The Pet Pig Podcast

      https://thefarriergroup.com/       Episode Title: Hooves of All Kinds: From Pigs to Giraffes with Ben Pollak       In this episode, we welcome Ben Pollak, founder of The Farrier Group, for a fascinating conversation about hoof care, animal trust, and a truly unconventional journey into the world of pig wellness.       From growing up in Brooklyn and working as a chef, to traveling across the world on a motorcycle and finding himself on a wildlife sanctuary in Australia, Ben's path to animal care is as inspiring as it is unexpected. His passion for animals—especially pigs—shines through as he shares his experiences working with livestock in the Australian outback, professional rodeos, and research universities. He brings a unique combination of hoof care expertise, natural handling methods, and deep empathy to his practice.      Ben discusses how his diverse background (including ballroom dancing!) influences the way he handles pigs—focusing on body language, trust-building, and support rather than restraint. He explains the foundation of The Farrier Group and its mission to raise the standard of hoof care for pigs nationwide. Ben also offers valuable insights for pig owners about what to expect during trims, why restraint-free methods matter, and the importance of allowing pigs to feel safe and seen during care.      If you've ever wondered what it takes to properly care for a pig's hooves, how to handle an anxious or untrained pig, or how far passion and compassion can take you in building a career that changes lives—this episode is for you. Topics include: • Ben's adventurous path to animal care • The problem with restraint-based hoof trimming • Why most pigs are overfed (and how that affects hoof health) • How The Farrier Group is setting new standards in the industry • What owners can do to prepare for successful trims • Why not to trim your own pig's hooves      Whether you're a pig parent, sanctuary manager, or just love a good story of reinvention and purpose, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and hoof wisdom. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs           In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn debunks the myth of “teacup pigs,” explaining that there is no such breed — the term is purely a marketing gimmick. She shares how pigs grow for up to five years, and even the smallest healthy adult pigs typically weigh 75 pounds or more.          Autumn explains why the teacup myth is so harmful: it misleads people into expecting a tiny, low-maintenance pet, leading to overwhelmed owners and high rates of pig rehoming. She emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research, asking the right questions when talking to breeders, and understanding that “mini pigs” are only mini in comparison to full-sized farm hogs.           Her goal is to educate and support pig families so that pigs get the care and commitment they deserve.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/preparing-for-a-new-piglet      In this episode, I'm getting honest about something I've seen far too often. Today, I'm sharing the story of a piglet and a well-meaning family who were set up to fail by a breeder who cared more about money than about the life they were helping to create. From overfeeding advice to a complete lack of vet history, this family was given none of the tools they needed to succeed—and their pig is now paying the price.      This episode is not about blame or shame. If you've been in this situation, please hear me when I say: it is not your fault. You trusted someone you believed was a professional. This conversation is about raising awareness, sharing hard truths, and helping prevent future families from ending up in the same heartbreaking position. We'll talk about: • The dangers of backyard breeders • What families should be told before bringing home a pig • How to identify a reputable breeder • What to ask, what to look for, and how to prepare • The role of hormones, behavior, and unmet needs in pigs • And most importantly, how we can stop supporting unethical practices by voting with our dollars and educating ourselves If you care about pigs, want to be the best pig parent you can be, or just want to hear the truth behind some of the biggest issues in the mini pig world, this episode is for you. It's emotional, but it's necessary. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://mikkoschoice.com/            In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn dives into the power of routine in a pig's life—and why flexibility is just as important as structure. Drawing from over 20 years of experience raising pigs, Autumn shares the benefits of establishing a predictable yet adaptable daily rhythm for your pig.                     She explains how rigid routines can create stress, anxiety, and even aggression, while flexible routines help pigs feel secure without making them dependent on the clock.           Listeners will learn how to set up a calm, consistent environment, adjust routines during life changes, and ensure their pig feels safe, confident, and loved. Whether your pig lives indoors or outdoors, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal insight to help your pig thrive. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

  Podcast Episode Summary: “From Shaky Start to Safe Haven: Floppy's Journey”            In this heartwarming episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn interviews Chelsey an animal lover who shares the remarkable story of her pet pig, Floppy. Born in January 2020 with a severe case of “shaking head syndrome,” Floppy was given only two weeks to live. When veterinarians recommended euthanasia, Chelsey and her husband stepped in to give the piglet a fighting chance.           Despite having no prior experience with pigs, Chelsey hand-raised Floppy—bottle-feeding him every three hours, maintaining a warm environment, and managing the anxiety of not knowing whether he'd survive. Miraculously, Floppy defied all odds, outgrew his symptoms, and is now a healthy, happy 850-pound pig living in their house at five years old.            Chelsey also shares about their second pig, Peanut, a two-year-old Yorkshire and a foster fail who's become part of the family. Together with three dogs and three cats, both pigs live indoors and have unique personalities—Floppy is calm and emotionally intuitive, while Peanut is goofy and energetic.            Challenges of raising full-sized farm pigs indoors include structural damage, frequent modifications (like replacing doors), and managing their high energy and strength. Despite HOA restrictions, Chelsey's supportive neighborhood rallied behind her, embracing Floppy as a beloved member of the community.            The episode highlights themes of dedication, adaptability, and unconditional love—showing that with commitment and compassion, even the most unlikely pig can find a forever home. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

  Educational Membership Group Link- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group              In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn breaks down a common but often misunderstood part of pig parenting: blowing their coat.            If you've ever found clumps of pig hair around your home and worried something was wrong, this episode is for you. Autumn explains what “blowing their coat” actually means, when it typically happens, why it's a natural part of your pig's life, and what you can do to help your pig stay comfortable through the process.            She shares practical tips on brushing techniques, bathing routines (including her favorite shampoo), skin care with coconut oil, and how to boost coat health through proper diet and hydration. You'll also learn how to tell the difference between normal seasonal shedding and hair loss that might signal a health issue. Key Takeaways: • What “blowing their coat” means and when it usually happens • Tools and techniques to help your pig shed more comfortably • Bathing do's and don'ts to avoid drying out their skin • The best supplements and foods   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Consultation link- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/11-pet-pig-consultation           In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn, mini pig expert, trainer, and owner of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs—dives into one of the most common questions from pig owners: Can mini pigs really be trained? The answer is yes, absolutely—but not in the same way you'd train a dog.            Autumn explains why pigs think differently, what motivates them (hint: it's not praise), and how understanding their instincts can make training easier. She covers the three most common training mistakes pig owners make and shares her top three beginner-friendly training commands: “come” using magic words, “touch” using a target stick, and “spin,” which builds off the touch cue. These simple tricks are not only easy to teach but incredibly versatile and help build the foundation for future training success.            Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck with your pig's behavior, this episode offers the clarity and encouragement you need to move forward. Autumn also shares how one-on-one consultations can provide personalized help for struggling!  Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group          In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn  dives into the importance of enrichment for pet pigs and how it can prevent boredom-related behaviors like destruction, pushiness, and even depression. Since pigs are highly intelligent—often compared to a three-year-old child—they need activities that engage their natural instincts, such as rooting, foraging, problem-solving, and socializing.           Autumn shares practical enrichment ideas, including:              • Food-Based Enrichment: Scattering food, using treat puzzles, freezing treats, and creating DIY rooting boxes.              • Physical Enrichment: Providing outdoor rooting areas, supervised walks, and obstacle courses to encourage movement.              • Mental Stimulation: Teaching new tricks, training with magic words, and problem-solving games to keep their minds active.              • Social & Environmental Enrichment: Spending quality time with your pig, interacting through grooming or play, and ensuring they have a stimulating environment.           By incorporating these strategies, pig owners can keep their pigs happy, engaged, and well-behaved. Tune in for expert tips and personal experiences to help create a fulfilling life for your pet pig! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Book a Consultation - https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/11-pet-pig-consultation                Today we're tackling a topic that can be frustrating, confusing, and even scary—aggression in pigs. If your pig nips, charges, or challenges you, you're not alone. The key to fixing it is understanding why it happens. Pigs live by a strict hierarchy, and aggression usually comes from one of several reasons.       Fear-Based Aggression – New or rehomed pigs may lash out because they feel scared or cornered. Building trust with patience and positive reinforcement is key.      Spoiled Pig Syndrome – Pigs given too much freedom and not enough boundaries start to believe they are in charge. The fix? Establish yourself as the leader by setting clear rules and making them work for their food.      Hierarchy Challenges – Young pigs, especially around one to two years old, naturally test boundaries to move up in the herd. Ignoring commands, nipping, or charging are signs they're challenging your authority. Stay consistent and don't back down!      By understanding pig behavior and setting firm but fair rules, you can create a happy, well-adjusted pet. Tune in now for the full episode and learn how to take back the top hog position Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

