POTBELLIED PIGS -- JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE!
This is excerpted from a brochure written by Helen Morrison,
for Pigs As Pets, Inc.
With some commentary added by Nori Rambo
Potbellied pigs are clean, intelligent, affectionate creatures. Pigs
are the fourth smartest animal group on the planet, following only
humans, apes and chimps, whales and dolphins.
Their intelligence, curiosity and charm make them appealing, but it
may also make them a challenging pet. Pigs have special needs. They
make wonderful pets for those people who understand their special
needs and are willing to educate themselves and meet those needs.
They require extra patience and perseverance, but it is more than
made up for by their wonderful personalities!
SIZE
All potbellied pigs are miniature in relationship to their cousins,
the farm hog. Farm hogs can grow up to 900 pounds or more.
Pigs have dense compact bodies, especially when compared to dogs or
people. A 150-pound pig is much smaller than an 80-pound German
shepherd or a 100-pound person. A 150-pound pig is not as big as one
may imagine! Check out some of our Adoptable pigs to see!
A typical, full grown, potbellied pig can be anywhere from 100 -250
pounds. The largest registered potbellied pig is over 400 pounds (not
recommend for the health of any pet pig). As with people, the size
ranges, but the average size is somewhere between 100 and 150 pounds,
being less than 20 inches high at the shoulder.
Pigs grow quickly until they are about one year old, them continue
to grow slowly until they are between three and four years old. So,
that 10-pound baby piglet will grown into a 100-pound or more adult --
don't believe anything else!
WATER
For Drinking
Ever hear of the phrase "sweat like a pig"? Well, pigs do not
actually have sweat glands. Pigs cannot sweat! This means they need
plenty of fresh water available at all times to prevent overheating.
Male pigs can be prone to urinary tract infections and other
disorders. Make sure all male pigs have plenty of fresh water
available at all times and that they drink it.
If your pig seems reluctant to drink water, add a little fruit juice
(like apple juice) or some Gatorade or similar sports type drink to
the water. Just enough to add flavor usually does the trick.
For Health and Safety
Pigs keep cool by splashing in water or rolling in mud. Give your
pig a child's plastic swimming pool filled with a few inches of water.
Some pigs are afraid to step into the pool for the first time, so you
may want to float a few grapes or apple chunks into the pool to entice
the pig. Cut a little "doorway" in the side so the pig can step in
easily.
INDOOR LIVING
Yes, pigs generally make good house pets!
All pigs root. It the natural instincts of the pig, its how they
find food in nature. You would not want to prevent a human baby from
learning to walk, so why prevent your pig from rooting! It does not
mean you allow the pig to root your entire house.
Instead, give the pig plenty of outside time in a secure run or take
long walks so they can root outside. Or, make a rooting box filled
with rocks or small to medium hard rubber balls. Sprinkle a couple of
treats in the box to teach the pig what it's used for. You can also
sprinkle some Cherrios or pieces of carrot, popcorn, etc., into a
large pile of blankets to teach the pig to root in it's blankets.
Pigs are intelligent, curious animals. You will need to pig proof
your home, just, as you would baby-proof your home for a toddler. Some
people will clear off a lower shelf or two, well within reach of the
pig's snout and put piggy toys there. The pig will quickly learn to
take toys off its shelf only, making a happy pig and happy people.
Pigs often watch where their food comes from, so they can learn to
open cabinets and even the refrigerator! Plants may also need to be
put up in high places, so they are not eaten or spilled all over your
floor.
Indoor Housing
Your pig will need a soft bed of blankets or pillows. All pigs need
a "place" of there own to hide when they are feeling insecure or want
to be left alone. This can be a quiet room, a closet or a large animal
crate in a corner. You may also want to teach your pig to sleep in a
crate or separate room, someone once wrote a 10-pound pig in the bed
is cute, a 100-pound pig may not be!
Potty Boxes
Pigs can be housebroken like dogs, to go outside and do their
business. But, they can also be litter boxed trained. Or they can be
trained to do both!
In cold or rainy weather indoor pigs may not want to go outside to
potty. If you choose to use an indoor potty box, select one with low
sides or cut down an entrance. Pigs don't like to step up and over
something to use the potty.
