Help the pigs
Common Questions
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Pals sleeping together

Best friends snuggled in
for a long nap together

Do they have names or do you know all their names?

A resounding YES, of course. Each pig is an individual with characteristics and personality unique to each one of them.

How do you tell them apart?

Each pig has its own characteristics and personality unique to each one of them, plus they came as separate beings. I develop a relationship with each individually.

Do you ever find homes for pigs?

My definition of sanctuary is a safe, permanent home. We are not in the animal shelter placement business. High quality life long homes for pigs are hard to find and the adoption process is difficult. Occasionally we do place pigs and we rejoice knowing they have gone to special homes. We celebrate the people who love the pigs living at the sanctuary enough to financially support them. Sponsorship assures the pigs can continue living long and happy lives at the sanctuary.

Is there a top pig?

Believe it or not, NO. Pigs do have a hierarchy with some more dominant, some more submissive, but it's mixed up. Oscar is in charge of George. George is in charge of Sweetie, and Sweetie is in charge of Oscar. Size, age, and sex do not determine who is "Top Pig". Some small pigs, like Sweetie, are the boss of Oscar, the big boy.

Is it true that pigs are as smart as dogs?

Oscar waiting for a treat

Oscar is waiting for a treat

Actually they are much smarter. On the human intelligence scale, pigs are third removed from humans, while dogs are 13th removed. Only primates and dolphins are smarter than pigs. Pigs can learn on a lateral level, while dogs cannot, which means a pig can learn something in one situation and apply it to another. I have found pigs are quick one time learners, and some learn by watching others. You can't make them do anything. They must want to do it. They are sometimes a challenge. They are always a joy.

How do you weigh a pig without a scale?

  • Measure around the pig just behind the front legs and square this number. Oscar was 64 inches around, so 64 X 64 = 4,096.
  • Now multiply that number by the length of the pig from the base of the ears to the base of the tail. Oscar was 64 inches long, so 4,096 X 64 = 262,144.
  • Now divide by 400 and that will give you the weight of the pig. 262,144 / 400 = 655.36 pounds.

Wow! Oscar weights 655.36 pounds! He wants visitors to know his favorite treat is bananas!

Do you know the difference between a pig and a hog?

A pig is commonly called a hog after it reaches 120 lbs. Pigs continue to grow until they are three years old.

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