  Joy of Pigs Co |https://satxpetpigs.com/ We're Billy and Serina, husband-and-wife and cofounders of Joy of Pigs Co. | PORCINE®️️. Our mission is to bring joy and happiness to pig lovers everywhere by fostering meaningful connections between people and pigs. Located in San Antonio, Texas, we breed and sell piglets, operate a Piggy Petting Zoo, and aim to educate new pig parents through YouTube videos and blog posts. We also sell our signature Mini Pig Harness on our website and Amazon. We believe pigs have a special way of filling hearts with love and companionship. Through education, community, and compassionate care, we help guide new pig parents on their pig-parenting journey, ensuring happy, healthy pigs and joyful experiences for all. Don't Make These Mistakes -   https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs             Autumn is joined by Billy and Serina from Joy of Pigs Co. They never planned on becoming pig people—it just happened! Their journey started when they moved to Texas to homestead, and what began as a simple desire to add animals to their farm quickly turned into a full-blown passion for pigs.            They share how they got their very first pig completely by chance—a random encounter at a feed store led to them bringing home a little potbelly.  Like many new pig owners, they had a steep learning curve, from underestimating a pig's strength to the heartbreak of their first pig escaping.            But their love for pigs only grew, leading them to start a responsible breeding program and even create a pig petting experience. They discovered that people weren't just interested in buying pigs—they wanted to spend time with them.  They also talk about the challenges of mobile pig visits and why they ultimately decided to keep their pig experiences on-site. Their story is a perfect example of how pigs can truly change your life in ways you never expect.           Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the joys and lessons of pig ownership! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Joy of Pigs Co.  Links: Website: www.joyofpigs.co (formerly www.satxpetpigs.com) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joyofpigsco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyofpigs.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyofpigs.co Amazon Shop: http://www.amazon.com/shops/porcinepetshop Newsletter Signup:  https://porcine-pet-shop-satx-pet-pigs.ck.page/18aebfc432 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joyofpigsco  

       In this episode, Autumn shares essential tips for helping pet pigs adjust to springtime changes, including dealing with mud, encouraging outdoor time, managing grazing, and preventing issues like clover mold. Key Tips: • Managing Mud & Rain: Use straw, wood chips, or pavers to reduce mud in high-traffic areas. Set up a cleaning station (like a shallow tub of warm water) to rinse off mud before pigs enter the house. • Encouraging Outdoor Time: Since some pigs dislike rain, feeding them outside, using high-value treats, or dressing them in a cape or jacket can help motivate them to go outdoors. • Safe Grazing Practices: Introduce grazing gradually to prevent bloating and excessive weight gain. Adjust their diet if necessary to maintain a healthy weight. • White Clover Mold Warning: White clover in damp, cool weather can cause excessive drooling in pigs due to mold growth. Keeping pigs away from clover until temperatures rise will prevent this harmless but surprising issue.                                        Spring is an exciting time for pigs! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/questions-to-ask-a-breederrescue        In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn debunks common myths about mini pigs and provides essential facts for current and potential pig owners. She clarifies that mini pigs do exist but do not stay tiny forever, typically weighing between 75 to 150 pounds when healthy. She warns against the misconception that pigs should be fat, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a lean but well-fed pig for longevity and health.      Autumn also addresses the risks of assuming pigs stop growing at one year (they take up to five years to reach full size) and the dangers of keeping pigs and dogs together unsupervised.      She stresses that pigs need outdoor time, should never be bottle-fed, and require specialized veterinary care. Additionally, she highlights that each pig has unique dietary needs and growth rates. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.*** Pig Body Condition Chart-  https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart Piggy Helth and Nutrition Kit- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_funnel_426011      Feeding pet pigs correctly is one of the most confusing topics for owners. Many pigs either end up malnourished or obese due to misinformation, and unfortunately, some breeders intentionally underfeed piglets to keep them small—leading to severe health issues and even early death.       In this episode, we break down exactly how to feed your pig for optimal health and longevity. We'll cover: • The dangers of breeders restricting food to keep pigs tiny. • Why feeding instructions on the bag aren't always accurate. • How genetics, metabolism, and activity level impact food needs. • The difference between complete feeds and diets that require supplementation. • How to assess your pig's body condition to ensure they're getting the right amount of food.          Rather than relying on generic feeding charts, the best way to determine if your pig is at a healthy weight is by looking at their body condition. Signs of underfeeding include visible hip bones and a narrow frame, while overweight pigs may have large fat pads and struggle to move comfortably. The key is to keep them lean, not skinny. Subscribe to the podcast for more tips on keeping your pig happy and healthy! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

  Dont Make These Mistakes- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs            In this episode, Autumn dives into the key mistakes new pig owners make that can lead to pushy, demanding, or even aggressive behavior. She breaks down how to prevent common piggy problems from the start by setting clear boundaries, avoiding hand feeding, and teaching your piglet to be independent.          Autumn shares practical tips on crate training, harness training, and creating consistent rules to ensure your pig grows into a well-behaved companion. Whether you're a new pig parent or looking to improve your pig's manners, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you raise a happy, respectful pet. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

            In this episode, I sit down with a fellow pig parent to hear all about her journey with Plum, a sassy and lovable mini pig. We discuss the surprising similarities between pigs and horses, the importance of early socialization, and what it really takes to raise a well-adjusted pig. From potty training to leash walking, Plum's owner shares valuable insights and lessons learned along the way.         We also talk about finding reliable pig sitters, we discuss the unique aspects of pig parenting. We also explore Plum's communication style—why she squeals, how she expresses affection, and even her love for stinky feet! Plus, we share tips on training, bath time routines, and why food is the ultimate motivator. If you've ever considered getting a pet pig (or just love hearing about them), this episode is packed with insight and laughs.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Checklist- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/questions-to-ask-a-breederrescue http://www.ampabreeders.com                 Bringing a pet pig into your family is a big decision, and choosing the right breeder or rescue can make all the difference. In this episode, I break down what makes a breeder or rescue ethical and reputable, key questions to ask before adopting, and major red flags to watch out for.         You'll also learn how to find a trustworthy source, avoid misleading size claims, and ensure your piglet comes from a responsible environment. Plus, I'm sharing a free checklist to help you make an informed choice! Tune in to set yourself—and your pig—up for success. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

 Autumn Acres Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group   Thinking about introducing a pig and a dog into the same household? While it's possible for them to coexist, their natural predator-prey instincts make careful management essential. In this episode, we break down the unique challenges of this dynamic, why supervision is a lifelong necessity, and how to set both animals up for success. Learn to recognize key warning signs that your pig is uncomfortable, the best step-by-step approach for introducing a new dog or pig, and how to establish boundaries that promote a peaceful home. Plus, we'll discuss common mistakes to avoid and how to reinforce positive behavior for both animals. Whether you're a seasoned pig parent or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you navigate this challenging but rewarding relationship! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/ref/Alouise03/ code: AUTUMN40      Join us for an inspiring conversation with the co-founder and CMO of Force of Nature, a revolutionary non-toxic cleaning brand. We discuss the science behind their powerful yet safe disinfectant, the journey from idea to product, and how a personal experience led to a game-changing innovation. Plus, we dive into the importance of natural products, pet-friendly cleaning, and making healthier choices for our homes.       Hear about hidden dangers of fragranced cleaning products, including phthalates—harmful chemicals linked to hormone disruption, asthma, and other health risks. Our guest explains how Force of Nature's non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaner provides a powerful yet safe alternative, eliminating the need for multiple household cleaners. From deodorizing and disinfecting to replacing harsh chemicals in homes and workplaces, we discuss the real impact of making the switch to a safer, more effective cleaning solution.Don't miss this insightful episode!”   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Free Webinar to understanding your pigs bossy behavior and more: https://autumnacres.easywebinar.live/event-registration This episode of The Pet Pig Podcast focuses on educating pig owners about the care and well-being of pet pigs. This episode discusses the importance of understanding a pig's natural instincts and providing them with fulfilling activities, or “jobs,” to ensure their happiness and prevent behavioral issues. These key points will be covered: Pigs Natural Instincts, Challenges in Domestic Environments, How to Fulfill a Pigs Instincts! Also we are reminded that Understanding and respecting a pigs instincts is crucial for their well-being. Providing them with mental stimulation, a sense of purpose, and safe outlets for their natural behaviors can help them lead happy, fulfilled lives as part of the family. Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

