New Year, New Piggies? A Looming Furry Bullish Bubble in Taipei
With the Chinese Zodiac’s Pig in full swing this year, Taipei’s pig‑loving crowd is bracing for a sudden surge in adorable farm‑handed companions. “We’re gearing up for a pig‑pottery fest, but what’s happening once those sweet little piglets are out of the pen?” wonders Anita Chen, owner of a bustling pet‑pig social media troupe and mom to two scholarly piglets, Xin‑Xin and Mei‑Mei.
What Raising a Pig Really Means
- Freedom & Flexibility – according to Chen, the first thing to think about is the pig’s knack for exploration and its “outdoorsy” spirit.
- Pigs can outwit a child’s brain: they’ve been known to shut the fridge, crack the door, and pop out the snacks, leaving their owners’ kitchen in a chaotic state, Chen reports.
- “They’re all about the squeaks – they keep nagging you for playtime or fresh food,” Chen laments, pointing out that many owners find themselves overwhelmed and end up parting ways with the piglets in just a few months.
Farm‑Farm, But Not Really
Up in Taoyuan, a popular petting farm invites visitors to milk piglets—an experience that instantly feels like a birthright for a future cuddly pet. Yet Yang San‑guei, the farm’s proprietor, is careful to point out that pigs are still farm animals.
- “Don’t sell them home. They’re not your typical lapdog,” he cautions, citing the drastic size change that even the smallest Bama pig can reach a staggering 60 kg.
- As long as curiosity sticks, Yang isn’t shy about selling a piglet for NT$3,000 (≈ S$132). The ranch, however, also resells piggies that outgrow the cage.
Doctor’s Orders – Get the Low‑Down Before You Go
Veterinarian Chang Chien‑ming urges those drawn to pigdom to do your homework:
- Know the future weight, survival sheds and how to keep them healthy.
- Embark upon a search for a vet who can treat your new bestie, because there’s only one clinic per 100 that will accept a pig.
- Plan for the fact that pig‑friendly hotels are a myth—if your vacation plan depends on pet‑friendly lodging, you’re in for a bruised rump.
Endless Holidays, Endless Problems
Pigs come with a cost: Their presence can put a serious dent in the vacation plans of their owners, and if the family decides to part ways, those adorable hogs face a tougher path to adoption—public shelters rarely take them, so it falls on private carriers or dedicated pig lovers.
In short, Tai‑pei’s pig‑interest could promise a year full of joy and a year of unexpected piggy woes. The balance of adorable moments and responsible caregiving will be the true test of the year’s “Pig” lean in Chinese culture.
