BAKERSFIELD, CA - When you think of pets, many animals probably come to mind, but what about a family pig? Local experts say micro pigs are gaining popularity.
Wilber is a 6-week-old micro pig, and the newest addition to the Chase family.
"He is funny. He's like a dog. So he runs around with our puppies outside. He's potty trained like a dog. He cuddles like a dog," said Megan Chase.
"They're highly trainable, they're amazing. Pigs are intelligent. They'll blow you away," said Dr. Rose Rakow.
Dr. Rakow sees about five micro pigs each year at her veterinary office in Bakersfield. She says there are many breeds, with a variety of traits, but they are generally under 35lbs.
"There's not much maintenance, with them. You don't do vaccines every year, well you should, but we don't typically do that. We see them for spays and neuters. We saw a bit increase last year, we saw a bit increase this year and then it'll probably slow down again," said Dr. Rakow.
Dr. Rakow says that's because most people don't realize how much time the animals require.
"They're very social. They need attention. They are very neat, in general pigs are, they make their own bathroom area, their own eating area. They're easily trainable, but they're easily bored. When they get bored, they get destructive," Dr. Rakow said.
Chase said, "I'm hoping that if he spends enough time outside and he gets adjusted to everything inside that we can avoid that all together."
With the proper care, Dr. Rakow says micro pigs are great pets. So far, Wilber is fitting in just fine.
"He's just so sweet. He's the perfect addition to the family," said Chase.
Chase paid $400 for Wilbur, but the pigs can cost upwards of $2,000.
Their typical lifespan is 6 to 14 years, depending on the breed.
Wilber is a 6-week-old micro pig, and the newest addition to the Chase family.
"He is funny. He's like a dog. So he runs around with our puppies outside. He's potty trained like a dog. He cuddles like a dog," said Megan Chase.
"They're highly trainable, they're amazing. Pigs are intelligent. They'll blow you away," said Dr. Rose Rakow.
Dr. Rakow sees about five micro pigs each year at her veterinary office in Bakersfield. She says there are many breeds, with a variety of traits, but they are generally under 35lbs.
"There's not much maintenance, with them. You don't do vaccines every year, well you should, but we don't typically do that. We see them for spays and neuters. We saw a bit increase last year, we saw a bit increase this year and then it'll probably slow down again," said Dr. Rakow.
Dr. Rakow says that's because most people don't realize how much time the animals require.
"They're very social. They need attention. They are very neat, in general pigs are, they make their own bathroom area, their own eating area. They're easily trainable, but they're easily bored. When they get bored, they get destructive," Dr. Rakow said.
Chase said, "I'm hoping that if he spends enough time outside and he gets adjusted to everything inside that we can avoid that all together."
With the proper care, Dr. Rakow says micro pigs are great pets. So far, Wilber is fitting in just fine.
"He's just so sweet. He's the perfect addition to the family," said Chase.
Chase paid $400 for Wilbur, but the pigs can cost upwards of $2,000.
Their typical lifespan is 6 to 14 years, depending on the breed.