Happy as a pig in bed

Motel owners Danielle and Glenn Liddell welcomed their first litter of pure-bred miniature piglets eight weeks ago.

The tiny porkers have been selling fast, just two of the six piglets remain for sale.

Mrs Liddell said she had grown up with piglets for pets.

“They make great pets and are highly sociable and intelligent animals,” she said.

“They love kids and other animals like cats and dogs.

“Their mum, Rosie, is a true miniature pig who lives with us.”

The couple moved from the Central Coast last year and took over the motel in September.

“The idea was to run the motel and have a petting farm for our guests on about one acre of land out the back,” she said.

“We already have miniature ponies, as well as bigger pigs, sheep, horses and chooks.

The pigs are living in their own enclosure with a “play space” that includes a brightly-coloured tunnel.

Guests at the motel have been enjoying the litter, which included two black and white spotted males, one ginger male and three ginger females.

The couple are expecting another litter from Rosie in December or January.

Mrs Liddell said the miniature piglets would grow to the size of a medium to large dog, such as a labrador.

She did not want the piglets confused with the teacup variety.

“The miniature variety that fit inside handbags do not have a long life expectancy at all,” Mrs Liddell said.

“The ones we have bred have a life expectancy of between 12 to 15 years.”

The animals have been selling fast since the couple placed an advertisement in The Border Mail last week.

“They have been selling so fast, we only have two left for sale,” Mrs Liddell said.

“We are taking deposits and they will be available for collection soon.”

The two remaining piglets for sale are female and ginger in colour and are $300 each.

Each piglet is vaccinated, wormed and comes with a birth certificate, harness and lead. Those interested can phone Mrs Liddell on 0411 109 992.

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