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. 
.

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.  ; ).

The regular potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. They will breed with other types of pigs even farm pigs causing mixed breeds. The teacup pigs were bred first in Devon, England.

Teacup potbellied pigs are considered exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. All types of pigs need maintenance with tusks trimmed and hooves trimmed. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.

Teacup potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. With their intelligence rivaling that of dogs they must be exercised and socialized as they are prone to laziness. At times, an adult pig may raise a challenge against the owner in so-called “dominance aggression”, much like any pet will at first and they will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner’s authority. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished. Properly motivated these intelligent animals learn tricks very easily like sit and playing golf.

Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. If you find that your pig is getting too fat you can scatter raw oatmeal where they have to search for it and doesn’t amount to much to eat. This gives them something to eat and exercise at the same time. Of course this is when they are outside. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet’s access to the food it craves. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered and local feed stores are starting to carry the specialty feed. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.

Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. While in your house they will want your attention. Give them toys to play with just like children have. This keeps them stimulated and active. Left to their own if pigs get bored they will often become destructive, they are very intelligent. Lack of attention can lead to pigs tearing up your house. Keep pigs in their own area of the house or a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.

Teacup pigs require specialized care of time and resources and should not be taken without a serious commitment. Do your due diligence before getting a pig to make sure that you and a pig are compatible. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for teacup potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.