This episode focuses on the importance of spaying and neutering pet pigs to improve their health, behavior, and quality of life. Covering the topics of : Male Pigs (Boars), Female Pigs (Sows), Health & Behavioral Benefits, and Surgery Considerations! Learn about the long-term benefits of spaying/neutering for both pigs and their families, making them healthier and easier to manage as pets. For more support, check out our Piggy Health and Nutrition Kit!  Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   Hello, my name is Tupelo! I'm a 4 year old Vietnamese Potbellied who lives in beautiful British Columbia with my pigrents, Naomi and Scott. I was adopted when I was 2 months old and have been adventuring ever since. I love to roam in the forest and I have become a literal "trail hog"... don't expect me to yield the path to you! If I do wander off trail, it's because I'm in search of shed antlers - I've been learning how to sniff them out and I found my first one all on my own this year! If I'm not out befriending the urban deer and local ravens, you can find me chilling in my pool in the Summer, or standing next to the baseboard heater in the Winter. I love to snuggle on the couch, but only on MY terms! Mom and Dad have learned a lot from me, especially the accuracy of the term "pig-headed" - I have my own agenda and I'm sticking to it! My personal motto is "don't hurry, don't worry, and be sure to stop and taste-test your surroundings."  In this episode I interview Naomi and we learn all about life with Tupelo. We dare you to not fall in love with Tupelo by the end of this episode!  Naomi's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tupelotales/   Autumn's Links:    Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs  

Well it's about the end of January so the holidays are over. Every single year I get so many calls from families that have brought home a piglet for Christmas. I love hearing about people adding pigs to their lives, but there is a concerning trend that I see. Many of these piglets come from breeders that do not provide proper education or support. Families are left to figure things out on their own which can be overwhelming and lead to tough situations. I am Autumn. I am a mini pig expert with over 21 years of experience in pig behavior, care and education. My mission is to help pig families thrive. I have created resources to make the journey easier because you don't have to figure it all out alone, like I did. Today I am going to share my top tips for life with a pet pig whether you're considering a pet pig or you already have one. This episode is packed with practical advice.  The key tips for preparing for life with a pig discussed in this episode are: Research Environment Understanding the commitment   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs  

We are back with Nicki Taylor from Hold Onto Your Hooves in California in this episode. I learned some really big things from Nicki so we are going to discuss what those are and Nicki is going to explain why they are such important things to know. Nicki will tell us why she has taught me each of these topics below. Nicki does not trim the top tusks of a male pig. No grazing in the morning If your pig is in a crate the tray needs to be in the crate Hooves that have soft spots from their environment A pig's activity level does affect how a pig's hooves grow   Nicki's links: Email: holdontoyourhooves@gmail.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/hold_onto_your_hooves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holdontoyourhooves/ Autumn's Links:    Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

This episode explains why gifting piglets as a surprise is often a recipe for disaster. While pigs are intelligent, social, and adorable animals, they come with unique needs and challenges that require thorough preparation. Many piglets gifted during the holidays end up being rehomed just a few months later, leading to stress for both the pig and the recipient. A long-term commitment is involved in pig ownership, from understanding their behavior and health needs to ensuring proper housing, diet, and veterinary care. The importance of finding reputable breeders and avoiding impulsive decisions is also hilighted.This episode is packed with advice to help ensure pigs find loving, prepared forever homes. If you're considering a pig as a pet or want to help someone else prepare, this episode is a must-listen! Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.*** Amy last was on the show in January of 2024 and has an update for us. She got a phone call about a pig that fell off of a slaughter truck on the Turnpike and Amy brought her to the ranch. She was very injured from falling off of the truck  and Amy was worried that she wasn't going to make it. She just laid in the stall for 2 days and she slowly started to get better and is doing great now. She was checked out by the vet and was given medication for an infection. She built a space for her within a few days thanks to a friend and many donations. She has Maggie and Honey Bee in a nice area where they can see each other but not accidentally hurt each other. Amy had 6 pigs but recently had 2 adopted so now she has 4. Oogie and Boogie started acting up when they would smell Honey Bee go into heat. Amy knew that she needed to do something better for them so she started talking more about them to try to get them adopted. Out of nowhere the perfect family saw a video of her feeding them apples and  the family decided that they wanted to adopt both boys. They got their property ready for Oogie and Boogie and then called Amy to tell them that they are ready to bring them home. So now Amy only has 4 pigs and has an open space for whatever is next to come. Amy is determined to make sure that her families are educated on their specific animal that they adopt from her so that they are set up for success and dont need to come back to the ranch. Amy has over 140 animals on her ranch that she has rescued. Amy tells us how she ended up with over 60 bunnies that needed to be rescued and how she cared for them and set a plan to get them adopted. Amy shares that everything is going well on the ranch but she will always need some form of help. The need for a rescue will always be there so she will always be busy on her ranch but she is very aware of what her limit is. She is always looking for volunteers to come help out at the ranch. She is always looking for bunny brushers a couple times a year.   ***Listen to this episode for a special message from me***   Amy's links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelrescueranch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrescueranch Website: www.rebelrescueranch.com   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Educational Membership Group: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Free Community: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs  

