The Pet Pig Podcast
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...
161. Holiday Concerns: Keeping Your Pig Safe During the Holidays
Help! My Pig Hates My Boyfriend! Podcast Episode
The holidays are a busy time of year, but they can also bring unexpected dangers for our pet pigs! In this episode, Autumn shares important tips to help pig owners keep their pigs safe, comfortable, and healthy this time of year.
From houseguests and tempting purses to Christmas trees, decorations, holiday plants, rich foods, and overflowing trash cans, there are plenty of hazards that curious pigs can get into. We'll discuss how to recognize signs of stress around visitors, create a safe space for your pig, prevent unwanted in...
160. Getting Your Pig Ready for Winter: Why Outside Time Matters
Autumn Acres Winter Boredom Kit
Mikko's Choice
Winter is coming, and now is the time to start preparing your pig for the colder months ahead! In this episode, Autumn from Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs shares practical tips and personal experience to help both indoor and outdoor pigs transition into winter safely and comfortably.
Autumn explains why maintaining regular outdoor time is so important as the seasons change, even when your pig would rather stay warm inside. She shares positive training techniques for encouraging pigs to go outside, including feeding meals outdoors and rewarding th...
159. Healthy Skin from the Inside Out: Emma Davis of Mikko's Choice
https://mikkoschoice.com/
https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmikkoschoice.com%2F&e=AUAclgKnE9gure333kHC1WZuAMwnW0Ju0AZwpnX23HjqeLudomzWSCXJeleH5M8X1397AdbrRMxNHIVNppH2GFCNX4oCLAIzKhEJeFZUsLZqAZxFqL_UYVc59TLq
In this episode, I'm excited to welcome Emma back to the show!
Emma, founder of Mikko's Choice, has joined us before to share her story, her experience with CBD for animals, and life with her own pigs. This time, she's back to introduce something new and very exciting for pig owners—a specially formulated skin supplement designed to support healthy skin, hair, and hoof health from the inside ou...
158. The Piglet That Changed It All
The Pig That Started It All 🐷❤️
In this special episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shares the deeply personal story of Oscar—the little piglet who changed the course of her life.
When Autumn brought Oscar home in 2004, she knew very little about caring for a pet pig. Through loving him, learning from him, making mistakes, and eventually losing him, she discovered just how much there was to understand about pigs—and how little reliable information was available to pet pig owners.
Oscar's story sparked Autumn's passion for education, advocacy, and helping other pig owners understand thei...
157. Why Does My Pig Do This
https://youtu.be/FWpE2uFYH0o?si=EESKwGwJK0dC0r9e
https://mikkoschoice.com/
Why does my pig squeal, bite, root on me, grind their teeth, get into everything, and act like they're starving—even though I just fed them?
In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, we're talking about six common pig behaviors that often leave owners confused or frustrated. The truth is, many of these behaviors are completely natural and come from a pig's instincts, intelligence, and unique way of communicating.
We'll discuss why pigs squeal, why piglets bite, what rooting...
156. Why Your Pig Thinks Your Dinner Is Theirs (And How to Fix It)
Have you ever wondered why your pig runs to the refrigerator every time you open it, begs while you're cooking, or tries to steal food from your plate? In this episode, Autumn explains why these behaviors develop and, more importantly, how to prevent them.
Pigs are naturally driven by food, and because they are incredibly intelligent, they quickly learn associations between people, places, sounds, and rewards. Something as simple as handing your pig a strawberry from the refrigerator or sharing a snack while sitting on the couch can teach them that those places—and your food—belong to them...
155. From House Pig to Outdoor Pig: How to Successfully Make the Transition
Move Your Pig Outside Checklist
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library
Is your house pig becoming destructive, territorial, or simply outgrowing indoor life? If you're considering moving your pig outdoors, you may be struggling with feelings of guilt or wondering if you're making the right decision. In this episode, Autumn from Autumn Acres explains why transitioning a pet pig to outdoor living can be one of the healthiest and happiest choices for both you and your pig.
You'll learn why outdoor living doesn't mean you've failed as a pig parent, how to prepare...
154. The Truth About Multiple Pigs: Introducing a New Pig Without Losing Your Mind
Thinking about adding another pig to your family? Or are your pigs suddenly fighting after years of living together peacefully? In this episode, Autumn breaks down the fascinating social dynamics of multi-pig households and explains why conflict between pigs is often completely normal.
