Flo and Lisi
Two Aiderbichler mini pigs
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
told by Gisela Pschenitschnig
Flo and Lisi belong to a breed of pig that is used for experimental purposes. Flo has black spotted skin, Lisi is pink and both have long, soft bristles and are one and a half years old. An animal lover fulfilled her dream of having micro pigs, and so Flo and Lisi came to live with her. Unfortunately, problems arose and Flo and Lisi had to be relinquished. New owners came forward, but then backed out again. What now?
Animal experiments with minipigs
There are now many breeders of so-called micro, teacup or mini pigs in Europe. They look adorable, even if the reason for breeding small pigs is less so. In the 1940s, the breeding of small, handy experimental pigs for human medical research began in the USA. The mini pigs required less space, less feed and lower doses of medication for the experiments. Thanks to the growing interest of private individuals, there are now a wide variety of miniature pig breeds living in people’s gardens.
Once a pig always a pig
Mini pigs come in different colours: blond, pink, black, plain or spotted and with long, curly or short bristles. Like the large domestic pigs, the small minipigs also have an excellent sense of smell and a sense of hearing that doesn’t miss a sound. Mini pigs and domestic pigs are at least as intelligent as a dog. They can use their sense of smell and hearing to distinguish familiar people from strangers. The language of the large and small bristle animals consists of almost 250 different grunting and squeaking sounds.
Like all domestic pigs, the keeping of mini pigs is also subject to legal requirements, according to which the keeping of pigs in private homes is permitted. The animals must be registered, regularly examined by a vet and they need to be allowed to roam. Walking them on a dog lead is not an alternative. Mini pigs live in a herd and are not suitable for a solitary life. After smelling roots up to 60 cm below the ground, they dig them up and the garden looks accordingly.
Flo, Lisi and blind Ludwig
Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia became the forever home for Flo and Lisi. They follow the staff at every turn. They explore all the stables and their cheerful character brings a fun atmosphere to the Carinthian farm. Together with their friend, the blind wild boar Ludwig, they get up to lots of mischief and things really get going. The three friends want to have fun, romp around and enjoy pig life. Flo, Lisi and Ludwig would be very happy to have sponsors.