As the holiday season approaches, many are gearing up for celebrations. This time of year can bring unique hazards for our pet pigs. Decorations can look like food, some food should not be eaten by pigs. The added excitement of having guests or gatherings can pose real risks if we are not careful. In this episode we are going to talk about some of the top seasonal dangers for pigs and simple tips to keep them safe. These reminders are helpful year round, so you can ensure that your pig stays happy and healthy and out of mischief no matter what is going on in your home. Below is a list of things to keep an eye out for this season. Listen for the tips for each of these items listed below.   The Christmas tree itself Tinsel Ornaments The cord for lights on the tree. Wrapped gifts Candles Extra cords that are laying around Different plants that people have this time of year Snow globes Snacks and alcohol  Trash Guests bags or coats Salt to melt the ice on our sidewalks   I hope these holiday tips will help you be prepared and give you a little bit of peace of mind so that you can just enjoy your time with family or just keeping warm this winter. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pet pigs happy, healthy and safe. ***Listen to this episode for 2 special messages from me***   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Kristen is a German living in the Netherlands. She decided to move to the Netherlands about 4 years ago. She grew up with a lot of animals so she has always been a countryside girl. She was looking for ducks for her pond because they have a lot of snails at a horse farm and ended up seeing 2 small pigs that were abandoned by their mother. She immediately decided to foster her and that is now 2.5 years ago. Her pet pig's name is Lisa. She is a ginger pig so they also call her pumpkin sometimes. She is 2.5 years old. She is 20 kilos (40 pounds) now so she thinks she is a bit small but she is still growing. When she brought Lisa home she said it was very adventurous. The first thing they did was get her a setup for their house. The beginning was very easy and she was a very sweet pig and even to this day she is a very good pig. She was 5 days old when she rescued her so it was a lot of work but she had great advice from her rescue and her vet.    Kristen explains that Lisa is sneaky, smart. She will go outside to go potty but only do about half of it to get her treat and then will ask to go outside again to go potty to get another treat. She travels often to return to Germany so they started taking Lisa with them on their trips in their camper. She is comfortable with people she knows already but with new people she takes a moment to get comfortable but she is fine with them pretty fast as long as they are not in her space. They have been working with her to be kind to her boyfriend and new people that come into the house.    Kristen tells us that the biggest challenge is learning and figuring out a pig but once you understand them and have a routine it becomes good and is very enjoyable.   She also shares her favorite things about having a pet pig. Her biggest piece of advice is to get as much information as you can about having a pet pig and to learn what life is like at each age.    ***Listen to this episode for 2 special messages from me***   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   Winter will be here before we know it. If you have a pig you probably already know that pigs naturally hate cold temperatures. They hate the wind, they hate the snow, the rain, they hate it all.  They prefer to be warm and cozy all tucked in or just laying in the sun. But, If  you live in a place that gets cold like it does here in Ohio, then we need to assume the job of keeping our pigs safe, and teach them that precipitation is not an excuse to stay inside and have accidents. We are going to go over some tips and reminders that I have for now so that we can prepare our pig for the winter time. This will result in less frustration for us and less frustration for them.    First, let's talk about outside pigs. Outside pigs need housing to escape the weather. This housing should be draft free and weather proof at the very least. This will allow our pig to have a safe, dry place to be. Some options are: A small house Straw A heat source Clear a space for them to go to the bathroom so they aren't standing in the snow They need access to clean water   Now, Let's talk about indoor pigs: We need to motivate our pig to go out in any weather Start taking your pig outside while its still warm Help them enjoy time outside Feed them their meals outside only Do not limit water Use very good treats to encourage going outside Make it easy on them Allow your pig to cold adapt You can provide warm clothes   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Emma's first experience in the cannabis plant started in 2015 when her brother and her started a delivery service for humans in LA. At that point it was only legal for medical usage, not recreationally. It was just starting to become mainstream for people. So at that time there was nothing really for animals. During the time of their delivery business her dog was diagnosed with a very severe form of cancer of the liver. The vet told her that they could do chemo or nothing and either way he probably only has a few months to live. Emma opted to not do chemo because she didn't want his last few months to be at the vet all the time and not feeling great. Her brother suggested giving him CBD to make him comfortable and they had current human customers using CBD for cancers. These human customers were seeing remissions in their cancer so they thought why not try it for animals. They figured out the dosage by giving him the same concentrated form their human customers were taking and she also gave her dog a tincture which is what her product she has now is modeled off of. Her dog was given 3 months to live and ended up living 4 years and his tumor went away. Those results were what made her dive into the plant and the industry for animals. Slowly over the next 5 years products came to the market for dogs and the better products are human grade. Emma's products are all hemp so you will not get high off of her products. In 2019 Emme launched her business, Mikkos Choice, for horses first.   Now in 2024 there are many products on the market for pets. There are many companies that dose based on weight and that is not how to dose her CBD products. Every person and animal is different so she has recommendations on her product on where to start for the dosage. There is a lot of flexibility with her product. Emma gives suggestions on what to look for when doing research on a CBD brand for your pet. She tells us the benefits for animals and some suggestions on when to give them a dose or to increase their dose. petpigpodcast is my discount code on Emma's website. Emma's Links: www.mikkoschoice.com https://www.instagram.com/mikkos_choice https://www.instagram.com/briankangal www.facebook.com/Mikkoschoice Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   It is the beginning of October and as such, fall is basically upon us. If you live somewhere like I do and you get to enjoy the beauty of fall and the crispness of the air, I hope that you love it as much as I do. With fall there come a few challenges when it comes to our pigs. There is 1 danger that I like to remind pig owners, especially if you live in places where there are a lot of trees. I have 5 reminders for the fall that I hope can be helpful to you for this fall. Watch out for acorns and oak leaves. With Halloween comes candy. They may eat the entire bag including the wrappers so we need to keep those things out of our pigs reach. Also watchout for sweet smelling candles that may be mistaken for food and could cause burns. Winter is coming so now is the time to allow our pig to acclimate to cold weather as the days cool down through fall. Now is the time to check your pigs hooves and get them in good condition before the winter weather comes. Don't forget that your pig loves pumpkins, apples and squash and they are readily available this time of year.    Thank you for tuning into this episode. If you are ready to take your pig knowledge to the next level don't forget to check out my courses, webinars and guides  that cover everything from pig health to training. You can also join our membership group for exclusive tips, expert advice and a supportive community for pig owners. Click the stanstore link below.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   Katie Ingram wears many hats: a university instructor, media professional, journalist, author and pig mom. She grew up with a variety of animals (a dog, rabbits, fish and a horse), but always wanted a pet pig. No one believed that she would have one though. Alex grew up with animals also but did not think he wanted a pet pig. Katie saw an ad for a pig and decided to get it. When they brought the pig home within a couple days they realized that they were not prepared for a pig at all. They ended up giving her to someone who was able to take care of her properly. They were devastated at having to give her up. Later on after doing research and being better prepared they started looking for another pig and ended up getting Snuggles.   Snuggles will be 4 years old in November. She used to love to cuddle but after about 2 years old she has turned sassy but is still very sweet. Snuggles knows how to dance (spinning in a circle). She also knows her left from her right so while she is dancing they will tell her to go the other direction and she will spin that other way. She knows how to give a good kiss (basically booping her nose). She knows how to get a specific ball when instructed to. She is learning how to use communications buttons.   Katie and Alex share what life is like with Snuggles and share some things she loves to do. They also share their biggest challenge of owning a pet pig and their favorite part of owning one. They share that their biggest piece of advice is to do your research and not just go with how cute a pig is because they are a 20 year commitment.    Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Recently the American Mini Pig Association held a Zoom meeting that some breeders were invited to attend. They are a great resource for anyone who wants to get a mini pig. They also have a very small list of approved breeders that need to follow their code of ethics and meet their standards that are quite high. There are very few breeders that actually make it on this list. I am proud to say that I am one of them. This zoom meeting that I was able to be a part of was incredible. We were able to exchange information with each other about pet pigs. These breeders were very knowledgeable about pet pigs. I love to learn so this was a great opportunity for me. In this conversation we talked a lot about what we do with our pigs. Something came to my attention and I feel the need to get this information out there to other pig owners.    One of the women in this group had the opportunity to speak to a nutritionist from Purina. Purina Pig and Sow is a food that many pig owners use. It was the only food available to me for a long time in 2004. We had trouble with some of the bags being moldy for a bit. I returned it and started to lose my trust in the brand. I had to switch to Kalmbach pig feed that I still order from Chewy.com and it gets delivered twice a month. My pigs love it and do well on it. This woman was told by the nutritionist not to feed a pig, Purina Pig and Sow because that food is not meant for longevity. At this time I am going to suggest that it might be a good idea to switch brands if you have your pig on Purina Pig and Sow. There are now several brands on the market that are good foods.    If you live in an area where you are able to order Chewy.com you can order Kalmbach and pick a food that fits your needs. They have a food called Squeals of Joy that is marketed specifically for mini pigs. Many people love Sharps mini pig food, OinkBox Mini pig food, Nature's Best Organic mini pig pellets. This might be a great time to look at your mini pigs' food and make sure that it is doing them well.    Signs to know that your pig food isn't doing your pig so well are:  Skin issues Profuse weeping of their eyes  Do not drastically change their food. Make sure you slowly transition to the new food. Overall we all want the same thing. We all want our pig healthy and to live as long as possible. So by paying close attention to the food that they are eating we are going to make sure that happens. If you need help with your pig's diet, skin or behavior please reach out to me. I have many resources to share with you to help. If there is a topic you would like to dig deeper into I have courses that I offer that dive deep into many pig topics. If you click the link below on the Stan store link I have everything I offer there in 1 place.    Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   Kathy has such a great perspective on Florida heat and her pigs. She has had several pigs over the last few years and has had some tragic things happen so she is going to share about that in this episode in the hopes of helping other people when they face difficult circumstances.  Kathy hopes that her tragedies can help other pig owners.  Kathy has always been an animal lover. Growing up she had so many animals and even wild ones but nothing exotic until she got a pig. Her daughter loved watching Dr. K Exotic Vet shows and Kathy was drawn to the adult pig episodes. She loved the bond that they had with their owners. She loved how intelligent pigs seemed to be. One day she decided to spend the day with her granddaughter going to look at pigs. She wanted to just look at pigs but ended up bringing one home. She believed the breeder that her pig was 6 weeks old and agreed to use her own farm vet to spay the pig because the breeder wasn't happy with her own vet. Kathy noticed that her piglet was so sweet but always seemed to be panic stricken for no reason. Kathy learned a lot through her experience with her first pig and after her death also. Kathy knew she was not going to go back to that first breeder to get a second pig. She decided that a rescue was the way to go because so many pigs need a home.  Kathy explains how she learned about PSS and what that meant for her pig. She gave us the warning signs she saw but wasn't able to get 5 different Vets to identify the issue before she passed away.  She tells us about having to surrender her second pig due to the trauma of her first pig's death. She then tells us about her pig that had issues with choking and had emergency surgery and passed away at 2.5 years old. They ended up finding out that her intestines were necrotic but they did not ever get an official answer about why that happened.  She explains how important it is to pay close attention to your pig when living in a high heat and humidity area. She gives us tips from what she has learned. She explains what we need to watch to decide if a pig should be outside or not when it comes to sunlight, temperature and humidity level. She gives some great tips on ways to keep your pig cool depending on the weather. Kathy's Links: https://www.amazon.com/GeekAire-Rechargeable-Velocity-Portable-Industrial/dp/B07MXCDTB9/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8HsUBxfS1MLoby8KaOwqK6elSHY0XjKBrT7djY2d-_I-Hi8l3n0ln4m9rqAtAaGXbupvvv1BTCZRzAmZWHxG3zkVWYi_kLNVd4vd65s_BPJl9ZhsCmNFX3D4tLyuAkzOES6pbQ926wM3XlSf2L3lPzkdOq-Sj5Ja5ZnM5aJ5LRA1cIwnRfgO_AtASSVQtfIiMYK4Ruzdc9JhapW3DbUcxZMGj8Lesk98D1YLEZdDYj_RCvkB33S14LKXD14SSCkBUGits9_wAPW9O-Y-LClTgCLkIm31o0HVW6Wl5_O5Rw0.vj97cXe3_TvH71p-_M6dWDXv58t_rO4K-R5lvjKZTFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Outdoor%20rechargeable%20battery%20fans&qid=1720656071&s=home-garden&sr=1-5 Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Doug has always had cats since he was younger and wasn't much of a dog person. He never thought of getting a pig. One day he was sitting and his daughter came into the house and said “welcome the newest member of your family”. She turned the corner and had a little pig. Doug instantly thought it was going to chew the house up so he said they needed to return the pig. They decided to try keeping him for a few days because his daughter wouldn't get her money back. Doug did not want to pig so of course the pig came right up to him first. They started to pick a name and Doug said Bean (like pork and beans) and that stuck and Bean became his pig. Bean also loves Doug's wife and youngest daughter. He likes the oldest daughter but sometimes he goes after her because he doesn't see her as often. He gets along with everyone in the family for the most part. Bean is 6 years old now and about to turn 7 in September. He loves his routine every day. He loves his buttons. His favorite button is “treat please”.    Doug shares some stories about life with Bean. Life at first with a new little pig How all of their pets get along He shares how he came about trimming his hooves themselves He shares about a limp in his leg and how they treated his hoof He shares tricks that Bean knows He shares his biggest challenge of having a pig And last, he shares his biggest piece of advice for pig owners   Doug's links: https://www.instagram.com/bean_the_piggy   https://www.facebook.com/Beanthepiggy   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Will my new piglet sleep through the night? This is a reasonable question for most new pet owners. It is nice to know if our piglet is going to sleep through the night or not before you get one. There are factors that influence whether a new piglet is going to disrupt a family's sleep at night or not. So let's talk about what those factors are and then we will talk about causes and prevention. Let's start with the factors. Where you got your piglet from Socialization level When you bring a piglet home they will be skittish at first. But how we respond to them will set them up for success if we do the correct things. They will learn that they love us and can trust us. Pigs learn quickly that they can get our attention if every time they make a noise we run to them. Now if we never respond to every little noise they make they will stop. The cause is us. It is how we respond to them when we first get them. Now how do we prevent it from the start? Select a piglet that has been taught manners Teach your new piglet to be content on its own right away Do not respond to them when they call you Do not interact with them at night If you follow these 4 steps from the start your pig will not make a peep at night ever. If they do then something is wrong and you can obviously help them. Know the difference between an attention scream and a panic scream.  If you have a pig that already gets up during the night there are a few things you can do to break the habit they have of getting up. Crating a pig at night solves safety issues and also helps with stopping bossy behavior. Also not responding when they scream at night.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

