From snuffly snout to curly tail, miniature pot-bellied pigs have become a much loved addition to the exotic pet scene. Pot-bellied pigs are highly intelligent, social, and inquisitive and BEWARE because these little cuties will capture your heart!
Are you a lover of our potbellied pals? There are lot of people out there who have always wanted to have a pig as a pet! Pigs are adorable, affectionate, intelligent creatures who have pretty specific needs and wants, and when they have the right living conditions, can be wonderful pets.
Potbellied Pig (I Love My Pet)
Unfortunately, there are often myths perpetuated by breeders and the media that convince pig lovers that their new friend will stay below 50 pounds. These myths lead to poor health for the pigs, and sadly, increase the numbers of homeless pigs that end up in shelters like Lollypop Farm. Check out our pig facts below, and try the diagram to see if a pig would fit well with your lifestyle!
Lisa and Joel Cummings of St. Albans, Queens, told the New York Post this week that their Vietnamese potbellied pig, Romeo, \"runs around the house,\" and is \"very calm and does well with the kids.\"
Finck said there has been a \"resurgence\" of interest in potbellied pigs, which can live for 15 to 20 years. She said that, despite the stereotypes of mud-wallowing hogs, most are clean, healthy creatures.
Some potbellied pig owners have the wrong idea about how large a potbellied pig will become when they grow up. An adult potbellied pig can range from 100 to 250 pounds. Although potbellied pigs are heavy, they are compact animals which are not usually larger than a larger dog breed. An average potbellied pig is between 120 to 150 pounds. The average potbellied pig is between 16 and 26 inches tall.
All pigs love to eat, but it is important for potbellied pig owners to feed their pets the correct food. Owners can help their pigs stay healthy by choosing to feed them special pigchow. Potbellied pigs should never eat dog or cat food, and it is important to avoid feeding them animal fat.
Most potbellied pigs love to root, or dig, in the dirt. This is a natural behavior and owners need to accept it as part of having a pig. Owners may want to provide a rooting box to limit damage to their backyard.
Due to their dry skin, potbellied pigs tend to scratch themselves against anything available, including your favorite sofa. Provide a scratching post to let them relieve themselves without damaging your home.
Pigs and mud naturally go together. Hanging out in a cool mud hole is a favorite activity for any sized pig. Owners of potbellied pigs should be able to give a place to their pets to wallow in the mud, especially on warmer days.
Fresh water should be available at all times to prevent dehydration and salt toxicity. Balanced diets are essential to maintain health and prevent obesity. Starter, grower, and maintenance rations for potbellied pigs are available in many larger pet stores as crumbles or pellets. Provide the recommended amount per body weight and age, divided into 2 or more meals per day. Meals should be presented at about the same time every day. Green leafy vegetables, alfalfa, and green grasses (but not weeds, because some are toxic) can be added to the ration to satisfy appetite. Fruits such as apples and grapes can be given in limited amounts. A regular source of citric acid, such as commercial products or oranges, is recommended to reduce the possibility of bladder infections and urolithiasis (the formation of kidney stones), which are common urinary problems in these animals. Many common house and garden plants are toxic to potbellied pigs, which like to root and are adventurous eaters ( see Poisonous Plants Poisonous Plants ). To avoid potential danger, do not allow your pig to have access to such plants.
A daily routine that includes exercise and engaging activities is important for the mental and physical health of your potbellied pig. Regular exercise is necessary to maintain good health and prevent obesity. A play time that does not include treats may help reduce boredom and discourage eating foreign objects, chewing on furniture, and other destructive or dangerous behaviors.
These animals have a strong sense of place and rank in their herd or family. At approximately 2 years of age, many healthy potbellied pigs will develop a more aggressive personality and challenge other potbellied pigs or people for position and status. Small children and even adults can be in danger from an aggressive 100-pound pig. It is at this stage that many potbellied pigs are either abandoned or placed in animal shelters.
