nuts twice a day, however this can be reduced to 1 handful a day if they do have access to grazing. The same applies if you wish to feed them fruit and vegetables (pigs especially love pears, apples and grapes). Try to limit the amount you give them and use it as a treat for training. Pigs need access to water at all times.
Worming
Worming should be carried out every 4-6 months. We use a powder form of wormer called Flubenol pig wormer which is added to their food.
Housing
Pigs require dry, well ventilated but draught free housing. They will need dry bedding. Straw is the most suitable form of bedding as they can hide under it in the winter.
The housing will need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Pigs are naturally clean animals so will not usually mess in their house but tend to use one area making mucking out fairly easy.
It is advisable to provide your pig with somewhere they can wallow in the summer. As pigs can't sweat this will cool them down and therefore reduce the risk of them getting heatstroke in high temperatures.
Entertainment and Animal Enrichment
Pigs are very bright and come behind primates in IQ tests but ahead of dolphins! By taming your pig and playing games like hunt the food, it will enrich their lives and yours and will double the pleasure of having your own pet Pennywell Pig.
Pig Artwork
Pigasso and Van Trough have produced some paintings which they sell in aid of the Farmers Crisis Network. Paintings are £75 plus £20 postage and packing. For US customers, $80 plus $25 postage and packing. Each painting comes with a certificate of authenticity. Contact valerie@pennywellfarm.co.uk for further information.
