The Pet Pig Podcast Podcast

The Pet Pig Podcast

Autumn Whitacre
What is it really like having a pet pig? What is the best way to prepare of a new piglet? How can I be sure a pet pig is for me? How can I care for my pet pig with confidence? What mistakes should I avoid and how do I do that? And the biggest question of all, can I really be successful with a pet pig? Whether your childhood dream is to have a pet pig, you are preparing for a pet pig, or you have had a pet pig and would like to learn why they act the way they do, this show is for you. The Pet Pig Podcast is a live - workshop style education podcast packed with actionable step by step tips that are helping thousands understand and enjoy their pet pig so much more. You can dig in, do the work and train your pig like an expert. Host Autumn Whitacre brings you two decades of experience and expertise with pet pigs. She shares everything she has learned from the best ways to prepare for a piglet to her tips to untrain bad habits and enable your pig to live a fulfilled life. Along with her best kept secrets to understanding pig behavior, she interviews pig experts and families from all over the country. With this new endeavor, she has a deep passion for supporting the pig community and bringing awareness to important issues that face pet pig families.
The Importance of Flexibility in a Pig's Routine
https://mikkoschoice.com/            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.           Listeners will learn how to set up a calm, consistent environment, adjust routines during life changes, and ensure their pig feels safe, confident, and loved. Whether your pig lives indoors or outdoors, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal insight to help your pig thrive. 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
May 27
23 min
From Shaky Start to Safe Haven:  Floppy's Journey
  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, Chelsey hand-raised Floppy—bottle-feeding him every three hours, maintaining a warm environment, and managing the anxiety of not knowing whether he’d survive. Miraculously, Floppy defied all odds, outgrew his symptoms, and is now a healthy, happy 850-pound pig living in their house at five years old.            Chelsey also shares about their second pig, Peanut, a two-year-old Yorkshire and a foster fail who’s become part of the family. Together with three dogs and three cats, both pigs live indoors and have unique personalities—Floppy is calm and emotionally intuitive, while Peanut is goofy and energetic.            Challenges of raising full-sized farm pigs indoors include structural damage, frequent modifications (like replacing doors), and managing their high energy and strength. Despite HOA restrictions, Chelsey's supportive neighborhood rallied behind her, embracing Floppy as a beloved member of the community.            The episode highlights themes of dedication, adaptability, and unconditional love—showing that with commitment and compassion, even the most unlikely pig can find a forever home. 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
May 20
47 min
Why Is My Pig Losing Hair?  Understanding Coat Blowing
  Educational Membership Group Link- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group              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.            She shares practical tips on brushing techniques, bathing routines (including her favorite shampoo), skin care with coconut oil, and how to boost coat health through proper diet and hydration. You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between normal seasonal shedding and hair loss that might signal a health issue. Key Takeaways: • What “blowing their coat” means and when it usually happens • Tools and techniques to help your pig shed more comfortably • Bathing do’s and don’ts to avoid drying out their skin • The best supplements and foods   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
May 13
14 min
Can You REALLY Train a Mini Pig?
Consultation link- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/11-pet-pig-consultation           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 top three beginner-friendly training commands: “come” using magic words, “touch” using a target stick, and “spin,” which builds off the touch cue. These simple tricks are not only easy to teach but incredibly versatile and help build the foundation for future training success.            Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck with your pig’s behavior, this episode offers the clarity and encouragement you need to move forward. Autumn also shares how one-on-one consultations can provide personalized help for struggling!  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
May 6
15 min
Keeping Your Pig Happy:  The Power of Enrichment
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
Apr 29
14 min
Why Pigs Become Aggressive (and How to Stop It)
Book a Consultation - https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/11-pet-pig-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.      Spoiled Pig Syndrome – Pigs given too much freedom and not enough boundaries start to believe they are in charge. The fix? Establish yourself as the leader by setting clear rules and making them work for their food.      Hierarchy Challenges – Young pigs, especially around one to two years old, naturally test boundaries to move up in the herd. Ignoring commands, nipping, or charging are signs they’re challenging your authority. Stay consistent and don’t back down!      By understanding pig behavior and setting firm but fair rules, you can create a happy, well-adjusted pet. Tune in now for the full episode and learn how to take back the top hog position 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
Apr 22
22 min
From Pig Lover to Breeder:  Serina's Journey with Joy of Pigs Co.
