Cat, Dog, & Pet Supplies

Although for many people the word pig conjures up images of a farm yard with huge pigs rolling in mud, or eating at a pig trough, for some it is a well mannered pig sitting in the living room with you as you watch television. Teacup potbellied pigs are becoming increasingly popular as domestic pets around the country. They are much smaller than the standard farm pig and the regular potbelly pig, and they are commonly seen with many colors, such as mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, silver coloringand even chocolate. Not really the size of a teacup. But compared to a full grown regular pig at 600-800 pounds or a full grown regular potbelly pig at 120 – 200 pounds then they are teacup. Adults typically weigh around 40 - 65 lbs, are fully-grown at 2-3 years and are about the height of a cocker spaniel. The pigs require about the same amount of care as a dog and are low maintenance pets, living 15-20 years. Teacup potbellied pigs are popular city pets, and their small size lends itself well to apartment living. Pigs litter box train very quickly.

 

The regular potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. Given the chance, they can interbreed with common farm pigs and wild boars, as they are all part of the pig family. The teacup pigs were bred first in Devon, England.

Not all veterinarians treat pigs making owning one more troublesome that a cat or dog. 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. Pigs just really love to eat, just like children they lean toward the high carbohydrate unhealthy type, please restrict your pet’s availab.ility. Pigs love to eat so steps must be taken to keep them out of the kitchen. 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 best kept in pairs or groups if they are kept outside as they are social animals. While in your house they will want your attention. Like children they need toys to play with so they can amuse themselves. This keeps them stimulated and active. Left to their own if pigs get bored they will often become destructive, they are very intelligent. Inadequate attention during playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. If you are not keeping your pig outside in a confined area then they need their own confined area in the house. 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.

 

Filed under: 01-Articles on May 3rd, 2009