Learn why pigs don't instantly become friends, how hierarchy shapes their behavior, and why food competition can become a serious problem if it's not managed correctly. Autumn shares practical tips for introducing a new pig safely, including slow introductions, scent swapping, supervised interactions, and setting up your environment to help pigs succeed.
She also explain...
153. Vet Care for Pet Pigs
https://mikkoschoice.com/
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library
Finding quality veterinary care for a pet pig can be one of the biggest challenges pig owners face. In this episode, Autumn discusses why it can be difficult to find veterinarians who are experienced and comfortable treating pet pigs, and what pig parents can do to prepare.
Autumn explains how pet pigs often fall into a unique category between livestock and pets, leaving many veterinary professionals with limited training and experience in pig-specific care. She shares practical tips for finding and evaluating a veterinarian, including impor...
152. 5 Things I Always Do with My Pigs Before Summer Hits
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shares five important things pig owners should do to prepare their pigs for summer weather and prevent heat-related problems.
She explains that pigs struggle with heat because they cannot sweat efficiently, making shade and cooling areas essential. Autumn recommends checking pig areas throughout the day to ensure shade remains available as the sun moves, and suggests options like trees, tarps, shade cloths, lean-tos, and covered porches.
She also stresses the importance of reliable water access, noting that pigs often flip or spill water bowls. Dehydration can...
151. Why Your Pig is Bored (and How Real Enrichment Helps)
https://mikkoschoice.com/
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives deep into one of the most important aspects of pig care: enrichment.
This conversation goes beyond simply "keeping your pig busy" and explores how true mental and physical stimulation directly impacts a pig's behavior, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Autumn breaks down what enrichment really means, highlighting how it allows pigs to express natural behaviors like rooting, foraging, exploring, and problem-solving.
Backed by research, she explains how enrichment reduces stress, improves learning ability, and prevents destructive and aggressive behaviors—while the...
150. 5 Essential Trainings Your Pig Should Know
In this episode, Autumn of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs explores the foundational training and behaviors every pet pig should know to create a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable life for both pigs and their families.
Autumn introduces her "pig training blueprint," focusing on five key areas that help prevent common behavioral challenges that can lead to frustration, stress, and even rehoming. She begins with the importance of reliable recall, teaching pigs to come when called using consistent "magic words" paired with positive reinforcement and food rewards. This builds trust, communication, and critical safety response in everyday life and e...
149. From Lost in the Mountains to a Miracle at Home: Alana's Pig Story
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1936685963728239/
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn sits down with Alana, a first-time pig owner whose unexpected journey into pig ownership quickly turned into a full-fledged learning experience—and ultimately, a passion.
Alana shares how what started as a simple plan to add a single mini pig to her homestead turned into adopting two adult pigs—one of whom was unknowingly pregnant. From there, her story takes a dramatic turn, including a two-month search for her escaped sow, Bonnie, who gave birth to her piglets while living in the wild. Alan...
148. Spring with Your Pig: Mud, Parasites, Shedding, and Everything Else You Should Know
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_tickprotocol
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/the-complete-pet-pig-resource-library
Spring is finally here—and while the warmer weather and green grass are exciting, this season also brings a whole new set of challenges for pig parents.
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn from Autumn Acres walks you through everything you need to know to confidently care for your pig during the spring months. From muddy paddocks and messy hooves to parasites, ticks, and sudden diet changes, this is your complete guide to navigating the season without stress.
...147. Can Pigs Sense Our Emotions?
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explores the powerful and often overlooked connection between pigs and human emotions. Blending scientific insight with real-life experience, she explains how pigs are incredibly sensitive animals that can pick up on subtle cues such as scent, body language, tone of voice, and even physiological changes linked to stress.
Autumn walks listeners through emerging research that suggests pigs may detect emotional states in both humans and other animals, and how their own behavior and stress levels can shift in response. She shares how this sensitivity can sometimes lead to confusion...
146. Why Smaller Isn't Better When It Comes to Pigs
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn addresses a very concerning topic in the pig community: the desire for pigs to stay "tiny." While the idea of a teacup-sized pig may sound appealing, Autumn explains why this concept is often rooted in misinformation and unethical breeding practices.
She breaks down the truth behind so-called "teacup pigs," clarifying that they are not a legitimate breed, and shares how extreme measures like inbreeding and underfeeding are sometimes used to artificially limit a pig's size—often at the expense of the animal's health and well-being. Drawing from personal e...
