CAMP SKIPPING PIG  SANCTUARY

 Domestically kept mixed breed pigs are also known as American Heritage Pigs. Their breeding can be variable, from a combination of breeds including potbellies and farm pig, which ours are, to farm pig/wild boar crosses kept domestically. AHP pigs are pigs that are kept confined on farms, either as pets and rescues or as pigs used for meat production.  Do not confuse AHPs with feral pigs. They are not the same. Feral pigs are wild pigs and are a result of domestically kept pigs escaping or being released into nature and crossbreeding with already wild and free ranging pigs. Feral pigs have become a huge problem in some states due to their escape from canned hunt facilities or actual release by hunters who plan to hunt them. Over just a few generations the short nose of the domestic breeds morphs into the long snout that distinguishes the wild pigs. The longer snout is more suitable for foraging in the wild than the short snout of a domestic pig who has no need to forage for regular meals.

AHP and feral pigs, though possibly containing the same genes, should not be confused. AHP pigs are domestic/tame pigs who are kept confined and are, for the most part, pets. They are NOT the pigs kept on the canned hunt farms. Feral pigs are wild pigs, running loose, and may be of any breed or combination of breeds.Feral pigs are not dependent on humans for their needs.

In many areas feral pigs have become a nuisance and are mercilessly hunted with dogs. Some are trapped and sold for meat. Others are trapped and tortured in pens by attacking dogs while entire families watch this ignorant form of "entertainment". They're called "pig/dog fights" and are common in the south. As an aside, anyone wishing to rehome a pet pig should be aware that it may end up as a barbecue or in a pit being savaged by dogs. These uncaring monsters will also use other small animals as bait to teach the dogs to kill. NEVER advertise an animal as "free" and never advertise your pet on Craig's List. A charming  woman or family may take your pet only to use it as bait or slaughter it. You cannot trust the replies for an advertised pet to be  truthful.

A fortunate few AHPs are saved thru the pig sanctuaries and rescues and have proven themselves to be enjoyable and affectionate pets...as much so, if not more than the potbellies. I'm fortunate to enjoy the company of 9 AHPs.

 

 

Rooty is a young AHP who arrived with the Red Wattle Hogs. He is likely a farm pig/potbelly cross. Rooty has a wonderful disposition and comes like a dog when called. He gets so excited over scratches that he whines.  Many who can't be rescued are used to train dogs for hunting in the south. They are bred for this and are put into rings or pits, mouths taped shut, and dogs who are allowed to attack them. This cruel "sport" is called Pig/Dog fighting and whole families actually go to watch. I can't imagine the mentality of the people who participate in this or the others who sell pigs to be used for this purpose. Only unthinking, unfeeling humans could come up with something like this. We're fortunate to have Rooty join our group and I'm sure he'd feel the same if he realized his other possibilities. Rooty has no tail, due to a severe infection that was moving up the bone. It was likely cause by another pig bite or a dog attack. Amputation was necessary to save his life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 WILLOW arrived from a sanctuary.   She's a delightful, active, and very social girl who loves attention and going for walks to the pond. Willow's mother is a potbelly, her father, a potbelly cross. Her siblings were all black. As she's grown, she more strongly resembles her potbelly heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabe, Aryn and Aulani arrived from another sanctuary.  Their striking white faces make them very distinctive and they draw a lot of attention from people driving by. They likely have Berkshirefarm pig bloodlines. Gabe is the largest and darkest of the three.  Aryn is mid-sized and a bit lighter in color and Aulani is the smallest with a lighter blonde tint..

                   Baby Gabe                                                           Aryn, Gabe, and Aulani 

EVA is another AHP. She is a lovely silver with very faint stripes that run the length of her body. She has probably 90% potbelly blood, though her legs are a little long. She's not growing as tall as the other four who are about the same age. She is the size of an average potbelly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurel arrived January 22, 2011 when she was about 4 months old. She is also an AHP with at least 50% potbelly blood. She was born in September of 2010 after her potbelly mother was dumped at a rescue. She is a delightfully busy girl with very striking markings. All of her siblings were solid black.

 

 

 

 

 Laurel Sep 2013Laurel Feb 2, 2014