By Moses Leos III and Theresachristine Etim
Originally from San Jose, CA, Jaimie Chaidez and her husband have always dreamed of the farm atmosphere.
Soon after moving to Texas in 2013, the Chaidez family moved into their current ¾ acre lot in the High Meadows subdivision with the intention of starting up an animal breeding operation.
But after a change of heart, along with her experiences of raising a pig, Chaidez wanted to become part of the solution to the problem of the breeding industry.
It’s why she started up Ma’s Minipigs’ Farm & Rescue, a 501©3 non-profit, to help pigs and all barnyard animals find the right home.
“I wanted to create a sanctuary for pigs to come that’s safe and provide adequate food and bedding so they can find that forever home,” Chaidez said.
The path to their non-profit began when Chaidez and her husband purchased a pet minipig for their children.
“The kids loved it,” Chaidez said. “Then the pigs would have babies, and people would want to buy them, so we began to become breeders for people who wanted minipigs.”
But the more Chaidez researched her plan, the more she began to have a change of heart.
Among several issues is the idea of forced procreation, which she believed could lead to abuse with other pigs.
Chaidez also described those who were “shady breeders,” ones who don’t provide all of the information about the pig they’re breeding, and what homeowners may need to properly raise a pig.
“I realized that I was part of the problem, even if I did everything I possibly could,” she said.
She instead focused on rescuing animals, primarily minipigs.
It was these aspects that influenced Chaidez to start a pig rescue, and develop a more pig friendly operation. It’s an operation that’s now expanded to involve chickens, ducks and a minihorse.
Chaidez believes that not only does this make her business more reputable, but puts less stress on the pigs.
That process began with Chaidez working to gather her non-profit status for her business. But the move forced her to let go of some of her animals, including sheep that were on the property.
She then turned to her Certified Public Accountant, who assisted Chaidez with attaining her nonprofit status.
The process from application to attaining nonprofit status “didn’t take a long time.” She said it was due to the guidance that aided her.
“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Chaidez said.
But she didn’t operate with a budget when she first started. Chaidez said she operated “in the negative” during the first two years. Currently she accepts donations, while also searching for grants.
Her ultimate intention wasn’t to “make a ton of money,” and that she did it for the “love for just the animals.”
Chaidez said she isn’t sure what her budget will be this year, but she does have intentions to upgrade. That could include getting fill dirt to prevent erosion, along with extending electric service for heat lamps for chickens.
When it comes to helping her animals, especially pigs, find a forever home, Chaidez said she sets stringent guidelines. Certain factors include ensuring a potential pig parent doesn’t live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, and whether they live in an area that allows livestock-type animals. Having enough space, especially for pigs, is key.
“(Pigs) have to have a yard, and space where they can root. That’s what pigs do,” she said. “They need enough space where they can run around and just be pigs.”
In addition, she said the process involves a full background check on potential parents as well. Afterward, she sets up meetings with them.
Now, after two years operating as a rescue, and 47 animals later, Chaidez balances her job of a stay-at-home mom, while expecting a baby on the way.
Chaidez said they’d like to expand in the future.
“We plan to have contracts with Kyle,” Chaidez. “But we’d like to do so with Buda and San Marcos as well.”
