A family from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, have adopted two very unusual pets, a pair of miniature pigs named Pumpkin and Polly.
The Goodwin family, dad Paul, mum Claire, and their two children, fell in love with pigs after years of visiting Kew Little Pigs in Amersham, Bucks.
Their daughter had been obsessed with pigs for as long as her parents could remember, and after the family moved to a new house with a field, they decided to make her dream a reality.
Paul said: “They have been really great, they’re sisters and play together really nicely. We hope to harness train them and practice walking with them on the field, but the neighbours can’t wait to see them walking on the local common.
“Ever since we moved house our daughter hasn’t stopped pestering for pigs. We got some chickens and she has been really good looking after them, so we felt that she had proved herself and we would finally do it.
“We can’t praise Kew Little Pigs enough, even the vet who came to visit us said how good they are, so we feel so reassured and have had some really good advice and follow-ups from Olivia, the owner.”
The family already have quite the menagerie of pets, including a cat, four chickens and an 80-year-old tortoise called Tommy. And with land to spare, their smallholding looks set to expand further in the future.
Pumpkin and Polly were raised at Kew Little Pigs, one of the UK’s leading miniature pig farms, which has helped hundreds of families adopt pigs as pets. The farm runs specialist pig-keeping courses to ensure that new owners understand the unique care pigs require, from spacious outdoor areas to regular enrichment and a nutritious diet.
Olivia Mikhail, owner of Kew Little Pigs, said: “Pumpkin and Polly have found the most wonderful home with the Goodwin family. It’s always heartwarming to see our pigs go to people who have taken the time to learn about their needs and are truly dedicated to giving them a happy life.
“We’re very careful about who buys our pigs, it’s essential that they have enough space, stimulation and love to thrive.”
Find out more about Kew Little Pigs at www.kewlittlepigs.com
“I joined the team in September of 2021 as a Farm Hand. This was my first proper job and the experience was very insightful as working with animals there is never a dull moment. I have always loved animals and have had many different animals growing up such as guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs and horses so I knew the animal industry was a career I would like to be involved in. Since joining Kew Little Pigs Farm I have had the opportunity to care for the animals and share my knowledge with all the customers that have visited the farm. I was promoted to Head Farm Hand in January 2023.
I look forward to my journey here at Kew Little Pigs Farm and hope to see you on the farm soon!”