145. Why So Many Pigs Are Rehomed (And What We Can Do Instead)
In this heartfelt episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn talks about a difficult but important topic in the pig community: how often pet pigs are rehomed. If you spend any time in pig groups online, you see it constantly—families looking for a new home for a pig they can no longer keep. While life circumstances can change, Autumn shares that after more than two decades of working with pigs and pig owners, she has noticed several common patterns behind these situations.
Autumn discusses some of the most frequent reasons pigs end up needing new homes, including di...
144.Why Pigs Shouldn't Eat Acorns (Especially Small Pigs)
https://mikkoschoice.com/
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives into a topic that creates a lot of confusion for pig owners every year: acorns and their potential danger to pet pigs. While the issue comes up most often in the fall, Autumn explains why it's important to understand the risks before pigs are exposed and misinformation starts circulating.
Autumn breaks down why acorns and oak leaves can be harmful, explaining how tannins—natural plant compounds—affect a pig's digestive system and kidneys. She discusses why toxicity depends on the amount eaten relative to a...
143. Biosecurity - What Every Pet Pig Owner Needs to Understand
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explores the importance of biosecurity for pet pigs—a topic that is rarely discussed but critically important for keeping pigs healthy and safe.
Autumn explains what biosecurity is and why it applies to pet pigs just as much as it does to farm animals. She shares how simple, everyday choices—such as footwear, visitor management, and exposure to public spaces—can significantly impact a pig's health. Drawing from real-life practices on her own homestead, Autumn discusses how she handles boarding, training, and introducing pigs from different environments to r...
142. Screaming for Meals: Why Pigs Do It and How to Stop It
https://mikkoschoice.com/
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn tackles a common and overwhelming challenge pig owners face: pigs screaming for meals.
This behavior is one of the top reasons pigs are rehomed and one of the most requested help topics in the pig community. Autumn breaks down what's really happening in a pig's brain when they scream for food, why this behavior develops, and how it's often unintentionally reinforced by humans.
You'll learn:
• Why pigs scream for meals
• How screaming becomes a learned behavior
• The differ...
140. Zoning Laws & Pet Pigs: What You Need to Know and How to Advocate
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/are-pigs-legal-in-your-city
In this episode, Autumn talks about an important question pig owners face: Are pigs legal in my area? Whether you're already a pig parent or thinking about becoming one, understanding your city or county's zoning laws is critical to keeping your pig safe and your family protected from unexpected legal trouble.
Autumn explains why zoning ordinances matter, how municipalities typically classify pigs, and what can happen if a pig is kept in a zone where they aren't permitted. From neighbor complaints to fines, forced removal, or even animal seizure, she breaks...
139. Payton Moran: Life with Mabel the Pig
https://mikkoschoice.com/
mabel_theminipig
paytonmoran—
In this heartfelt episode, Autumn welcomes Payton from Alabama, to share the story of her pig, Mabel, and the winding, emotional path that led her to becoming a confident and dedicated pig parent.
Payton opens up about her love for pigs and how her first pig ownership experience didn't go as planned. After bringing home her first pig during a difficult time in her life, she quickly realized she wasn't fully prepared, and her life circumstances made proper care nearly impossible. Making the responsible de...
138. Winter Weather Tips for Pet Pigs
In this week's episode, Autumn tackles a challenge that every pig parent in colder climates faces: winter. Cold temperatures, snow, rain, and icy ground can make even the most well-trained pig slam on the brakes at the door. But keeping your pig indoors all winter leads to boredom, destructive behaviors, potty accidents, and increased irritability.
Autumn breaks down a practical, compassionate approach to winter pig care with two major goals:
1. Motivating your pig to go outside despite the weather, and
2. Keeping them mentally and physically enriched indoors.
Listeners will learn why forcing a pig outside backf...
137. What Temple Grandin Taught Me About Pigs: Eight Lessons Every Pig Owner Should Know
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/8-lessons-i-learned-from-temple-grandin
In this deeply insightful episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shares the lessons that have shaped her understanding of pig behavior, pig emotions, and what it truly means to care for them well—through the lens of pioneering animal behaviorist Temple Grandin.
Drawing from Grandin's influential work in animal welfare and livestock handling, Autumn breaks down eight powerful principles that every pig parent can apply at home. These lessons reveal how pigs think, how they perceive the world, and how small changes in their environment and handling can dramatically improve thei...
