Potbellied Pigs

Copyright © Grenville Owen 2013

Pigrest is our small pig sanctuary near Spalding, Lincolnshire

Run by husband and wife team Grenville and Barbara Owen who have been caring for pet pigs for over 18 years. In that time they have experienced having house pigs in the city of Birmingham but now keeping outside pigs in the heart of the Fens. Please come in an take your wellies off, sit ye down and find out all about us and our pigs.  

Life at Pigrest   

Since moving to Lincolnshire from Birmingham nearly 9 years we have somewhat changed our lifestyle. The almost panoramic view of the Fens from any window in the house was one of the reasons we moved from Brum and it means we are much closer to nature. Naturally we not only care for our pigs but we also have hens. Of course the down side of that means we also lose them to foxes occasionally but so far our two remaining hens Ugly Betty (she has a crossed beak) and Popcorn spend much of their time with the pigs. In fact it is quite common to see one of them riding on the pig’s back. This closeness means they feel protected  by the pigs and so far it’s worked.  

Bruce on the mend

This is Bruce and he recently gave us a scare when he was pushed by another pig onto a watering device which penetrated his skin and made a large wound over 1ft long on his side. This was no scratch and his ribs could clearly be seen through the wound. I had to hold him while the vet stitched him back together again. Bruce weighs over 100kg (around 16 Stone or 230lb) so as you can imagine, it was no easy task. Bruce has made a full recovery but it has left quite a scar.

Update On Pig Placement Policy

As of  21st October 2012 I will no longer offer to place pigs for other people. This year I have been asked to find homes for many pigs but have not had a single offer of a home for them from the public. I have found it hard to explain to those keepers who need to find homes for pigs that there are very few offers and  it is not fair to people who think that I am able to find them new homes. It does not give me any pleasure to have to publish this change of policy but in truth I have become increasingly frustrated with this situation. Please do not call me asking to find a home for your pig as I am no longer able to do so.





Is keeping a pig as a pet something you’ve thought about but need to know more ? Then this is the place to find out the facts. We are not trying to sell you anything so the information we give you is the real thing.