Like most household pets, spaying and neutering are simply a part of common care practices early in life. And, if you aren’t planning on breeding your pets, it can be a mindful decision to protect his or her health for countless years to come.
The same goes for teacup pigs.
For pigs, spaying or neutering is even more important than it is for conventional household pets. Below, we’ll discuss why as well as the advantages of spaying or neutering and a general timeline of when it should happen.
Why Spaying or Neutering Your Pig is Important
At just two months old, un-neutered male pigs become sexually active. Un-spayed female pigs will get their first menstrual period around three months old and become sexually active around five months old. As you can likely imagine, this means it’s important to address the issue well before too much time passes.
Un-neutered pigs will demonstrate behavioural issues such as humping, aggressive attitudes toward female pigs and humans, and will have a musky odour that is unpleasant. Un-spayed pigs will likely urinate in the house and will also be unpredictable and unpleasant while they’re in heat every 3 weeks for 3 to 5 days.
Advantages to Spaying or Neutering Your Pig
Whether you have a male or female pig, there are two main advantages to spaying and neutering you should be aware of:
- Health – Neutered males have a lesser chance of prostate infections and testicular cancer. Spayed females have a lesser chance of developing mammary tumours, ovarian cancer, as well as uterine infections.
- Behaviour – Neutered males are less aggressive and spayed females are better potty-trained. All teacup pigs will experience lessened marking, will be easier to train, and will display more agreeable personalities.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pig
It’s important that you spay or neuter your pig at a young age. That being said, you should neuter your pig when they are between 8 and 12 weeks old after he has gained some weight. You should spay your pig as early as 6 to 8 weeks old but can safely wait until she is 4 to 6 months old if you prefer and are willing to deal with some heat cycles before spaying her.
Of course, it’s possible to spay or neuter a pig in older age. However, the procedure is more costly and can be more complicated and risky as well. As such, you should always opt to do so as soon as possible.
Spaying or Neutering Your Micro Pig is a Routine Procedure That Keeps Them Healthy…
…meaning it’s something you should consider a top priority when you purchase your pet. With the timing above in mind, you’ll be able to take care of your pet and keep them healthy and well-behaved for years to come!