136. Leash Training Your Pig: Go From Stubborn to Superstar
https://www.piggear.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/piggear
https://joyofpigs.co/porcine-home/
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Harness-Metal-Front-Buckle/dp/B071J9GPX8
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn answers a very common question pig parents have—how do I leash train my pig! Walking your pig can be one of the most rewarding (and sometimes frustrating) parts of pig ownership, and Autumn breaks it all down step by step.
You'll learn the difference between harness training and leash training, how to choose the right harness, and what to...
135. Sitting with Pigs: A Visit to Mary Bermingham's Burren Nature Sanctuary
www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie
In this heartwarming episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn speaks with Mary from Burren Nature Sanctuary ( Kinvara, Co Galway, Ireland). Mary shares her inspiring journey from growing up in London to running a 50-acre conservation farm on Ireland's west coast — a place where people reconnect with nature through joyful experiences with animals, especially pigs.
Mary introduces listeners to Amelia, her beloved Juliana pig who leads woodland walks that have become one of Ireland's most unique and beloved eco-tourism experiences. Amelia has even been featured on the news, earned hundreds of 5-star Airbnb revie...
134. When the Pig Becomes the Leader - Fixing Spoiled Pig Syndrome
Welcome back to The Pet Pig Podcast! In this week's episode Autumn tackles a big topic that so many pig families struggle with — Spoiled Pig Syndrome, or SPS. This is when your sweet, cuddly pig suddenly starts acting bossy, demanding, or even aggressive. They may bite, charge, scream for attention, steal food, or destroy things around the house. It can feel discouraging, but as Autumn explains, it's not your fault — and it's absolutely fixable.
Spoiled Pig Syndrome happens when a pig believes they're the leader of the herd. In their mind, they're in charge — and pigs don't make g...
133. Be a Good Leader: Preventing Spoiled Pig Syndrome
https://mikkoschoice.com/
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group-copy
Welcome back to The Pet Pig Podcast! In this episode of a two-part series, Autumn dives into one of the most common challenges pig families face — Spoiled Pig Syndrome, or SPS. Don't let the name fool you — SPS isn't a hopeless situation or a sign that you've failed as a pig parent. It's a natural result of unclear boundaries and leadership, and the good news is that it's 100% preventable and fixable.
Autumn explains how pigs view the world through hierarchy and body language, not w...
132. Can You Support Rescues AND Ethical Breeders?
This week on The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn takes on one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in the pig world: Can you support both rescues and ethical breeders? For many people, the words "breeder" and "rescue" feel like opposing sides of a battle, but Autumn makes the case that both are not only important—they are absolutely necessary for the future of pet pigs.
In this heartfelt and informative episode, Autumn unpacks why breeders as a whole often carry such a negative reputation. She shares her frustration with the many bad breeders who mi...
131. Life with Chucky: Ariana's Pet Pig Story
https://mikkoschoice.com/ https://www.instagram.com/pigtubewithchucky?igsh=MWNrNDBjMGltcHQ2Zg==
https://www.facebook.com/p/Pigtube-With-Chucky-61571322991165/
Autumn sits down with Ariana, a passionate animal lover who took the leap into pig parenting after years of curiosity and research. As an adult, she decided to bring home her first pig — a miniature Juliana named Chucky — and her life hasn't been the same since.
Ariana takes listeners through every stage of her journey — from months of careful preparation and reading to the day she finally met her pig. Despite all her research, she quickly learne...
130. What to Expect the First 7 Days with a New Piglet
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGue5Kp5AwOXkReCGPUyImA https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/preparing-for-a-new-piglet
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-new-piglet-care-course
Bringing home a piglet is one of the most exciting moments for any pig parent—but it can also be overwhelming, confusing, and a little emotional. In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn takes you step by step through what to expect in the very first week with your new piglet and how to set them (and yourself) up for success.
Autumn shares practical tips for preparing your home before your piglet arrives...
129. Book Review of "The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs" by Joel Salatin
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn takes a step outside the usual world of pet pigs to review Joel Salatin's book The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs. While Salatin writes from the perspective of a regenerative farmer raising pigs for food, his core message resonates with all pig people: pigs deserve the right to fully express their "pigness."
Autumn unpacks Salatin's big ideas—why rooting, foraging, wallowing, and exploring are essential to a pig's wellbeing—and connects them directly to life with pet pigs. From behavior challenges to enrichment and daily rout...