The box must be big enough for the pig to turn around in. If the
bottom of the box is slippery put a no slip mat in the bottom, under
the litter. The round dishes used for draining water heaters make
good, inexpensive litter boxes.
Avoid using clay litter, as pigs may inhale it (causing pneumonia)
or eat it (causing intestinal blockages), both which could be fatal.
Pine shavings are inexpensive, old towels can be used, adult diapers
or underpads make good box liners too and are easy to wash or dispose
of. Cedar is not recommended.
Pigs learn to potty in a particular spot. Choose the potty box
location carefully because the pig may not want to change potty spots
later. When a pig is very small, take him to the box every hour or at
least every two hours when he is awake, as soon as he wakes up and
right after he eats or drinks. If you are not home to closely
supervise the pig, you can also confine the pig to a small area with
its bed and potty box separated as much as possible. The pig will not
use its bed as a potty box, so it will learn to use the litter box.
Or, you can put some of the pig's poop into the box, once the pig
smells it; it should start to use the box.
Do not give the pig free, unsupervised run of the house until he is
at least 6 months old. Pigs younger than that are prone to accidents!
If the accidents are not caught and corrected immediately,
housebreaking will be more difficult. If a pig does something once,
he remembers. If he does something twice, it’s a habit. If he does it
three times, you may be out of luck! Close supervision and proper
housebreaking early on will help avoid problems in the future.
If you catch a pig making a mistake, take him to the litter box and
let him finish pottying in the proper place, then praise him. Clean
up the mess with a commercial deodorizer made for removing pet odors
or vinegar and baking soda. Clean up is important to avoid future
accidents in the same spot -- pigs have strong noses and good
memories!
If possible, put a heavy piece of furniture in that spot or a bath
mat and the pig's food dish and feed him there for a few days. Pigs do
not eat and potty in the same places!
After a week or so clean the spot again. Wait a few more days and
when the pig is not looking sprinkle some food or a couple of treats
in the area. The pig will think the treats sprout from the rug or
floor and will not want to potty there again.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor Housing
Outdoor pigs need s sturdy, rainproof shed, barn or doghouse. In
cold climates, it must also be wind proof and have enough room for
plenty of straw and blankets to keep the pig warm. Ideally outdoor
pigs should be kept in small groups for extra body warmth. Remember
pigs need plenty of fresh water at all times. In hot weather they need
a small pool or mud puddle to keep cool. In cold weather, be sure not
to let their water freeze.
Outdoor Runs
It is not recommended that a pig be kept full time in a run or pen
with a cement floor. The pen should give the pig plenty of room to
move around, a place for its potty area away from it's housing and
food areas. We like pens no smaller than 8' x 16', with access to
areas outside the pen for exercise or a 16 x 16 foot pen (which is the
length of the standard hog panels!).
Pigs don't jump high, but they do like to root & dig. A 4-foot high
fence wills easily keep your pigs in, but will not keep an aggressive
dog or other animal out. If you live in an area with stray dogs or
other roaming animals and creatures (i.e. kids), you may wish to
choose a 6-foot fence.
Hog panel (available from your local farm store or Agway type store)
is the best and probably most inexpensive and secure fencing material.
These panels are used by commercial hog farmers and are good and
sturdy, for making sure the pig stays in its pen.
Chain link fencing reinforced with chicken wire at the bottom may
also make a suitable pen, but BE SURE there is no place a pig's snout
can get stuck, caught or injured. Pigs are curious and will root and
look for holes and ways to move the chicken wire. To be sure the pen
is completely secure, you should dig a trench about 1 foot deep just
inside the chain link fence. Fasten the chicken wire to the lower 6'
of the fence and extend it down into the trench. Fill in the trench,
burying the wire. You can also put boards into the trench, bury part
of the board, and fasten them to the fencing to secure the bottom.
Picket or split rail fences will NOT keep a pig in, but you can
attach a hog panel to the fence to secure it. That makes an attractive
as well as secure fence! A board on board fence will keep a pig in,
but may require reinforcement at the base, so a pig can't dig out
beneath it.