Male potbellied pigs should not be kept as pets unless they are neutered. Neutering at an early age (2 to 3 months) is recommended to avoid development of an aggressive personality. A male pig that is rescued or adopted from a shelter should be neutered as soon as possible. Early spaying may also improve the temperament of female pigs. ( See also Breeding and Reproduction of Potbellied Pigs Breeding and Reproduction of Potbellied Pigs Although some basic information on breeding and reproduction is included here, breeding of potbellied pigs is not encouraged for the amateur owner. In addition, it is strongly recommended that... read more )
This sticker is 6 inches wide by 4 inches tall when applied. It has the phrase, MY TRUE LOVE, in pink letters on a black background that is die-cut into the shape of a pot belly pig. A trio of pink hearts decorates the sticker. No white border will be visible after application; the pink line in the image shows where the sticker is cut. This quality-made product is a hilarious way to add a bit of personality to vehicles, large cups and tumblers, tablets, and other flat, hard surfaces while showing off your love for your pet pig!
Rae rescued Sheila Mae McInswine, the 250-pound part-Vietnamese potbellied pig and part-who-knows-what-other-kind of pig 31/2 years ago, when Sheila weighed only 50 pounds. Sheila had been abused by a family in Alabama and was taken in by a Humane Society in Kissimmee, then a pig rescue organization in Orlando. Before Rae agreed to rescue her, she had been told that Sheila had been spayed. But when she returned home one evening, eight little piglets were racing around her house.
As much as Rae loves Sheila, she warns against having pigs as pets. Your property has to be zoned correctly and you have to have a permit, she said. Also pigs will tear up your yard, they are very smart but stubborn, and are not good with children. If you know of a place where Sheila can spend the rest of her days - which could be many, since pigs can live from 15 to 18 years - call Rae at the Bath House, 241-3293.
One reason I love Kalmbach Feeds Squeals of Joy mini pig food is because it takes all of the guess work out of mini pig nutrition and can provide pig owners the peace of mind knowing that their pet is receiving all of the needed and balanced nutrients to support a long and healthy life.
Brandy Weith, a veterinary technician at State Street Small Animal Clinic in Belvidere, has raised her potbellied pig, Simon, for about six years. She says they can be a handful to care for, but they make great pets.
There are so many fun things I am learning about being a pig! I love my dog and cat friends very much, as well as my outside friends! I have been busy with school and going to work to socialize the dogs to us pigs, but would love to meet you! Feel free to stop by our Oberlin location and give me a scratch or a banana!
I have used the mobile service as well as the clinic. Both are very good. I always feel the whole team of Doctors and techs really care for your pets and their wellbeing. I have recommended them to my friends with animals. My dogs love the mobile team!
The world of potbelly pigs is adorable and sometimes sad. I love those cute, tiny pigs. I want one in my living room! The problem is that without constant management of their caloric intake, those tiny piggies can get large. This is where the problems happen. More potbelly pigs find their way to animal shelters than people realize. Poor pigs.
Aleese started as an intern at Indian Creek Pet Hospital. She completed her internship and became certified as a veterinary assistant. She was then hired onto the team as a receptionist. Since being hired, her love for animal medicine has grown. She plans on pursuing surgical technology. At home, Aleese has two dogs, a pot-belly pig, and a parrot. Outside of work, she loves spending time watching the sunrise, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending quality time with friends.
Vanessa is originally from Cape Coral, Florida, but moved to Michigan in 2017. After receiving her CVA, she moved back to Florida when she started with Indian Creek Pet Hospital. Her love for animals started when she was young, and she would bring home sick pets to take care of them and give them the love they deserve. Vanessa has a large furry (and scaly) family that includes three dogs Gator, Jedi and Rey, two bearded dragons, Fergi and Helios, a cat, Kratos, a hamster, Hamilton, and a pond full of Koi fish! In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach with her daughter and spending time with her friends and family. 2ff7e9595c
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