Education

I created my Autumn Acres Educational Membership Group as a way to build a community to encourage, support and educate mini pet pig loving families. This is a safe space to share your concerns, issues, questions and funny pig stories. It is a trustworthy place to learn from experienced pig owners, and to learn all about mini pet pigs.

 

Start Now

 

Courses

Courses are a great way to learn at your own pace. The following are the courses I am currently offering (payment plans available):

 

Webinars

See a list of the monthly webinars I have hosted HERE.  (Click the link and scroll down to the Monthly Webinar Section.)

 

Guides

Before You Choose

Mini Pet Pig Basics

Now that I am raising mini pet pigs, I want to make great pets – not just produce pigs and pass them off as great pets! That means that I do everything in my power to socialize all of our piglets. Does this mean that I bring them in after weaning them? Keep them inside for two weeks and then ship them off to their new homes? No. I bring each mother pig inside, when she is getting close to farrowing. I sit with her and comfort her through each contraction; and I hold, touch and carry each piglet every single day. My two sons and husband also help by playing with the piglets everyday. We love each and every pig that we take care of; and my goal is to give each mini pet pig a wonderful quality of life. Pigs are not just an animal to me – they are family.

 

 

Before You Choose A Piglet

It is so important to do your research, before deciding to bring a mini pet pig into your home. Research will allow you to be informed, prepared and confident in your decision. More than 75% of piglets are re-homed within the first year of their life. I love my piglets and I do NOT want them to go through the heartache of being re-homed. Being educated and having reasonable expectations will give each family and piglet the best chances of success and a happy life together.

Please take time to read through the information I have provided on this website. My goal is to guide you through the process of bringing a piglet into your safe, loving home.

 

 

Life With A Pig

Many people think that a mini pet pig is like owning a dog or cat; but pigs are nothing like either animal! They are more like a toddler that needs constant attention, training, loving discipline and affection. Pigs feel emotion and have mood swings, just like a toddler. They need to be watched and supervised because, like a child, they can get into things and/or get hurt.

Pigs are herd animals and need to be kept in their proper place, so they don’t try to take over the family herd. If they are spoiled, they tend to become very bossy and entitled. Imagine a really spoiled child that throws tantrums, demands things, is bossy and feels entitled to whatever they want. No one wants to be around this kid; and therefore no one wants to be around a spoiled pig either.

To keep your pig in their proper place, it is important that they look to their family as their leaders. A well-trained, obedient mini pet pig is a joy to be around, because they are calm and content. A well-behaved pig takes hard work and consistency.

Essential Knowledge

Confidence in Being a Responsible Owner

The first thing I suggest is to keep researching what kind of pet a mini pig is. Watch YouTube videos on pig training techniques. Find blogs by people with pet pigs, since they are usually brutally honest. Find a vet that is knowledgeable about pigs and feels comfortable treating them. Learn about pig behaviors and the different stages they go through over a lifetime.

Another way to prepare for your pet pig is to figure our where in the house you want their area to be. It is best to keep your piglet in an enclosed area for the first few weeks. Some ideas are: A laundry room, a sectioned-off part of a room or closet, a playpen, a closet with a baby gate, etc.

It’s really important not to skip this step – when a piglet enters a new environment, it’s perfectly natural for them to be confused and scared. They will also be too young to be able to control their bladder (if under 8 months of age or so). When you are unable to keep both eyes on them, keep them in the area (especially where your rugs are safe/out of reach). When you see your mini pet pig consistently using the litter box, you can slowly make that area bigger; and eventually, they will be able to have free roam of the house.

 

 

Advanced Education & Skills
Workshops/Mastermind

  • $250 (just $50 a week)
  • Limit of 10 participants
  • 1 one-on-one call
  • 5 weeks, 1-hour sessions
  • Virtual Event (Zoom)
  • Don’t have a pig but want to learn from pig owners, come be an observer! Reach out for a special discounted price of $150.

Each participant will get to ask me questions about particular issues they are having with their pig. We will work out a weekly plan of action and a homework assignment to get you through to the next week. The group will hold you accountable, so you are able to make fast progress and enable you to help your pig to thrive!

No topic is off limits! Behavior, diet, weight loss, skin care, training, tricks or potty-training issues? Let me walk you through each one with easy action steps.

I will only be taking 10 participants so hurry before all the spots are full!

 

 