TOYS
Whether indoor or outdoor, all pigs love toys, especially any toy
with food. Old magazines, old shoes, old clothes (wear them so they
have your scent and give them to the pig unwashed), infant toys, dog
or cat toys and balls are all good pig toys. Be careful, piglets can
get caught in sleeves, bottons, snaps, etc.
Pigs also enjoy "Buster Cubes" (Petsmart.com) and Manna-balls
(Pigstuff.com) filled with food or treats. Or you can make your own
inexpensive version from a whiffle ball, 2-liter soda bottle or
plastic milk jug. Stuff the whiffle ball with plain air-popped
popcorn, food pellets, frozen peas, etc. Or, punch holes in the soda
bottle or milk jug, making sure they are big enough for the food to
fall out when the toy is pushed or rolled. Put the treat in the bottle
or jug and the pig will push it around so the treats or food will fall
out. For overweight or bored pigs, you may consider feeding the
entire food ration this way too -- it's good mental stimulus and
exercise!
HEALTH CARE
It can be difficult to find a vet willing and able to treat
potbellied pigs. Potbellied pigs are NOT farm hogs. There are
differences in their medical treatment. Before allowing your vet to
sedate your potbellied pig, be sure he knows the types of anesthesia
to use and the amounts. The wrong drugs or dosages can be harmful or
fatal to your pet. For more information go to our Library or the
NAPPA Web site.
Pigs are also susceptible to Porcine Stress syndrome, a condition
where the pig is so stressed out that he can literally drop dead. If
your pig is "freaking" out for a sustained period of time (not just
for a few minutes when you pick him up), stop and let him calm down
before continuing with whatever you are doing.
The most common potbellied pig health problems are diet related.
Overweight pigs suffer from heart problems, blindness and arthritis.
Underfed pigs (often in an attempt to keep them small) usually die
from malnutrition or complications from malnutrition.
Pigs need lots of fresh water at all times. Given water and the
right diet, good housing and plenty of love, your pig should remain
happy and healthy for many years.
Vaccinations
Potbellied pigs are susceptible to several contagious diseases. Even
if you and your pig are never around other pigs, you should have your
pig vaccinated every 12 months. Your vet should also check you pig's
eyes, ears, feet, tusks and general appearance.
Most vets also include a dose of Ivomec along with the vaccinations
to prevent worms and mange.
Pleurogard 4 covers: hemophiles, pleuro pneumonia, rhinitis and
erysipelas
Respisure covers: mice-plasma pneumonia
Spaying and Neutering
Every pet pig should be spayed or neutered.
Male pigs are fertile as early as 2 months old. Intact male pigs do
not make good pets, the tend to "hump" everything. Their mouths will
foam constantly and they often "mark their territory" with a pungent
smelling fluid.
Intact females often get "PMS" and may forget their potty training
while they are in heat. Generally females go into heat every three
weeks.
Eyes and Ears
Some pigs are prone to eye problems, so check our pigs eyes for
irritation or stuck eyelashes, or eyelashes that may curve into the
eye and cause irritation (entropian -- a condition that can be
corrected by surgery done by your vet). Some pigs have naturally weepy
eyes that produce sticky, brownish tears. Wipe away the goo with a
soft, warm, damp cloth or baby wipes. You can also use a little
Vaseline around the eye to keep the brownish tears from caking on the
pigs face, it will also help to soften any brownish gook already caked
there for easy removal.
Pigs sometimes get a brown waxy build up inside their ears - this is
normal and does not mean your pig is dirty. Wipe the outside part of
the ear gently with a soft cloth. Stay away from the ear canal and
inner ear. DO NOT try to clean deep inside the ear. Do not flush the
pigs ears out, liquid in the ear can cause deafness and balance
problems. These procedures are best left for your vet.
Tusks and Hooves
All pigs grow tusks. Females grow small, sharp tusks that rarely
stick out of their mouths. Neutered males will have a set protruding
from their lips by age 1 1/2 to 2. Tusks do not have to be trimmed
unless there s a reason to do so. For example, if the pig is around
small children or if the tusks are bothering the pig. If your pig is
calm and will allow it, you can gently file the tusks. If you pig is
nervous, you can take your pig to the vet to have the tusks trimmed.