The heat is upon us. That's what I want to talk about, helping our pigs so they can have a good summer. Something so that we don't have to worry about them. The heat can be dangerous for them. Too much sun can also be dangerous. It's important to help our pigs through the heat so they don't get heat exhaustion or heat stroke because they both can kill pigs. We need to find ways to cool our pig off.  Nice dense shade A kiddie pool Spray a hose so your pig can make a wallow   Pigs need ways to cool down because they do not have very many sweat glands. They do not have enough to cool themselves down. Ways for them to cool down are necessary. Cool water to drink Pet specific pools or home made pools A sprinkler   Water deprivation for pigs is extremely dangerous. When a pig is deprived of water and then they have access to water they end up drinking so much water that it throws off their electrolyte balance and this can cause a lot of problems. So please keep in mind that they will need small amounts of water often until they are satisfied before you give them access to a kiddie pool if you notice they haven't had water for a while. I love to take fruit and freeze it in a bowl of water for them to enjoy while also cooling down. Sometimes I also freeze bottles of water and throw those in their kiddie pool or their big water bowls and it keeps their water cool and is something they will play with sometimes.  If you have a light color pig and they are in direct sunlight and it's hot out, you need to make sure they always have a shade option. Even if they have shade they tend to love laying in the sun so if your pig is pink they will need some sort of sunblock. I prefer zinc oxide based and natural sunscreens but if i'm in desperate need I will use a spray sunscreen made for babies. Heat and sunburns have been linked to Dippity Pig Syndrome so keep an eye for those symptoms. Heat stroke is also something that we need to be on the lookout for. If your pig is not eating or drinking you need to call the vet immediately.  If you don't have trees to create shade, you can hang a tarp or build a little building for them to go into. Concrete floors are great because they tend to stay cool when they are shaded. The most common way a pig will cool down is in mud but they will only do this if they are hot and need to cool down. If you don't want them rolling in the mud then you need to provide them a pool to cool down in. As responsible pig owners we need to pay attention to the weather and pay attention to our pig.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   What do you do if your pig hates your boyfriend or girlfriend or just your friends in general? What do you do if your pig hates when strangers or company come over? This is what we are talking bout today. It was a special request so I am happy to get this information out there so people can understand why their pig has a hard time around strangers. Pigs are prey animals , so brining them in the house and taking away their pig responsibilities doesn't change those natural instincts. A pig has to be taught that everything is safe. Pigs are very nervous around anything new. New things are scary. Sometimes it seems to come out of the blue that our pig starts to show signs of aggression to strangers. If you understand your pig you will understand the things that stress them out and cause them to act in a way that is aggressive. We will talk about why this happens and then how to prevent it and how to fix it.    In the wild if someone enters the pigs territory the pig perceives this as a threat. They have one thing on their mind, get this threat away from us. So a pig will pull out all their scary behaviors. When we have a pig in our home and a stranger, or friend comes over the pig will be stressed because in their mind they think this is a threat. So what can we do to make strangers or friends easier on our pig?   Keep our pig use to change Have a flexible routine Reinforce a calm state of mind Reward good behavior Give them daily enrichment Give them outside time   How can we help our pig with strangers in general? Constantly take your pig to new places Let people interact with them and pet them Never force your pig to interact with people Start when a pig is young if possible If we understand signs of stress and anxiety it will help us be in control of situations. If we see that our pig is stressed we need to step in and get their attention and change their mindset. Ease the pressure by getting control of the situation. If we are going to have people over we want to set our pig up for success, so we need to really think about how we are forcing people on our pig. You might not be able to make your pig be comfortable around strangers and you may have to be okay with that. A pig that is already hating strangers and company needs a backup plan. Instead of being defensive for our pig, we can try to think of ways to keep our pig comfortable when people come over. Sometimes that means taking them out of the situation all together. We can introduce our pig to the person with some form of barrier between them and gradually let them interact and get comfortable together.    Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***   Corinne's mother was not an animal lover but she let Corinne have whatever she wanted growing up. She owns Mulberry Meadow farms in southwest Michigan. They raise a variety of animals. It all started with a backyard full of chickens in the middle of the city. She has worked in vet med for many years. She has a lot of medical experience with animals. So she decided that they needed land. They saved up money and got land and then got more animals from there. Now they raise mini goats, mini pigs, AKC Great Pyrenees , rabbits, a little bit of everything. SHe shares as much as she can about the farm. She likes to show the good and the not fun side of having a farm. She has a small breeding program of mini pigs. She breeds Julianna mini pigs and American mini pigs. They have about 10 pigs total. Autumn just got a piglet from Corinne because she needed to add a new pig into her litter.  Corinne confirms that there are Julianna mini pigs. There are very specific looks and personality traits that set a Julianna mini apart from an American mini pig. A Julianna has a specific set of standards. Juliannas that do not have these specific traits are likely mixed and that would make them an American mini pig. The standard for a Julianna will always have spots, you will never have a solid pink or black pig that is a Julianna. Their faces are also different from American mini pigs. Corrine explains more physical traits that will show if a mini pig is American or Julianna.  Corinne explains that she thinks there is conflict on Juliana authenticity on the internet because there is want for a blanket over all mini pigs to try to make them 1 breed. Her pigs are registered on the Julianna pig registry so you know that for the past 7 generations it's a Julianna pig. She thinks there is just some confusion out there.  There are definitely 2 different pigs and they both make great pigs.  Corinne explains her pigs temperament. Hers tend to be very outgoing. They are the type of pig that will want to be active with people. She feels like all pigs are sassy and have personality. Juliannas are known to demand food. They are very vocal because they are very outgoing and talk often. She has about 3 and 4 litters a year so they can spend as much time as possible with each litter.  Corrine gives us tips on how we can make sure that a pig is truly a Julianna pig when talking to the breeder. Make sure the breeder is truly transparent and also check to see if they are registered. Corinne has been breeding for 5 years. She got her pigs from a breeder that was retiring. She had 4 generations of pigs and some of those are retired. She also explains that they get a year break in between litters and when they are done they get to live out the rest of their lives, happy on the farm with all the other animals.    Corinne's Link: https://www.instagram.com/mulberrymeadowfarms/   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

