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Choosing a Piglet: Potbellied Pigs make terrific pets when they are properly raised. They are hypoallergenic and surprisingly clean. Training them to use a litter box, doggy door or let you know when they need out is not difficult. They are very smart, some people say they are the third smartest animals on earth ( just behind apes and dolphins) and can be taught to perform numerous tricks. They can become very attached to their owners and thrive on routine.They like to go to bed just before sundown and sleep silently throughout the night. They do not chew and are very quiet except when grabbed or scared. A male can be neutered around six weeks of age and makes the best pet. Un-neutered males have a musky smell, grow sharp tusks and can display undesired breeding habits - they are not recommended as pets! Spaying a female is more costly and requires invasive surgery that can be done after three months of age. Intact females can become testy for a few days every month when they are in season. Make sure to check your local rules and regulations to see if you are zoned for this unique pet. |
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Feeding: There are many different brands of potbellied pig food on the market. Most formulas are pelletized and therefore are less messy to feed than the "mash" which tends to scatter as your pet eagerly eats. Some mills also offer different mixtures that emphasize the special nutritional needs for each stage of growth. Feed twice a day and use the "amount to feed" chart, on the bag only as a guide. Watch your pets weight carefully. When standing, you should not see protruding hip bones or ribs. If you do, increase the amount you are feeding gradually until your pig appears to be in good flesh. If you see a roll of fat below the rump (on the back legs), under the jowl (double chin) or the belly becoming too large, slowly cut down on the quantity of food. If you choose to feed treats, limit them to only low calorie items such as vegetables. Overweight pigs can develop many serious health problems. The added pounds put stress on their joints which can lead to leg issues that cause the pig to exercise less and gain more. Obese pets can develop fat deposits over their eyes, rendering them virtually blind and therefore easily startled. No chocolate, high in salt or dog food. |
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Housing: |
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Cleaning: Bathing your pet piglet can be done outdoors on a warm day or indoors in a bathtub or shower using human shampoo and conditioner. Cheerios and raisins added to the water help to made the experience more pleasant on you both. Potbellies do not have any "body odor" because they have no sweat glands, so bathing them is only necessary to remove dirt from their coat. Conditioner helps to soften their hair, while Avon-Skin-So-Soft repels insects and makes them smell especially nice. Potbellies generally pick a "bathroom area" that is private and away from were they sleep, eat and drink. If you choose to litter box train your piglet, place a high sided pan, filled half way with plain clay litter, away from these areas. Keep the piglet confined inside a small area until it uses the litter box regularly and then gradually allow your newly trained pet to roam freely, but only under a watchful eye. Accidents usually occur behind furniture, under a bed or in a closet, so making those areas "off limits" for greater success. To train your piglet to "go" outdoors, urge them outside after they eat or whenever they appear to be searching for a place to relieve themselves and give the command "go potty", followed by praise for a good job. |
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