  Joy of Pigs Co |https://satxpetpigs.com/ 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 compassionate care, we help guide new pig parents on their pig-parenting journey, ensuring happy, healthy pigs and joyful experiences for all. Don't Make These Mistakes -   https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs             Autumn is joined by Billy and Serina from Joy of Pigs Co. They never planned on becoming pig people—it just happened! Their journey started when they moved to Texas to homestead, and what began as a simple desire to add animals to their farm quickly turned into a full-blown passion for pigs.            They share how they got their very first pig completely by chance—a random encounter at a feed store led to them bringing home a little potbelly.  Like many new pig owners, they had a steep learning curve, from underestimating a pig’s strength to the heartbreak of their first pig escaping.            But their love for pigs only grew, leading them to start a responsible breeding program and even create a pig petting experience. They discovered that people weren’t just interested in buying pigs—they wanted to spend time with them.  They also talk about the challenges of mobile pig visits and why they ultimately decided to keep their pig experiences on-site. Their story is a perfect example of how pigs can truly change your life in ways you never expect.           Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the joys and lessons of pig ownership! 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 Joy of Pigs Co.  Links: Website: www.joyofpigs.co (formerly www.satxpetpigs.com) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joyofpigsco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyofpigs.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyofpigs.co Amazon Shop: http://www.amazon.com/shops/porcinepetshop Newsletter Signup:  https://porcine-pet-shop-satx-pet-pigs.ck.page/18aebfc432 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joyofpigsco  
Apr 15
1 hr 5 min
Spring Cleaning for Your Pig - A Seasonal Guide
       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 help motivate them to go outdoors. • Safe Grazing Practices: Introduce grazing gradually to prevent bloating and excessive weight gain. Adjust their diet if necessary to maintain a healthy weight. • White Clover Mold Warning: White clover in damp, cool weather can cause excessive drooling in pigs due to mold growth. Keeping pigs away from clover until temperatures rise will prevent this harmless but surprising issue.                                        Spring is an exciting time for pigs! 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
Apr 8
10 min
Mini Pigs:  Myths VS Realities
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/questions-to-ask-a-breederrescue        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 size) and the dangers of keeping pigs and dogs together unsupervised.      She stresses that pigs need outdoor time, should never be bottle-fed, and require specialized veterinary care. Additionally, she highlights that each pig has unique dietary needs and growth rates. 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
Apr 1
10 min
Is Your Pet Pig Eating Too Much or Too Little?  How to Get Nutrition Right
*** This episode is sponsored by Mikko’s Choice. Mikko's Choice is a small women owned business that provides high quality CBD for your pig. Use code pigpodcast to get 25% off your first order. $5 from every sale is donated to animal rescues. Go to www.Mikkoschoice.com or email [email protected] for more information.*** Pig Body Condition Chart-  https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart Piggy Helth and Nutrition Kit- https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_funnel_426011      Feeding pet pigs correctly is one of the most confusing topics for owners. Many pigs either end up malnourished or obese due to misinformation, and unfortunately, some breeders intentionally underfeed piglets to keep them small—leading to severe health issues and even early death.       In this episode, we break down exactly how to feed your pig for optimal health and longevity. We’ll cover: • The dangers of breeders restricting food to keep pigs tiny. • Why feeding instructions on the bag aren’t always accurate. • How genetics, metabolism, and activity level impact food needs. • The difference between complete feeds and diets that require supplementation. • How to assess your pig’s body condition to ensure they’re getting the right amount of food.          Rather than relying on generic feeding charts, the best way to determine if your pig is at a healthy weight is by looking at their body condition. Signs of underfeeding include visible hip bones and a narrow frame, while overweight pigs may have large fat pads and struggle to move comfortably. The key is to keep them lean, not skinny. Subscribe to the podcast for more tips on keeping your pig happy and healthy! 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
Mar 25
13 min
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