The 3 Cheapest Pigs to Keep as Pets

Pigs are an increasingly popular companion-animal choice for people looking to bring an animal into their homes. Keeping a pig as a pet can be rewarding, but it can also be very costly. Which pig breeds are the cheapest to keep as pets? There are many factors to think about when considering the cost of a pet pig.

The Costs of Keeping a Pig

If you’re thinking about bringing a pig into your home, it’s important to keep in mind that adopting one means a commitment of up to 20 years. The price of a pig is not the only cost to consider — expect to pay for feed and veterinary care. Pigs are highly intelligent, so you’d need to provide plenty of enrichment materials like straw beds and specialized toys to keep them happy. You may also need to factor in the cost of providing a shelter for your pet.

If you budget carefully and are fully prepared to take on the responsibility of keeping a pet pig, then a rich and rewarding pet experience may await you. Like humans and other animals, pigs have distinct personalities. But, generally speaking, they can make for very sociable, sweet, and loving pets.

Factors That Affect Pig Prices

Various factors affect the price of a pig. Depending upon the breed, piglets can be cheaper to purchase than full-grown adults. Purchasing a pig in the breeding seasons of spring and summer can raise costs. If the breeder or seller has already vaccinated and de-wormed a piglet, that cost will likely be factored into the price, as well.

So, which pig breeds are the most affordable? Rare and specialized breeds tend to be more expensive to purchase. The harder it is to find a piglet of a particular breed, the more expensive that piglet will be. Larger breeds tend to be the cheapest to purchase but the most expensive to feed. To help guide you in your decision, here is a list of the three cheapest pigs to keep as pets.

1. Mini Pig

Mini pigs are undeniably charming and it’s no surprise that they are in such high demand as pets. They reach a size of 50 to 300 pounds, which is quite small for an adult pig. There are many breeds of mini pigs, including kunekunes, Julianas, and Ossabaw Island hogs. These breeds tend to be more expensive to purchase than larger pig breeds. So, then, why are they included on this list of the cheapest pigs to keep as pets?

The small size of a mini pig makes it less expensive to feed throughout its life. Adult pigs should generally be fed an amount of food that equals about two percent of their body weight. So, if you have an adult mini pig that weighs 100 pounds, you can expect to feed it around 2 pounds of food daily, or roughly 60 pounds of food per month. If, on the other hand, you have a large pig that weighs 500 pounds, you can expect to feed it around 10 pounds of food daily, or roughly 300 pounds of food per month. There are other factors to note — mini-pig feed can be costlier than feed for larger pigs. Speak with an experienced pig owner and a farm animal veterinarian to get a full picture of the true cost of keeping a mini pig.

If you decide to adopt a mini pig companion, make sure to seek a reputable seller. Some breeders make false claims that their piglets will grow up to be small in size. Look for a trustworthy breeder or rescue organization that has good reviews to avoid being fooled.

2. Yorkshire Pig

Yorkshire pigs are a common breed that is found on many farms. These large pigs are smart and hardy. They are also known for their gentle nature, making them a fine pet choice. If you live in an area with excessive heat or cold, this pig breed could be the one for you, as they are highly adaptable to different climate conditions. A young Yorkshire pig can cost around $50 to $100 to purchase. Keep in mind that these pigs can grow up to 750 lbs, so annual feeding costs can be high.

3. Hampshire Pig

If you are looking for a porcine pet that is cheap to purchase and smaller than the average hog, then the Hampshire pig might be right for you. These handsome animals grow to a size that is a bit smaller than the average pig size. A Hampshire boar may reach 650 pounds as an adult. You may see prices around $250 to $600 for an adult Hampshire (depending on the season), but a younger pig may cost less.

There are many factors involved in making a cost-effective pet-pig choice. Be sure to do careful research, and check your local rescue centers to find pigs that may be in need of your care.

Summary of the 3 Cheapest Pigs to Keep as Pets