Continued Learning & Support

House Call

  • $150 for the visit plus $.50 a mile round trip
  • Within 200-mile radius of Minerva, Ohio
  • Evaluation of your pig
  • We will discuss any issues or problems you are having.
  • We will then put together a plan so that you can work with your pig and get their training or behavior underway with confidence.
  • I will show you exactly how to handle bossy or aggressive behavior.
  • Getting to see your pig in his/her home environment is a huge plus for me and it allows your pig to be more comfortable.
Lorna Macfarlane
Lorna Macfarlane
2023-11-12
In June of this year, I had to say goodbye to my beloved piggy. I was fortunate we had a good, long, amazing life together but the loss is tremendous and the grief is heavy. I found Autumn through the American Mini Pig Association website by pure chance and while I was having an especially tough day not long after Barnaby passed. I couldn't believe she existed. All of a sudden, it was as if I had found a glimmer of hope that I didn't have to be without another piggy and not only would I be able to experience the love and companionship of a piggy again, but the information she provides before, during, and after adoption was something I'd never seen before. I had a piggy, but I had to learn everything mostly alone and I am still amazed by how much work Autumn puts into making sure that piggy parents are set up for success. The healthcare she provides prior to adoption is second to none - the training, including crate training and litter box training is like someone handing you months of your life back AND an automatic stress reliever. Babies are tough! But Autumn not only educates parents and hopeful parents but ensures that no stone is left unturned when it comes to understanding how to raise a pig. I didn't have an "Autumn" when I adopted my boy all those years ago and my experience adopting the 2nd time around has been incredible. I would absolutely encourage everyone to take advantage of what Autumn offers, including visiting the farm so you can meet the piggy parents and see the piglets. Watch her videos - ask questions - and when Autumn says she's there to support you, believe her. We might not get everything right, and that's ok, but knowing I have Autumn in my corner has made adopting my new little boy so much less daunting and without even knowing it, finding her and going through this process has helped me to grieve the loss of my Barnaby. I am so happy I found her and bringing our baby home was like a dream. I can't believe I can hear little hooves and snorts again but knowing I have a healthy little man was a #1 priority for me and I don't have to think twice about it - all thanks to Autumn.
Bryon Campbell
Bryon Campbell
2023-11-08
We just got our mini pig Owl from Autumn and the experience was absolutely incredible. Autumn was very professional and has a vast knowledge of mini pigs. We looked for several months before we decided on Owl. During the search process we looked into many breeders and Autumn Acrs was by far the best option. Autumn did not hesitate in answering any of our questions and we had many. She replied promptly and was always respectful. I will recommend anyone that is thinking about adding a mini pig to their family to contact Autumn Acres. Thank you Autumn for making this an amazing experience!
Jazmaine Mayo
Jazmaine Mayo
2023-11-07
I don’t know how I can put my appreciation and gratitude into words. I’ve been wanting to have a mini pig for years now, and honestly every website and person I’ve spoken to never felt concern, loving, understanding, or knowledgeable. When I found Autumns page I knew from the start this was the place for me. She provides tons of information and the best part about it is once’s your approve and become a member of her information classes you have access to her and the lessons forever. Autumn is just the best and I couldn’t ask for a better mini pig breeder. I love how contacting her is not a hassle and she responds very quickly. Her home, family, and farm is so adorable. I can’t say thank you enough!! I love my Baby Roo!
Elizabeth Stark
Elizabeth Stark
2023-10-23
Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs is THE most humane, caring, loving, transparent pig breeder out there. What you see on Instagram and the website is what you see in real life at the farm/homestead - happy, cared-for animals (not just pigs! Autumn also takes great care of her adorable barn cats, goats, chickens, guardian dogs, etc.); and unlike other places, Autumn equips future and current pet pig owners with the knowledge and skills they need to fully take care of pigs at every life stage (since pet pigs are a lifetime commitment to take seriously, NOT an afterthought). Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs is worth the visit and for adopting your pet pig; and please invest in her education courses as well! Worth every Penny and you’ll never learn all the insightful information anywhere else. That’s guaranteed. There’s pig scammers out there, and then there’s Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs - the best.
Caitlin Sullivan
Caitlin Sullivan
2023-08-20
Autumn has boarded our baby (Guinness) multiple times over the past year. She is an absolute gem! I wouldn’t trust Guinness with many people, but from the first time we met her, we were very impressed. She is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and quick to respond with any questions, concerns, or updates. We would continue to have her board our baby, but we are moving out of state. We know we won’t be able to replace her!! If you are looking for someone to board your pig, buy a new pig, or get additional information/education regarding pigs, go to Autumn, she is the best and you won’t regret it!
Collin Wilson
Collin Wilson
2023-08-16
We adopted Peter, henceforth knows as Hogwarts Hogsmeade Harry Porker Wilson (my son named him), and we could not be happier!!! We love everything about Autumn and her operation! One of our favorite things, besides our new family member, is all the support and education that Autumn provides! Not only prior to adoption but for the life of our new pet! She has an educational series and supports people even if you didn’t adopt from her. She is an ethical breeder and makes promises to her clients about how she breeds and that she does so in the safest and most responsible way! We could not be happier. If I could give her more than 5 stars then I would!!
Crystal Thompson
Crystal Thompson
2023-06-09
Haven't purchased my baby yet, but Autumn is super sweet, easy to talk to and very passionate about Mini Pet Pigs
The Awesome Company
The Awesome Company
2022-10-19
Autumn is an asset to the mini pig community. She is generous with her time and pig knowledge. She helped our family feel totally prepared for the arrival of our two pigs, Marty and Doc. I would also recommend purchasing her signature course. It's worth every penny.
Bill Helmken
Bill Helmken
2022-10-15
I sincerely appreciate the exceptional professionalism of Autumn Acres Mini Pet Pigs in helping us get a support animal for my mother. Autumn is extremely knowledgeable and now my mom has an amazing companion! You'll be glad you got an Autumn Acres Mini Pig, I am!
Marcus Replogle
Marcus Replogle
2022-08-13
I can’t say enough about this place. Everything they have going on is wonderful. We bought a mini pig from autumn and she has been very kind and very helpful.

Get Started Now

Courses are a great way to learn at your own pace. The following are the courses I am currently offering:

  • Preparing for a New Piglet Course – $25
  • New Piglet Care Course – $97
  • Mini Pig Care Course – $197
  • Understanding Pig Behavior – $297
  • Autumn Acres Signature Course – $397

 

Start Now