128. Rooting, Bonding, and Baby Brain Chemistry: How Piglets and Human Infants Aren't So Different
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/preparing-for-a-new-piglet
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn takes listeners on a thoughtful exploration of one of the most common yet most misunderstood piglet behaviors: rooting. We all know piglets root for food, for warmth, or just because it's instinct — but what if there's more happening beneath the surface? What if rooting is not just a survival behavior, but also a powerful tool for bonding, comfort, and brain development?
Autumn draws fascinating connections between piglets and human infants, showing how both species use rooting, nursing, and touch to regulate...
127. Is Your Home Safe for a Pig? Piggy Proofing Your Home
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-educational-membership-group-copy
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn shines a spotlight on one of the most critical yet often overlooked parts of pig parenting: pig proofing your home and yard. Many new pig parents underestimate just how curious, determined, and strong pigs are, which can quickly turn everyday household items into serious hazards. Autumn explains why pig proofing matters by comparing pigs to toddlers with hooves—they explore with their snouts, can open cabinets, and will chew or swallow things you'd never expect.
Inside the home, she walks listeners th...
126. Piggy the PTSD Therapy Pig: A Story of Healing, Friendship, and Hope
In this powerful and heartwarming episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn welcomes Kevin to share the remarkable journey of his beloved pig, Piggy. Kevin's love for animals began in childhood, but severe allergies to cats and dogs made it nearly impossible for him to have a traditional pet. After years of searching for the right companion — and even navigating the need for a doctor's prescription to keep a pig within city limits — Kevin's path led him to Piggy, a Juliana pig who would forever change his life.
Piggy came into Kevin's world at just over a year ol...
125. Help! My Pig Screams When Touched
https://mikkoschoice.com/
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/autumn-acres-new-piglet-care-course
Why does my pig scream when I touch them? If you've ever brought home a piglet or even an older pig, you may have been surprised (or alarmed!) by how dramatic they can be when handled.
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explains why pigs squeal, what they're really trying to communicate, and how you can gently build trust through patience, consistency, and positive experiences. From understanding prey animal instincts to practical tips like starting with less sensitive areas, pairing touch with treat...
124. What Is Your Pig Trying to Tell You? Understanding Pig Body Language
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart
Piggy Health and Nutrition Kit https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/autumnacresminipetpigs_funnel_426011
In this episode of The Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn dives into one of the most important parts of being a great pig parent—understanding your pig's body language. Pigs are incredible communicators, but they don't use words like we do. Instead, they communicate through posture, eye contact, energy, and subtle cues.
Autumn breaks down the most common signals—like tail movement, head position, eyes, body posture, and even ear placement—so you can recognize when your pig is...
123. Rooting: The Instinct That Drives Your Pig
In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, host Autumn takes a deep dive into one of the most frequent questions she receives from new pig owners: "Why does my pig root so much?" Rooting—whether in the dirt, on furniture, or on you—is one of the most recognizable and instinctual behaviors pigs display. But it's often misunderstood.
Autumn breaks down the five main reasons pigs root: to search for food, to cool off and regulate their temperature, to build nests, to communicate and bond socially, and to explore their world for mental stimulation. She explains ho...
122. Joanna on the Joys (and Challenges) of Raising Rosey
Instagram: pig_ture_perfect_rosey
http://www.tiktok.com/@pig_ture_perfect_rosey
A short bio about Rosey's family:
My name is Joanna and I am married to my husband, Nathaniel. We live 10 minutes north of Boston,MA. We have one dog, one pig and two cats. When we first got Rosey (when she was 8 weeks old) we had 2 dogs and one cat, but sadly one of our dogs passed away last November.
I am a school adjustment counselor and I am a licensed mental health counselor. Luckily I have the summers off...
121. Why Pigs Love Food: Appetite, Taste & the Gut-Brain Connection
https://stan.store/autumnacresminipetpigs/p/free-body-condition-chart
In this episode of the Pet Pig Podcast, Autumn explores one of the most common (and misunderstood) pig behaviors: their obsession with food. If your pig begs constantly, roots endlessly, or always acts hungry—there's science behind it!
You'll learn:
• That pigs have 15,000–20,000 taste buds and how that makes food even more rewarding for them
• How their gut-brain connection differs from ours, making them feel less full—even after eating
• How food activates the pig brain's reward system and why begging often becomes a lea...
