A hog is for life, not just for Christmas: Meet the Bucks piglets seeking homes for life

Achilles is sweet and affectionate, Arnold is friendly and gentle, and Aries loves nothing more than a tummy rub.

But anyone hoping to welcome these piglets into their family must first demonstrate that they can offer much more than affection.

Multi-award-winning Kew Little Pigs Farm is seeking committed owners for its young pigs, with a clear message as the festive season approaches that a pig is for life, not just for Christmas.

The attraction in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire, is urging only serious applicants who have thoroughly researched pig ownership to come forward.

Every applicant must demonstrate that they have the space to provide a suitable home for their animals throughout their lives. They must also take part in a comprehensive pig-keeping course.

And nobody will be taking home a solitary piglet. The farm only sells pigs in pairs or groups, ensuring these social animals have companions of their own kind.

Owner Olivia Mikhail said: “Our pigs are much-loved individuals, and finding the right home for them is incredibly important to us.

“A pig is for life, not just for Christmas. We only want applications from people who have done their research and understand the commitment they are making.

“Applicants must show that they have the space to give their pigs a suitable home for life, and everyone must complete our comprehensive pig-keeping course.

“They can be every bit as loving and intelligent as dogs, but they have their own needs. We want people to fall in love with their personalities while also understanding the daily responsibility.”

Among those seeking homes are five youngsters born to Venus and Popcorn on July 15 this year.

Brothers Achilles and Arnold are white with black spots, while Aries has black markings and a particular fondness for attention and tummy rubs.

Their sisters are Annabelle, described as cuddly and friendly, and Aubrey, a curious youngster who loves attention.

Also looking for their future families are Crystal, Tabitha and Sabrina, born to Jilly and Jimmy on July 8.

Crystal is sweet and affectionate, Tabitha is friendly with distinctive spotted markings, and Sabrina is another enthusiastic recipient of tummy rubs.

For anyone drawn to a slightly older youngster, the farm also has four females from Jilly and Jimmy’s October 2025 litter.

Raven is sweet and playful, Bones is friendly and gentle, and Shadow enjoys attention. Morticia, whose colouring includes white, black and brown with distinctive facial markings, is described as curious and attention-loving.

None of the pigs at Kew Little Pigs Farm are ever sold for meat.

Some remain at the attraction for their entire lives, while others become pampered pets or go on to lead long and happy lives through the farm’s Pigs For Schools Scheme, helping children learn about animals and their care.

Those joining private homes can become treasured members of the family, with their individual personalities, easy toilet training and capacity to form close bonds part of their appeal.

But the farm stresses that prospective owners must plan for the adult animals their piglets will become.

Pigs need suitable outdoor accommodation, room to explore and root in the ground, secure fencing and warm, dry sleeping quarters. They also need shade and protection in hot weather, with a wallow helping them keep cool.

The RSPCA recommends keeping at least two compatible pigs together, reflecting the farm’s policy of selling only pairs or groups.

Owners must also be prepared for a commitment lasting many years. The RSPCA says pigs can live for up to 20 years in a pet setting.

A balanced diet appropriate to their age and breed, fresh drinking water and regular veterinary care are further essentials.

Keeping pigs also involves legal responsibilities. In England, owners need a county parish holding number for the premises and must register as pig keepers with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Identification and movement-recording rules apply to pets too, and kitchen or catering waste must never be fed to them, even from vegetarian kitchens.

Kew Little Pigs requires buyers to be at least 21. Its lists advertise the pigs at £850 each or £1,650 for a pair, with sales restricted to pairs or larger groups.

Each pig comes with a birth certificate, medical and veterinary medicine records, movement documentation and ongoing support. The farm also lists worming from eight weeks as part of its provision.

Olivia added: “We know their personalities and want to see them thrive in homes where they will be understood, cared for and cherished.

“Taking on pigs should be a carefully considered decision. For people with the right space, knowledge and commitment, they can be wonderful companions.”

Serious prospective owners can contact Olivia at [email protected] or on 07852 356 214 to discuss availability, the application process and the compulsory pig-keeping course.