There are no such breeds as tea cup or micro pigs so please stop falling for the scam!  In the last 15 years or so we’ve seen a massive influx of so-called “mini pigs” which not long after purchase from shady breeders ended up in desperate need of re-homing.  As a result, the RASTA Sanctuary has rescued well over 100 of these former pets that literally had nowhere else to go.  Faced with certain death, the RASTA Sanctuary was the only hope for these grossly exploited animals for well over a decade. The excuses for not being able to keep their pet pigs were, and continue to be the same; “we had no idea they would get so big”, “the breeder guaranteed us she would stay small”, “we didn’t think he would be more than 50lbs.”, “she’s supposed to be a micro mini” (there’s no such breed!)“we didn’t realize they were so much work”, “we had no idea how destructive they are”, “we didn’t know we’re not allowed to have them in the city”…etc.

As the RASTA Sanctuary can not serve as an endless dumping ground for potbelly pigs and other novelty pets after people eventually come to realize the extensive needs of these unique animals and their subsequent inability to provide an adequate home for them, we do our best to educate the public about NOT GETTING THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE!  Unfortunately, there are many unethical breeders out there that couldn’t care less about the well-being of the animals they are exploiting and will use whatever underhanded and shady tactics necessary to sell, sell, sell and make as much money as possible.  Using such headings as “Micro Mini” & “Tea Cup Pigs” – “Guaranteed to Stay Tiny” – “Max 40lbs.” – “no larger than a chubby chihuahua” – “Special Imported Line” to attract people and fool them into what they are getting themselves into.

Contrary To What Most Potbelly Pig Breeders Would Like You To Believe:

– There are no such breeds as “Micro Mini” or “Tea Cup Pigs” – This is a SCAM!  It is simply a marketing tactic used by unethical breeders to sell more pigs.

– The average size of a healthy fully grown potbelly pig is 120lbs – 250lbs with some exceeding 300lbs.

– Potbelly pigs are called mini pigs because when compared to their farm pig cousins who can grow in excess of 1,000lbs they are miniature by comparison.

– All pigs don’t finish growing until they’re 4-5 years old, however they reach sexual maturity as young as 3 months of age so what some especially corrupt breeders will do is breed babies to create the illusion to prospective buyers that the offspring will not grow larger than the parents.

– The pictures and videos you see of tiny pigs on the internet are of babies that are usually just a couple of days, sometimes only hours old.  The average potbelly pig weighs 50lbs when they are just six months old.

– As for the so-called “guarantee” that breeders give about their pigs staying small, as a general rule they won’t take them back when they exceed their 50lb weight.  After nearly 20 years of rescuing potbelly pigs, we have yet to meet a single ethical breeder!

– Starving or underfeeding potbelly pigs, as many breeders suggest will not keep them small any more than underfeeding an elephant will result in a micro mini elephant.  Doing so to any animal is extremely cruel and will result in a whole array of deformities and serious health problems.

– Potbelly Pigs are illegal to have as pets in most cities and towns because they’re classified as livestock.

– They are very expensive pets as they typically require an exotic animal vet.  Spaying and neutering is far more costly for a pig.  They require special anesthetic and the average spay/neuter is anywhere between $300-$1,500 depending on the vet you use.

– They require a minimum of four hoof trims a year which most farriers (horse hoof trimmers) will not do.  A veterinary hoof trim costs an average of $300 – that’s $1,200 a year!

– Males grow tusks that need to be professionally maintained.

– They require a closely monitored diet of specialized feed (not hog grower!) which is typically quite expensive and hard to find.

– Potbellied pigs can be terribly destructive in the home and garden as rooting is a natural pig behavior for them.  They will rip up your lawn in no time!

– They can become quite aggressive towards other animals and people if not socialized and trained properly.

– They do not behave like dogs and hate being picked up, cuddled and dressed up in costumes.

– Potbelly Pigs can live for twenty years.

– They are not good pets for children or the average person as they require a great deal of expertise.

– They are extremely intelligent and emotional animals with complex social needs.  They don’t do well living on their own, and do best within a herd of their own kind.

– Potbelly pigs require a great deal of mental and emotional stimulation which living in an urban environment rarely, if ever satisfies and as a result they usually become bored, obese, depressed, destructive and eventually aggressive.

– Potbelly pigs are pigs, which are farm animals that need to live on a farm or acreage with other pigs, not in the city!