Potbellied pigs as your new pet

The fad of the miniature potbellied pig first became evident in the eighties. It has continued to surface even today. Many potbellied pigs are sold as piglets and people think they are very cute and adorable. What they don’t realize is these piglets can and will grow up to ninety pounds. You might wonder why these pigs are called minature. When you compare them to other pigs, they are smaller than the average pig you see on many farms. So with this in mind this fad of owning a potbellied pig has diminshed a bit. They are still popular pets among individuals who prefer to have unique pets.

What surprises most people when they start learning about these creatures is that they are intelligent. They are sometimes marked more intelligent than dogs. With this intelligence they can be manipulative in training. They can train their owners to bend at their every will It is with this intelligence that many of these pigs end up in animal shelters around the age of two years. At the age of two this is when a potbellied pig starts to test its boundaries, the pig may become aggressive and challenge its owner's leadership. Another reason why these animals end up at animal shelters is a natural behavior known as the rooting behavior. Give a pig a nice landscaped backyard and they will find a way to destroy it. Most people that are caught up with the cuteness of a pig don’t realize that this behavior is instinctive to the pig. For those that don’t mind the challenges that come with owning one of these creatures, they learn that potbellied pigs are inquisitive, have a lot of personality and some can even be housebroken.

One thing to consider before you buy a miniature potbellied pig is where you live. These are not apartment animals. A pig also should spend some of its time outdoors. They will not be happy if they are enclosed indoors all their life. Another thing to consider is the zoning laws in your neighborhood. Some areas still consider this animal to be a farm animal and are not permitted in cities or suburban neighborhoods. In some states, owners may be allowed to keep a potbellied pig as a pet, if they produce a state health certificate. It is extremely important to look into this closely so the situation does not arise after you have gotten attached to the animal. There may be fines if you don’t do things properly.

Once you get your pig home it is now ready to approach the subject of house training. This is a process that requires patience and positive reinforcement. Most potbellied pigs prefer to do their bathroom duties in a single spot. You house train a pig much like you do a dog. You reward the pig for confining its bathroom habits to the outdoors. Some people have trained their pigs to use a litter box. The most easy method of house training is to teach the pig to eliminate in one spot outside.

Most people fall under the myth that a pig is like a garbage disposal and the diet should be scraps and garbage. This is incorrect and will result in an overly plump pig. Pigs are prone to obesity so it is important to regulate their diet. The potbellied pig’s diet should be high in fiber and low in fat. They should always have a clean supply of water. The diet should consist of commercial pelleted pig chow that you probably will have to purchase at a feed store or a specialty pet store. You can always ask the breeder where to get this special food. A pig should be fed twice a day supplementing the pig chow with fruits, vegetables, grass, hay, and alfalfa. You can allow your pig to graze if you have a pesticide free yard. A potbellied pig can spend time indoors with you, but it is appropriate for them to have an outside home as well. A simple doghouse made of wood or plastic is a good outdoor structure. The house should be elevated up off the ground to prevent the pig getting a chill and moisture from coming into the house. The house should be lined with bedding material of hay, straw, or old blankets. The enclosure should be shaded because pigs are prone to sunburn.

The potbellied pig has a natural affinity for cleanliness. Some owners provide a water puddle for their pigs to play in. One of the most common things to use is a child’s wading pool for the pig to wallow in.

A potbellied pig enjoys leading an active lifestyle. This is not the pet for you if you have a job where you work long hours. Separation anxiety is common. If this is the case the pig tends to be more destructive. It is important to socialize your pig from the time it is little so that it gets used to different types of people and situations. This will diminish the possibility that the pig can be aggressive. Some potbellied pigs like squeaky dog toys they can push around with heir snout, others like to burrow in pine shavings. Since this animal is known for its curiosity, walks introduce it to new sites and

sounds beyond its home territory. Your pig will get out and see the neighborhood, but you may get some strange looks from your neighbors.

A potbellied pig has a lifespan of approximately twenty years so it is important to keep them healthy. One of the most difficult challenges is finding a veterinarian that can care for these animals. You should either look for an exotic animal veterinarian or a livestock veterinarian since they seem to know the most about these animals. The vaccinations that you will need for your pig will depend on the area in which you live, so it is best to consult a veterinarian, though it is recommended that they at least be vaccinated against rabies. Deworming is another preventive measure for keeping the pig healthy. The pig should be dewormed at seven weeks of age and also at eleven weeks of age. Any changes in the stool will require a veterinarian consult.

Spaying or neutering makes your pig a better pet. Neutering a male will not reduce the odor but it often makes them a more manageable pet. Special attention should be given to the skin and hooves. The most common problem is dryness and your veterinarian can recommend a moisturizer. If dryness continues to be a problem you can supplement the diet with an occasional spoonful of oil.

Pigs can be wonderful companions and amusing to watch. After you have considered everything, you can decide if it is right for you and your family.