Many vets think this can only be done under anesthesia, not so -- even
for the scared or uncooperative pig, you can e-mail Susan Armstrong
for a technique that you and your vet can use to make this an easier
procedure for you and your pig .
Skin
All pigs have naturally dry skin (remember they don't have sweat
glands like we do!) It's not necessary to bathe your pig on a regular
basis. However it is fine to give him a bath when he gets dirty.
Also, good brushing will help. Use any good lotion on your pig's
skin as often as you like, which will help to keep the skin soft.
Just be sure your pig is not allergic to it. You can visit for
information on pig products.
FOOD
Pigs like to eat! Pigs will do just about anything for food. If
left to their own devices, pigs will overeat and quickly became obese.
BUT, this does not mean you should starve your pig (see health
information above). It means your pig needs to eat wholesome food
(manufactured just for potbellied pigs -not commercial hog foods, dog
foods or table scraps) with limited treats.
A pig's size (height & length) is determined by his genes --not by
his diet (unless he is overfed and becomes overweight). Underfeeding a
potbellied pig will not "keep them small" and is simply cruel!
Your pig needs a food formulated especially for potbellied pigs,
with no more than 14% protein. Never feed a pig dog food -- it is too
high in fat, salt and protein. Good potbellied pig foods are
available in most local feed stores and on line at or .
Amount
The proper amount of food for your pig depends upon a lot of
different factors: the pig's age, size, activity level and
environment, for feeding guidelines go to . Feed your pig the proper
amount at least twice a day.
Size and Age
The best way to determine if your pig is at the proper weight is to
LOOK at him carefully. Make sure you can see his eyes.
Pigs with naturally plump faces overweight pigs may have extra fat
deposits around their eyes making it difficult for them to see. Look
down at him from above. His body should look like a cylinder or a
smooth tube. If he looks like he swallowed a basketball, he may be
overweight. Look at him from the side, he should have a nice belly
but it should NOT drag on the ground.
Growing pigs (3 years or less) need more food than mature adults do.
Larger pigs (that is, pigs with a naturally large bone structure, NOT
overweight pigs with average bone structure) need more food than
smaller pigs.
Activity Level and Environment
Active pigs, pigs that travel frequently, regularly go on long walks
or practice and perform tricks need more food than inactive pigs.
Generally, indoor pigs get less exercise than pigs that stay outside
most of the time. Outdoor pigs with unlimited access to a large yard
or very large run generally get more exercise walking around.
BUT, if the pig gets plenty of grazing or access to fallen fruits or
acorns (acorns can be toxic to the kidneys when eaten in large doses)
and grass, take this into account when determining how much food and
treats he needs.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Supplement your pig with plenty of fresh, leafy vegetables. Iceberg
lettuce is ideal because it helps the pig feel full, but has no fat
and very few calories. Some pigs are picky and won't eat everything.
Fruit and starchy vegetables (peas, corn, potatoes) can be
fattening, so keep those to a minimum. Freeze grapes or cucumber
slices for treats.
Generally 1 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables is fine for most
pigs. If you pig spends the day grazing on your lawn or eating your
flowers, cut back on this amount.
These types of supplements help to add variety to your pigs diet,
but are not necessary to be fed everyday as long as you have the pig
on a good quality potbellied pig food.
Treats
Pigs LOVE treats! But, be careful not to go overboard on the treats.
Pigs will eat, as much as you give them and will act as if they are
starving -- if you are feeding your pig properly, this is no more than
an ACT - don't give in!
Good treats are pain, air-popped popcorn, carrot slices, individual
pieces of dry cereal (Cheerios or Chex). Remember to include the
treats fed during training sessions when deciding how much food your
pig is getting -- those treats can add up!
Some people measure out a set amount of treats (say 1/4 cup for
cereal) for a specified amount of time (1 - 2 days). This makes it
easier to determine exactly how many treats the pig is getting.
Vitamins
You can give your pig one children's complete vitamin everyday.
