What do pot belly pigs look like

Dogs and pigs, on the other hand, are an unpredictable combination, mainly because dogs are a large predator species and pigs are naturally a prey species. This may lead to unwanted bullying of your pet pig. Though pigs may not get along with other pets, Salumets notes that they are very social animals and should be housed with other pigs. Pigs are omnivores and need a balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. Pigs really enjoy a variety of vegetables and fruits in their diet.

They can eat some human food scraps and leftovers as long as they are not spoiled or toxic to pigs. Just like in humans, some foods can cause digestive issues in pigs and some are more sensitive than others.

Even if you are providing fresh produce for your pig, feeding your pig only human food is not ideal, as it is not guaranteed to meet all of their nutritional needs. It is important they still receive pig feed to ensure their nutritional requirements are being met.

Dog and cat foods are NOT a good alternative to a quality feed formulated specifically for pigs. Pigs should always have access to water, and should be fed at least two or three times per day. Pot-bellied pigs consume a few pounds of food per day, but if your teacup pig turns out to be a farm-breed pig, you can expect it to consume as much as four to seven pounds of food per day. Information on the internet can be very incorrect in regards to feeding pigs.

But this may result in an underweight pig with developmental and health issues, as the genetics of the pig dictate its skeletal size, not the amount you feed it. If one were to feed their pig such a small amount of food, they would be starving it, resulting in many potential negative implications on its health, including malformed bones, poor hair coat, inadequate brain development and even death. What is the lifespan of a mini pig?

Pigs may live for up to 15 years. During that time you will need to plan for vet visits just like you would with other pets. Pigs require vaccinations and are susceptible to a number of illnesses that humans also get, such as the flu. It is very unlikely a pet clinic will accept pigs. Tusk trims may also be required. Because they are prey animals, sometimes pigs try to hide the fact that they are sick or injured. Do you have the knowledge or skills necessary to recognize common symptoms of disease, injury or infection in your pet pig?

Mature, intact boars i. Therefore, male pigs should be neutered castrated as early as possible while they are young. The procedure should only be done by an experienced veterinarian using pain medication. Spaying female pigs is not very common, so you may find it difficult to locate a vet who is willing to perform the procedure. Depending on the breed, pigs may become sexually mature as early as three to four months of age. If you adopt a male and female together, you will need to neuter your male.

Pigs can have litters of up to 14 piglets at a time. While 14 piglets sounds like cuteness overload at first, you will quickly be overwhelmed. Do you know how to humanely catch a pig and get it into a vehicle? 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.

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! Have you always wanted a pet potbellied pig?

For more information about adopting a potbellied pig, contact our Farm Manager, Joanna Dychton, at farm lollypop. Meet pigs available for adoption: lollypop. Because state laws generally treat pigs as legal livestock, it's your local laws that you'll need to pay attention to. Always obtain a pig from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

In fact, there are many pigs in rescue groups from owners who didn't understand their care requirements, and a rescue can help you find a suitable pig for your lifestyle. Avoid purchasing a pig over the internet or through any channel where you're not able to visit with the animal before committing. Also, aim to speak with other people who have gotten an animal from the breeder or rescue to learn about their experience.

The seller should be able to provide you with detailed information about the pig's history, health, and temperament.

Look for a pig that is friendly, bright, and alert. Some red flags include a lethargic pig or one that doesn't want to take food from you. One key factor to be aware of before getting a pet pig is how large it will grow. While potbellied pigs are classified by size, there are disagreements about the names, weights, and heights of the different classifications.

Here are the most common sizes:. It is possible to be misled by unscrupulous breeders who breed pigs before they are fully mature and at full size and claim the offspring will be the parents' size at maturity.

If you're interested in similar pets, check out:. Otherwise, check out these other exotic animals to find your next pet. Behavior of Mini-Pigs. VCA Hospitals. Veterinary Care for Mini-Pigs. Management of Potbellied Pigs. Merck Veterinary Manual. Diseases of Potbellied Pigs.

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