On January 30th 2024 at about 12:15 in the morning. Loretta Lynn gave birth to 4 piglets pretty quickly. They all were born in less than 2 hours. Johnny was the first piglet born in this litter. He was born at about 12:15 and at birth he weighed 7.5oz. Pretty quickly after the other 3 came. This litter from the very start seemed very normal. They were all doing well. When I have a night birth I put a mattress down by them so I can be there and check on them and make sure everyone is eating and going to the bathroom. I also check to make sure no one is sneezing or coughing and that everyone can breathe and that mama is doing well and she passes all of the afterbirth. That morning I was woken by a piglet that I could tell was frustrated. Piglets are born very quiet because they are prey animals. The fact that a piglet was making a lot of noise was odd. I got up to see what was going on and I saw Johnny and he was continuously trying to nurse. I thought he must be having a hard time so I held him up to help him. I noticed that he was giving up. It was like he had no strength because he wasn't getting anything. I don't like to step in unless absolutely necessary so I waited and watched and took note that again and again he was trying but not getting anything. By morning I saw that he was laying away from his mother and siblings. He looked very thin compared to his littermates. He was not gaining weight. As I continued to watch I realized that if I did not step in he would be dead by the end of the day.  We keep colostrum on hand from our milk cow from when she gave birth to her calf. I took some colostrum and thawed it out and offered it to Johnny. He lapped it up very quickly. Bottle feeding is very dangerous for a piglet because they can aspirate the milk and that can cause pneumonia which can lead to death in a piglet. So I never use a bottle on a piglet. I teach my piglets to pan feed. It usually takes about 24 to 48 hours to teach a piglet to pan feed. For Johnny I used an 8x8 baking dish that I put just enough colostrum in for him to stand in and drink. Within 24 hours he was a pro and sucked it down. On the first day he lost weight, he went down from 7.5oz to 6oz. I didn't know why he wasn't able to nurse. But since he was losing weight I supplemented him with the colostrum and goats milk. Raw goat's milk is amazing for piglets. If you do not have access to raw goats milk you can get a can of dry goats milk in the baking aisle. You mix it with warm water. I used that and mixed in colostrum and put it in a pan for him to eat. I fed him about 1 time per hour but if I heard him whine or heard his siblings eating I would run down and feed him sooner. He was able to feel satisfied very quickly. By Thursday evening he was up to 7.23oz. He was gaining during the day but at night he would drop down in weight again. I was hoping he would be able to nurse at night but he wasn't getting anything still. After 2 nights of losing weight I realized that I would have to feed him during the night as well. By Saturday morning he was 8oz and he started to finally gain weight. On the day the piglets turned 1 week old, something happened, he was nursing! What happened when he was born was that his mouth was just too small to nurse properly. But within the week he was able to grow and nurse properly. I wasn't sure that she was going to produce enough milk because he hasn't nursed for a week. I continued to supplement and weigh him for 2 more weeks to make sure that he was getting milk from nursing. At about 1.5 weeks I noticed that he was having a hard time pooping. His little butt got sealed over because his poop was wet so I cleaned up his butt and he immediately started to go. This continued to happen for several days. It can happen with any piglet but especially with runts. Every day I was nervous that he wasn't going to make it. I did everything I could think of including giving him liver water and continuing to weigh and supplement him as needed.  He ended up getting milk that dried on his back and it made it so the new hair didn't grow in on that spot. As he got older I was able to wash it off and use castor oil on his spot to keep it from getting more dry. Eventually it flaked off and his hair grew in.  Another thing I did was get a grounding mat out on the days he wasn't feeling well. I noticed he was always laying half on and half off the grounding mat. I also noticed that within a few minutes of putting him on the grounding mat he would become active and he would stay on it the entire time he was able to use it.  He started to do great and was nursing on his own and gaining weight and being active. He is doing so well now and I don't expect him to have any issues growing up. I want to thank everyone who cheered for Johnny. I am grateful that I knew what to try to help him to grow and thrive. I have learned a lot from this situation so I'm hoping to carry that knowledge on in the future. If you are interested in seeing all of the behind the scenes and the really hard things that I have to do sometimes you can subscribe to my Instagram account where I share everything.    Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Sanghi gives us an update on life for her family and their pigs. Poppy is now 4 years old and Podrick is going to be 2 in a month. They both have their own personalities and have destroyed everything they had done to their yard to make it pretty because of the pigs. But it comes with the territory so its okay. Her daughter is now 14 months and she loves to watch all 3 of them interact and grow up together. Now that poppy is 4 her energy level has come down. When they first brought their daughter home she thought that Poppy was getting depressed but then they realized that she was just starting to calm down because of her age. People often wonder what they can do regarding pregnancy and babies and bringing their children into a home with a pig. Sanghi tells us about what they did when they first found out that they were having a baby. For their family they decided to get a second pig so that Poppy had someone else for herself. As she progressed along in her pregnancy she would make sure that the pigs had a chance to snuggle with her bare skin belly so they could feel the baby move. She also noticed that Poppy was getting a little more protective but also more mellow and more careful when interacting with Sanghi. She thinks that by allowing the pigs to be around her belly as her baby grew she thinks they could sense she was pregnant and their personalities adjusted. They brought home some of her swaddles that the baby was in and they let the pigs have that and smell her before they interacted with her. They would allow the pigs also to smell the pack n play that baby was in. After that she would stand behind the baby gate and Sanghi would hold the baby and let the pigs smell her so everyone was still in their safe space but could be introduced. They slowly started to let them smell her feet and adjust. They are still careful to supervise their daughter with their pigs to train everyone to be kind and gentle. They have their visits in small short visits once the pigs are calm. Poppy and Podrick don't mind having their daughter around them in the same space. One issue that they have been having is Podrick will nudge her highchair and tip it over without her in it so now during any time that her daughter is eating they have the pigs in a separate area so everyone is safe. She tells us about how her pigs helped her during her postpartum depression and other challenges that they faced as a new family. Sanghi gives us her best piece of advice for someone who has a pig and is pregnant or is thinking of having a baby.    Sanghi's Link: https://bit.ly/yogavinopig0622 Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.*** Does your pet pig love to graze in the spring and summertime? Most pigs love to be outside. What is there not to love? The sun, dirt, the breeze. There are so many  health benefits that our pig gets from being outside. They get minerals and vitamins and it also helps with boredom. SO being outside is really good for a pig. Especially a pet pig that lives in the house. Where we don't want them to be bored and destructive or snippy and wanting to eat all the time. It's really nice that our pig can spend time outside. When it comes to our pigs spending time outside there are a couple things that we should keep in mind that are going to allow our pig to stay healthy, not get overweight, and not be exposed to things they shouldn't be. Grazing is great but there are things about grazing that aren't so good. 1) Excessive grazing can cause a pig to gain weight. If your pig is gaining weight due to grazing you can do a couple things, cut back on their pellets and snacks. By cutting back on those they will be able to maintain a weight that is healthy for them.  2) Grass causes bloating and gas. If they are not used to the grass it can cause digestive upset. We can help with this by slowly introducing them to the grass.  3) We need to watch out for toxic plants in their grazing area. You will need to take a look around at the plants in your yard and gardens and make sure that they are not toxic to pigs in any way. And if they are toxic you need to keep it away from them. It is also a good idea to keep activated charcoal on hand. Activated charcoal is a binder so it binds to the toxins and it can save a pig's life.  4) Remember that worms and other parasites can be picked up from grazing so a regular deworming schedule is needed. This will help with internal parasites. We also need to consider external parasites like ticks. If you live in an area that allows free range birds they will help control ticks but you can also dust their belly and legs with diatomaceous earth. I also have tick and mosquito repellent sprays that are all natural that I spray them with.  5)  Pigs can easily wander off while grazing so it's important that we either keep our eyes on them or have them in a fenced in space.  6) Your pig should have access to water at all times if it is hot outside. They should also have a shaded space to get out of the sun. 7) There is a fungus that grows on red clover and this fungus produces a toxin that stimulates the salivary glands and will result in excessive drooling.The thing to do is to keep them off the clover in the spring time because this is when this fungus grows.  Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Amelia currently lives in Northern Canada in Quebec. She has always been an animal lover in fact her first word was dog instead of mom or dad.  She has always been drawn to animals. Her parents saw that she was always drawn to animals as a child. She grew up having ADHD and animals helped her calm down and control her emotions better. She grew up with chickens and rabbits and eventually turned into a hobby farm. She ran the hobby farm and it was the beginning steps towards what she has now. Now, today she runs a sanctuary for farm animals. They have criteria to accept farm animals on the sanctuary which are, handicapped animals, animals in need who have been neglected, and animals that need emergency care. Their goal is to take in animals in need and to be able to offer them a loving, stable home for their entire life and then to use a select few to reach out to vulnerable people in their community to offer emotional support visits to lift their spirits.  Amelia is also a teacher in an indigenous community in her area and her school is very open to letting her bring the baby animals into class so they can be fed their bottles throughout the day as needed. Amelia tells us about life as a teacher and how she has been able to incorporate animals into the class to teach her students lessons about kindness and acceptance and also about responsibility. She also tells us how her sanctuary came about and major challenges she came across with the sanctuary but how she was able to overcome it. She ends the episode with how the sanctuary is today and what her and her animals are up to these days. Amelia shares her goals for the future of the sanctuary. She tells us about her 3 pigs and how they are doing now and that she is about to get a 4th pig. If you would like to help Amelia click her links below and get her name out there.    Amelia's Links: Website: https://la-petite-fermette-du-mieux-etre-105161.square.site/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lapetitefermette1   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Do you sometimes struggle to understand your pet pig's behavior? Does your pig have bossy behavior? Have they become aggressive? Are they snippy with you? Do they bite? Do they charge, headswipe, chomp or snap? If you are struggling to understand why your pig is doing these things, I have an answer for you! I just created a course called Understanding Mini Pig Behavior. The reason that I created this course, is because behavior questions is the #1 type of questions that I receive from people all over the world. My Instagram and Facebook DM's are full of people asking for help with their pigs behavior. The problem is that most people don't understand why their pigs' behavior is happening in the first place. So it becomes almost impossible for them to fix it. I have been studying pig behavior for almost 20 years now. I understand what it feels like to be completely baffled about why my pig is acting a certain way. When I get a message from somebody it's really hard for me to be able to give a very detailed reason about why this behavior is happening and how to fix it. I like to give all the details so I decided to create something that allows me to give you the tools that you need to understand why your pig acts the way it does and the ways to teach your pig that this behavior is unacceptable. So let's talk about what is in this course.   Module 1 - Bossy behavior Module 2 - Herd mentality Module 3 - Understanding your pig Module 4 - Training Use discount code podcast for a 25% discount on this course. Click the link below so that you can have access to this course and start understanding why your pig acts the way it does and so you can change any bad behaviors that your pig has.    Course Link: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/learn-to-understand-your-pet-pigs-behavior Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT

*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko's Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to Mikkoschoice.com or email info@mikkoschoice.com for more information.***    Sarah has always loved animals but especially horses. She works at an animal rescue in the Miami area and that's how she was introduced to pigs and became obsessed with pigs also. The rescue she works at has a very strict vetting process for finding their rescues a good home. There is no time limit on how long animals can stay at the rescue so they are able to take their time and find a great home for each animal. That is how she got Oliver. Early January of 2023 Sarah was leaving work and her boss said she needed to go pick up a little pig. The next day when Sarah came into work she saw a tiny cute little baby pig and she thought he was so cute. The vet estimated him to be 2 to 3 weeks old. That time of year they can have some cold snaps in Miami so she offered to take him home so he could stay warm. Sarah put pee pads down in her room because she noticed in the stall that he would use a corner to go to the bathroom. So in her house he picked the corner he wanted to use and that's the one he stuck to. Sarah remembers being scared because the whole 24 hours she had him he hadn't pooped. The minute she took him outside he pooped. She had it in her mind that she would just foster him. But at night she wanted to take him home because she didn't want him to be alone. There were a lot of people that wanted him but Sarah's boss was determined to not just place him anywhere. Sarah had him for 2 months and her boss had found a sanctuary that would take him but Sarah decided that now she wanted to keep him. She was able to adopt him and he has been with her ever since.    Sarah tells us about Oliver and what his personality is like. She brings him with her to work every day so he is such a great pig and they have a great routine together. She tells us about how he is at the ranch that she goes to every day.   Sarah tells us about how things went when she first brought Oliver home with her and how he trained so fast so early on. She also tells us how Oliver is with her kids. We compare the hierarchy in the pig world and the horse world and how similar in that aspect.    The biggest challenge Sarah has faced is trying to find an apartment that would work with her about having a pet pig even though he is registered as an emotional support animal. She tells us that her favorite part of having a pet pig is her relationship with him. He is just as important to her as he children. She loves that he is with her all the time and he feels like he was made for her family.    The one piece of advice that she would give to someone who wants a pet pig is, pigs are an easy pet if you have the time and resources for them but they take a lot of work. They need a lot of attention and they need outside time. They are amazing pets to have.   Sarah's Links: instagram.com/oliverpiggy2023/   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Happy Spring! It has been a beautiful spring in Ohio so far, but it has been very wet and muddy. That got me thinking about how much mud everyone is going to have in their house right now, due to their pig going out to go potty or for eating or whatever. So I wanted to talk about how we can handle the rain when our pig doesn't want to go outside to go potty and the mud that they are going to be bringing into the house. How can we keep some of that mess outside? First of all, when it comes to rain, many pigs do not want to go outside in the rain. We need to be proactive to get our pigs to be motivated to always go outside. One way we can do this is to feed them their meals outside as long as the weather isn't extreme. Food is close to every pig's heart so if the weather isn't their favorite they may hesitate but they will still go outside. Something else that you can do is use really good treats to reward them for going outside. Going out in the rain is a hard thing for a pig so buy good treats to reward them well for doing hard things. If you start when your pig is young you can teach them to let you put a little jacket on them. It will keep the rain off of them so it's not as cold. I also have a space outside that is movable and has a little roof on it so once they get to that they won't have rain on them.  When it comes to mud, I like to make sure that they are on fresh grass every morning and move it throughout the day so they aren't knee deep in mud. We also put straw down in muddy places so the pigs don't sink into the mud. We also put gravel or wood chips down in places that get really muddy on our farm. Some pigs love to walk through the mud and others hate to walk through mud. I keep a small tub filled with warm water in front of the door that they walk into the house through. I put a few Cheerios in the tub so they also clean off their snouts. They will walk through the warm water and will get most of the water off their hooves and legs. I try to keep their crates and blankets clean so their blankets aren't caked in mud. This will help with the constant buildup of dirt and mud that happens in the spring.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Maribeth gives us an update on how the pigs are doing and how Tree Family Party Piggies is coming along. The reason I really wanted to invite Maribeth back to the show is because she had an experience with her pigs that was very scary and I wanted her to be able to share that with everyone because we can all learn from her experience.    Maribeth and her pigs were coming back from a senior service that ended up totaling her car. There was a lot of damage but she is very grateful that neither herself or the pigs were hurt because she was traveling safely with the pigs. They have always had their pigs travel in the cargo or luggage portion of their vehicle and the pigs are always in a secured hard or soft sided crate. They were traveling in hard sided crates the day of the accident. The reason they are in a crate is because it really protects them from ejection or being severely injured. They have room to turn around in their crate but they are not able to just roam in the vehicle. The most trauma that the pigs experienced was having to be transferred from the crashed vehicle to a new vehicle after the accident. The pigs recovered great because they thankfully had no injuries and were laying down in their crates when the accident happened. She explained that she thinks getting the pigs back into their routine as soon as possible is what helped them the most.    Maribeth's number one takeaway from this experience is that safely traveling in a crate in the cargo compartment of the vehicle saved her pigs from health issues, harm, death and was only mildly traumatizing to them. She also believes that the way she talked to them kept everyone calm throughout the process. I am so grateful she was able to share this experience with us, so we all can learn from it and keep our piggies safe.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNiz  

