Avoid These Errors When Caring For A Mini Pig It has always been common for people to own small animals. Even so, mini pigs were never as popular as they are now. While caring for one of these pets is not the hardest thing in the world, it is important that you don't make any critical errors along the way. If you are thinking of purchasing a mini pig, make sure to avoid these mistakes along the way. Providing Limited Access To Water Unlike some animals, it is critical for pigs to have water available at all times. Many people are not aware of this, but pigs do not have the ability to sweat. As a result, it is crucial that they are given the opportunity to have water whenever they like. The best thing to do would be to place a large bowl of water in a place that is easy for them to get to. There is no magic number when it comes to the amount each pig needs, but it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and provide an ample amount. Forgetting To Buy A Blanket When you have heard the term pigs in a blanket before, it probably referred to the diminutive snacks, but there is a bit of truth to this common phrase. One thing that pigs love more than anything is a soft, warm blanket. While they do not have a preference for any particular pattern, it should be thick enough to offer a nice layer of comfort. Ideally, you should have several in multiple areas of the home, so they can feel cozy wherever they are. Feeding Them The Wrong Things Contrary to popular belief, there are some foods that pigs will not eat. They are not as picky as other animals when it comes to making culinary choices, but it would be an egregious error to offer your mini pig any of the following: - Onion - Pineapple - Bell peppers - Meat drippings - Numerous vegetables in the mustard family In addition to the items previously mentioned, you do not want to give your pig salt under any circumstances. Having too much of this in their diets can lead to a serious shortage of water, and ultimately death. Allowing Them Free Access To Your Home One thing that makes mini pigs different from other animals is their level of curiosity. It is very common for them to get into things in the same way that a small child would. This is why it would be in your best interest to toddler-proof your home. The last thing you want is for your pig to get into something that can hurt them, like cleaning supplies and/or prescription medications. Shutting Off The TV When You Leave Home Pigs are very fond of music and the sounds that come from the television. In fact, there are some shows that your pig may like watching on a regular basis. When you are leaving the house to go to work, school or anywhere else, you should leave the television on for them. This will keep them thoroughly entertained while you are away and it will decrease the chances that they will get into anything and have you coming home to a huge mess. Expecting Them To Stay Tiny When you get a mini pig, it is typical for them to only grow to a fraction of the size of a normal pig. With that said, the reality is that they still have the potential to grow to a size that is much larger than they were at the time of the original purchase. The size your pig grows to will all depend on genetics, but typically they can be anywhere from 25-150 pounds once they are at their full size. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have more than enough space to accommodate their growth. If you are looking for a pet that is a bit different from the norm, you may want to consider a mini pig. Following all of the advice here will ensure that your experience is more positive than ever. While raising a pig is not the same as a cat or dog, it can be just as rewarding if you take great care of them. Jonathan Leger is a small business owner and freelance writer. He also runs a popular question and answer site at AnswerThis.co.