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Keeping Your Pig Happy: The Power of Enrichment

The Pet Pig Podcast

Release Date: 04/29/2025

When Breeders Fail Families:  Why Education Matters So Much show art When Breeders Fail Families: Why Education Matters So Much

The Pet Pig Podcast

     In this episode, I’m getting honest about something I’ve seen far too often. Today, I’m sharing the story of a piglet and a well-meaning family who were set up to fail by a breeder who cared more about money than about the life they were helping to create. From overfeeding advice to a complete lack of vet history, this family was given none of the tools they needed to succeed—and their pig is now paying the price.      This episode is not about blame or shame. If you’ve been in this situation, please hear me when I say: it is not your fault. You...

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           In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn dives into the power of routine in a pig’s life—and why flexibility is just as important as structure. Drawing from over 20 years of experience raising pigs, Autumn shares the benefits of establishing a predictable yet adaptable daily rhythm for your pig.                     She explains how rigid routines can create stress, anxiety, and even aggression, while flexible routines help pigs feel secure without making them dependent on the clock....

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  Podcast Episode Summary: “From Shaky Start to Safe Haven: Floppy’s Journey”            In this heartwarming episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn interviews Chelsey an animal lover who shares the remarkable story of her pet pig, Floppy. Born in January 2020 with a severe case of “shaking head syndrome,” Floppy was given only two weeks to live. When veterinarians recommended euthanasia, Chelsey and her husband stepped in to give the piglet a fighting chance.           Despite having no prior experience with pigs,...

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  Educational Membership Group Link-              In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn breaks down a common but often misunderstood part of pig parenting: blowing their coat.            If you’ve ever found clumps of pig hair around your home and worried something was wrong, this episode is for you. Autumn explains what “blowing their coat” actually means, when it typically happens, why it’s a natural part of your pig’s life, and what you can do to help your pig stay comfortable through the process....

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          In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn, mini pig expert, trainer, and owner of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs—dives into one of the most common questions from pig owners: Can mini pigs really be trained? The answer is yes, absolutely—but not in the same way you’d train a dog.            Autumn explains why pigs think differently, what motivates them (hint: it’s not praise), and how understanding their instincts can make training easier. She covers the three most common training mistakes pig owners make and shares her...

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Keeping Your Pig Happy:  The Power of Enrichment show art Keeping Your Pig Happy: The Power of Enrichment

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Educational Membership Group-          In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn  dives into the importance of enrichment for pet pigs and how it can prevent boredom-related behaviors like destruction, pushiness, and even depression. Since pigs are highly intelligent—often compared to a three-year-old child—they need activities that engage their natural instincts, such as rooting, foraging, problem-solving, and socializing.           Autumn shares practical enrichment ideas, including:          ...

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Book a Consultation -                 Today we’re tackling a topic that can be frustrating, confusing, and even scary—aggression in pigs. If your pig nips, charges, or challenges you, you’re not alone. The key to fixing it is understanding why it happens. Pigs live by a strict hierarchy, and aggression usually comes from one of several reasons.       Fear-Based Aggression – New or rehomed pigs may lash out because they feel scared or cornered. Building trust with patience and positive reinforcement is key.    ...

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  Joy of Pigs Co | We're Billy and Serina, husband-and-wife and cofounders of Joy of Pigs Co. | PORCINE®️️. Our mission is to bring joy and happiness to pig lovers everywhere by fostering meaningful connections between people and pigs. Located in San Antonio, Texas, we breed and sell piglets, operate a Piggy Petting Zoo, and aim to educate new pig parents through YouTube videos and blog posts. We also sell our signature Mini Pig Harness on our website and Amazon. We believe pigs have a special way of filling hearts with love and companionship. Through education, community, and...

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       In this episode, Autumn shares essential tips for helping pet pigs adjust to springtime changes, including dealing with mud, encouraging outdoor time, managing grazing, and preventing issues like clover mold. Key Tips: • Managing Mud & Rain: Use straw, wood chips, or pavers to reduce mud in high-traffic areas. Set up a cleaning station (like a shallow tub of warm water) to rinse off mud before pigs enter the house. • Encouraging Outdoor Time: Since some pigs dislike rain, feeding them outside, using high-value treats, or dressing them in a cape or jacket can...

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       In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn debunks common myths about mini pigs and provides essential facts for current and potential pig owners. She clarifies that mini pigs do exist but do not stay tiny forever, typically weighing between 75 to 150 pounds when healthy. She warns against the misconception that pigs should be fat, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a lean but well-fed pig for longevity and health.      Autumn also addresses the risks of assuming pigs stop growing at one year (they take up to five years to reach full...

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Educational Membership Group- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

         In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn  dives into the importance of enrichment for pet pigs and how it can prevent boredom-related behaviors like destruction, pushiness, and even depression. Since pigs are highly intelligent—often compared to a three-year-old child—they need activities that engage their natural instincts, such as rooting, foraging, problem-solving, and socializing.

          Autumn shares practical enrichment ideas, including:

             • Food-Based Enrichment: Scattering food, using treat puzzles, freezing treats, and creating DIY rooting boxes.

             • Physical Enrichment: Providing outdoor rooting areas, supervised walks, and obstacle courses to encourage movement.

             • Mental Stimulation: Teaching new tricks, training with magic words, and problem-solving games to keep their minds active.

             • Social & Environmental Enrichment: Spending quality time with your pig, interacting through grooming or play, and ensuring they have a stimulating environment.

          By incorporating these strategies, pig owners can keep their pigs happy, engaged, and well-behaved. Tune in for expert tips and personal experiences to help create a fulfilling life for your pet pig!

Autumn’s Links: 

Website:

https://www.autumnacresminipetpigs.com/

Email:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Educational Membership Group:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/autumnacresminipetpigs/

Facebook: 

HTTP://Facebook.com/autumnacresminipetpigs

Free Community:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-free-community

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA

Stan Store:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs

Newsletter:

https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs