POTBELLIED PIGS MAKE WONDERFUL PETS FOR THE RIGHT HOME!
If you are looking for an intelligent, easily trained pet that likes human companionship, consider adopting a potbellied pig.
Most potbellied pigs do not finish growing until they are 3 to 4 years old. The average pig will weigh 100 to 200 pounds. Your potbellied pig will live as long as most house cats - 15 to 20 years old.
THE MINI OR MICRO-MINI SIZE MYTHThere is no such thing as a 40 pound miniature potbellied pig. Potbellieds are called "miniature" to distinguish them from pigs/hogs who can grow to 800 pounds. You can expect your pig to be 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous breeders out there who lie about the adult's weight while you're cuddling that adorable piglet. Others will advise you to feed your piglet only things like lettuce. Of couse you will be creating a malnourished and sickly pig.
BASIC CARE
Potbellied pigs need the right housing, food and socialization.Your pig can be an indoor-outdoor dweller or live strictly outside. You must provide your pig with a pig house or barn that protects her from summer's heat and winter's cold and rain. She needs warm bedding, such as blankets and hay. Your pig needs a fenced area to graze and exercise and wallow in the mud. Kiddy pools are a favorite in the summer.
Potbellied pigs are clean animals. Since they do not like to soil where they sleep, they are easily housebroken and can also be taught to use a pig-sized litter box. Pigs are also smart enough to use a doggie door.
The best food is a specially formulated commercial feed that you can buy at feed stores and some pet food stores. You should not feed your pig dog food. Just like many of us, pigs love junk food, so it's best to spoil your pig in other ways.
Overweight pigs can develop serious health problems. Your pet may not be able to walk or even stand up if you feed him too much or incorrectly. If your pig gains too much weight around his eyes, he may become blind.
Just as dogs and cats need training, so do potbellied pigs. Pigs love working for food, so they are easily motivated to learn.
PLAY TIME
Potbellied pigs and cats get along especially well, so don't be surprised to see your pig and a shy kitty curled up together.
WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR ADOPTED PIGGY!
We want to be a resource for you not only when you adopt one of our rescued pigs, but after you take her home too! We can give you names of vets in your area who take care of pigs. We can teach you how to trim your pig's hooves if you plan on doing this yourself. We can tell you how to ease your new friend's transition into your home and how to train him or her.
