They Bought a ‘Teacup’ Pig, or So They Thought
Tiny now, but not for long. (Getty Images / Brinja Schmidt)
During the pandemic, many Americans feeling lonely and isolated turned to unconventional pets for companionship, reports Amira McKee in the Wall Street Journal. Among the most surprising choices were so-called “teacup” pigs—a label McKee points out is misleading, as no official breed exists. Buyers enticed by Craigslist ads and cutesy names like “micro” or “pixie” are discovering, years later, that their supposed 40-pound lap pigs can grow to more than 200 pounds over the course of five years.
Veterinarians quoted in the article are frank: there is no recognized “teacup” pig, and “mini” pigs from breeders generally only indicate animals smaller than 300 pounds. McKee shares the experience of Jessica Moul, whose pig has reached 200 pounds, outgrowing the family bathroom, tearing up a couch, and requiring heavy-duty horse panels to prevent him from escaping the yard of her Arizona home.
Animal sanctuaries and rehoming networks report receiving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of surrender requests each year. The article highlights the stories of pigs named Tucker, Speedy, and Stella—the latter so large she now has her own bedroom.
About Post Author
