We have stumbled into a world of which I was barely aware. Sure, I knew a bit about falabella horses, and chihuahuas and other tiny dogs. But Luigi’s nine-word entry on mini-pigs has attracted more interest than anything else we have ever posted here before, at least in terms of the sheer number and persistence of the comments.
But there’s a whole farmyard of miniature breeds out there. Cows (and full grown bulls) that stand no higher than a man’s hip. Tiny Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats, to say nothing of the Australian Miniature Goat Association Inc. There are sheep that go through life struggling under the weight of being known as Olde English Babydoll Miniature Southdowns.
All of which — and there is lots, lots more — is testament both to the diversity within each livestock species and the overweaning desire of people to shape animals to meet their human needs. But really, what is the point?
When I was Googling away and whooping with amazement, my companion asked that very question. And, to answer herself, “I suppose if you had a very small farm …â€; and her voice trailed off.
Back to the pocket pigs, obviously they are cute as can be, and lots of people want one. But what are they for? Fun, I suppose. Or very small hams. The people who are clamouring to own one probably don’t want to know this, but there’s a specific breed of minipig that has a registered tradename — Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs ®; –and that was developed for the pharmaceutical testing industry; Dr Evil would definitely approve. As for the others, I confess to being slightly at a loss.
I’m reminded of a scene from an old Hollywood movie, possibly The Front Page, in which the grizzled baggy-pants old reporter quizzes the young cub, thusly:
GB-POR: Go downtown and get the details on that sex maniac.
YC: <looks very puzzled>
GB-POR: You know what a sex maniac is, don’t you boy?
YC: <looks somewhat sheepish> Er, no sir.
GB-POR: A sex maniac is someone who sells newspapers
A pocket pig is something that attracts blog comments.
We have a 1.2-ac homestead “farm” in Florida, USA where we are raising Rhode Island, Leghorn, and Cornish Cross Chickens (eggs and meat) in pasture pens (similar to Joel Salatin’s model). We just acquired a pair of Nigerian Dwarf does, one of which is pregnant. If we had to, we would take a pair of Nubians, but with so little land these little goats are perfect for us. We will grow our herd to a maximum of 12 mini-goats on our property at any given time.
We desire is grass fed dairy, and with the ND goats, we can stagger their kidding so that we’ll always have a supply. The only other livestock that we envision is a 12-ft diameter above-ground swimming pool with Tilapia in it. We are striving for self-sufficiency, but we know that we can’t get there. Our fruit trees, grape vines, and garden will go a long way though, as will our goats, chickens, and fish.
There is a reason for these little fellows. We’re glad to have them.
Sounds to me like you have the perfect reason for little livestock. I hope it works out and that maybe you will pop in here from time to time to give us an update.