All about the Potbellied Pig

The color that these pigs were when they first reached the US was black.  Today, these little ones can be tan, white, gray, and red.  A number of these pigs have what is called spotted coloring and a lot of folks like to get these ones with spots on them.  They’re all lovable, no matter what their color is, and they’re extraordinarily smart animals.

These pigs can grow to be a good size.  Their weight can reach roughly two hundred pounds.  If they are trained to be well behaved, the weight won’t be an issue as they get older.  They can live for ten to 12 years or longer.

The difference between the females and the males and their perspectives ( personalities ) is sort of the same as dogs.  The male will be more needy ( clingy ), but more antagonistic.  The female is mellower and less needy.  The only time the female will show signs of personality conflicts will be when she is getting ready to have her very own babies.

Why Adopt a Potbellied Pig?

When folks need a pet which will always amuse them and keep their interests topped, they might want to adopt a potbellied pig.  These animals are like clowns and can learn tricks and tasks.  They can be stubborn, at times , but they’re generally very entertaining and lovable.  The better part about going to take on a potbellied pig is saving their life from loneliness.  It will be awfully rewarding, especially once he or she shows the true colors of clowning around.  Even people who are unrelenting are hilarious.  One just can’t help but to laugh at these animals.

Coaching a Potbellied Pig

Potbellied pigs can be taught to use the lavatory in a litter box, or they can be taught to tell their owner when it’s time to go outside to use the loo.

They can be trained to pick up things, retrieve things, and bring things to their owner.

They can be trained to open doors, if the owner wishes them to learn this.

The best way to coach the potbellied pig is by trying treats every time she does a task to trick the way they have been shown the best way to do it.

the simplest way to coach your potbellied pig to urinate in a litter box, or other designated area, is to line up his or her water bowl next to that area.  This could sound peculiar or funny, but there’s logic to this way of thinking.  Pigs will usually use the bathroom while they are drinking water.  This is nice to know beforehand. 
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The first thing you want to figure out is legality in your municipality.  Some places look on potbellied pigs as a farm animal instead of a pet, or require that you have a special permit or license.  This is easy to test by calling the local animal shelters or a veterinarian, they are going to be able to tell you.

The next thing you should do is find a vet close to your house which has the knowledge, or is ready to learn about potbellied pigs.  Although a potbellied pig is a pig, the medicines and treatments aren’t always the same as a farm animal, they need special attention to the anatomy and size.

Potbellied pigs are a very social animal and will require attention in ways that other pets wouldn’t routinely need.  Another thing to think about in this area is other pets.  Regularly if there is a dog in the home there will be “personality” conflicts.  Dogs are predators, and a pig is natural prey for a dog.  Other pets also should be considered.  A potbellied pig is a very social animal and will act as if the remainder of the household is a part of the group, so special consideration in this area is vital.

While there are breeders which will tell you many things that you are going to want to hear, you want a reputable adoption center that checks the animals out as they come in for issues.  Many potbellied pigs are abandoned every year due to impulsive buying, zoning issues, for example.  And you should be able to easily find a pig that’s in robust health without having to pay a tidy sum.

Ultimately, do not forget, a potbellied pig is a commitment that will last ( hopefully ) for years .  Although there were no formal studies conducted, potbellied pigs can live for in excess of twelve years, and up tp 30 years wouldn’t be a unrealistic expectation.  For this time you may be the head of the potbellied household, and anticipated to act as such.

If you keep these things in mind you will have a pet that will bring you much enjoyment and comfort for years to come.

For detailed information on Potbellied Pigs and great Potbelly Pig Tricks visit Potbellied Pigs

Potbellied pigs love to be outside and they like to have dust to dig into, especially if they can find some plants to eat when they dig.  Naturally, if somebody lives where snow will be on the ground in the winter time, the pig will attune to the change and wait for the spring time.  Remember, though, that this pet will dig up parts of the yard.  It might be a good idea to have a little pen in an area where it is OK to dig, like out back where nobody else can see the dug up yard.  ; )

Believe this or not, but potbellied pigs don’t require that much care.  Keep in mind that their eyes are not that great, so fast movements can scare them.

Feeding tips

Although a pig won’t refuse any piece of food that is placed before them, this isn’t how they deserve to be fed.  They should only eat certain types of food.  There’s a pig food most people call pig chow.  A grain place might be the best place to find this sort of food for the latest pet in the home.

Preparing before the pet comes to the new home

This is kind of the same as having a newborn baby come home from the surgery.  The home needs to be safe for the new arrival.  Make sure that everything that would be threatening, or that’s vital, is out of reach for the potbellied pig.  They’ll be extremely curious and will generally try to grab everything when they explore their new home, inside and outside.  ; ).