Recently I made a statement on social media that many pig owners and pig lovers did not like. So I am going to share what I said and why I said it. First of all, the statement I made was, “Pigs are not people. They do not need lunch or snacks.” Why did I say that? Well, It's true. Pigs are not people, they are actually wild animals that have been domesticated within the past 40-50 years. In those years is when we started to bring pigs into our homes. Before that people raised pigs as livestock. Bringing pigs in the house changed the game for pigs. They began to be viewed as more of family members than they did farm pigs.  Pigs are more like a puppy or a dog in the house now. That has caused a lot of people to begin to treat them more like people or a family member. I am not opposed to pet pigs, I have several of my own. I am not saying we should treat our pigs like livestock, but when you really understand pigs and what anthropomorphising a pig does, you will understand that they do have emotions but they do not have the same needs as a human does. They do not need to be treated like people, and doing so can cause issues. Now, let's talk about why. Pigs in the wild have 3 jobs, reproduce, hunt for food, and make a nest. These three instincts drive a pig. A pig has no control over these things. As we domesticate them, we don't change their instinct. We may lessen them by a tiny bit but those instincts are still there. When we make them a pet we take away their jobs. This causes a pig to become bored, destructive and even aggressive. We love our pigs and we want to provide them with the best kind of nutrition but you have to think about the repercussions of this. If you feed your pig constantly throughout the day your pig will become dependent on that. It will become a routine of eating all day long and it will make it very difficult to take care of them. Two meals a day is all a pig needs. The more you feed them will make them become more entitled towards food and very food aggressive. When it comes to snacks, I did not mean treats. In my opinion, treats are for training and for keeping your pig busy. I am very methodical when it comes to giving my pigs treats. They have a purpose. A treat is a reward for doing something hard or to reinforce good behavior. I also put them in a treat dispensing toy or in the grass so they have a purpose.  So what is the takeaway from this episode? Pigs are wild animals. We bring them into our home and make them a part of our family. Although we change the environment, we don't change their instinct to survive. So when we bring them into the house we need to really be knowledgeable about what a pet pig is and how they think.    Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Rebel Rescue Ohio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was created in 2018 to help small domestic and exotic animals in need. The rescue moved to the “Ranch” in 2020 as the need to take on larger "farm" pets grew. Rebel Rescue Ranch, located in Berlin Center, Ohio has the space and availability to take in and help more critters! We provide sanctuary, funding, education, vet care and find homes for unwanted or abandoned pets. If ever there is a case that we can not take on, we try to find someone who can! As of now there are about 140 animals on the ranch. Amy tells us about her motivation to create the ranch and how she has grown and keeps it going. She shares how she has gotten different animals at her rescue and what life is like with each of them. She also explains what it takes to run the ranch and how we are each able to help her continue to help these animals.  Her one piece of advice to anyone who wants to bring a pig home is to do their research and schedule a visit, not just a meet and greet, to really meet and learn about the pig that you want to be part of your family. Also, make sure you know that this life is what you want.    If you are wanting to help please reach out to Amy by contacting her at the links below! Amy's Links:  Email RebelRescueRanch@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebelrescueranch/ Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Food aggression is so common in pigs. It's easy for them to become food aggressive because they are so food obsessed. If we can work with them while they are young, so they don't become food aggressive, we will save ourselves so much stress in the future.  What is food aggression? Food aggression is when a pig can not focus on anything else except the food in front of them. They become aggressive and try to get the food. They are not always deliberately trying to hurt us. Many times they are just trying to scare us so we let go of the food more quickly so they can have it. We have to remember that in the wild pigs are foragers and scavengers, this is how pigs find food. They spend a lot of their day trying to find food. Since they do not have that stomach to brain connection they always feel hungry. They are always starving and think if they don't eat now they will die. So we can have a little empathy for them, nobody wants to be starving. But as a pig owner, our job is to keep our pig healthy so that means enough food. They shouldn't have too much and too little food. We love our pig but that doesn't give them the right to bully us. Food aggression is one of those things that we do not want to happen with our pig.  In my opinion, many times food aggression is caused by us. I see it in underfed, malnourished pigs. But, another time I see it is in spoiled pigs. If we are not a leader and inconsistent in making them work for their food they can become aggressive because they feel like they have to fight for the food that they get. We are not talking about squealing for meals. Squealing for meals is not true food aggression. Food aggression is sheer panic. They are on edge because they feel like they have to fight to get that food. What are some examples of when we might see food aggression and how to handle it? Training sessions Before or during meals People food By following the tips I share in this episode you will be able to prevent food aggression or fix food aggression if they already are aggressive. We have to remember that a lot of lessons that we teach our pigs can only be taught when they trust us. If we build a bond and they trust us they will know that what we say we will do will happen. Pigs are naturally food obsessed so we have to teach them that they will get their food but they can not have it if they are being mean, bossy, aggressive and rude.   Kitchen Shenanigans Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sGXPKGVDmnZx2iKgBI0GX?si=f33dd09d1f1b415e https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/thepetpigpodcast/Kitchen_Shenanigans.mp3   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT  

Rose is a High Ticket Affiliate Marketer, Beginner Homesteader and Animal Lover. She resides in Northwestern, Pennsylvania with her husband Alex and 13 animals. She has always dreamt that her life would be centered around the outdoors and animals so she decided instead of dreaming about it - she was going to make it happen. Rose has always been an animal lover but a pet pig was not on her list until her husband suggested it. She immediately started to research ethical pet pig breeders and came across Autumn Acres and that is how she became a pig owner. Rose knew about farm pigs but never really knew anything about mini pet pigs. Rose tells us her experience of bringing her pet pig home and how she fit in with the cats and dogs.  We learn about Olive and her personality and what life is like with her. Rose shares a story about a situation where Olive got into grain for her other animals and got sick and how she cared for Olive during that situation. We also hear about their challenge of having a pet pig with having other animals in the house and on the farm. Rose shares her biggest piece of advice to someone thinking of getting a pig is: Do your research and make sure that you have someone on call that you can contact at any time if something or an emergency comes up that you can talk to or ask questions.  Just having that person that you can get those answers from is huge.    Rose's Link: https://www.instagram.com/therosekilgore/   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT

Training is so important if you want your pig to grow up enjoying interaction with people. If you don't train a pig when it is young and continue that training throughout their life, you end up with a pig that is stressed and doesn't know how to do anything outside of its normal daily activities. Things come up in life that we can not control, so there is no way to keep our pigs' lives exactly the same every single day. When we don't work on training while our pig is young then we have a pig who doesn't do well with any change at all. Why does this happen? Piglets are born terrified of everything because they are prey animals. Being a prey animal, that fear of anything new is what keeps them alive. When we bring them into our home and they become a pet results in our pig not having to be afraid of everything because we keep them safe. At a young age, our pigs need to be taught what to enjoy and how to enjoy it. Training can help so our pig is not afraid of every little thing. They are able to have a flexible mentality, they are open to new things and challenges and they have confidence. When you have a pig that has a good level of confidence, you are able to enjoy them and they will enjoy their life by being calm and content. What are the real benefits of training a pig when it is young and keeping up on the training? We build a deep bond and trust with our pig. A pig will be more easygoing and flexible in life. You will have a better behaved pig. What are some examples of training? Manners Harness training Leash training Tricks Using stairs or a ramp Walking on slippery floors Walking on gravel Crate training Car rides Strangers Loud noises Touch What happens if we do not keep up on the list above or if we never teach them these things? We end up with a terrified, stressed out pig that is in constant panic mode. What can this result in? Food aggression Spoiled pig syndrome No confidence No trust  How can you help a pig that is older that you didn't keep up with training that is very afraid of anything new? Restart your training today. Pick something that is easy that your pig doesn't know how to do and feels uncomfortable with and be consistent. Use treats, build their confidence and their trust in you. By working on one thing at a time you will have a pig that is more confident and happier.   Autumn's Links:  Website: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/ Email: Autumn@autumnacresminipetpigs.com Educational Membership Group: https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/support-group-subscription/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/ Facebook:  HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs Mighty Networks: https://autumn-acres-mini-pet-pigs.mn.co/share/EPW2Ie5isMX4T0Ve YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA Stan Store: https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hDNizT