Unique Companions: The Care and Management of Pot Bellied Pigs as Pets

When people think of their ideal pet, they often picture a specific breed of dog or cat. However, for those who love unique pets and are willing to invest more time and effort, pot-bellied pigs can be an excellent choice.

Pot-bellied pigs, including mini-pigs and micro pigs, make terrific indoor or outdoor companions, sd Philippa Sprake, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas AM College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences. They are social creatures with distinct personalities. Though pot-bellied pigs are incredibly smart and adorable as seen here, it's important for pet owners to be aware of a few considerations before bringing home Wilbur permanently.

To begin with, potential owners should verify their local homeowners' association rules and zoning regulations to ensure that keeping pigs is permitted on their property. Pigs can be noisy during the adjustment period and could provoke an angry neighbor or landlord if not properly managed.

When selecting your piglet, it's crucial to pick one at least 8 weeks old, weaned, and from a reputable breeder to guarantee its health, sd Sprake. Moreover, while they're referred to as 'minis,' micro pigs can grow up to approximately 40 pounds, whereas traditional pot-bellied pigs might reach over 100 pounds; thus, it's essential to see the parents of your chosen piglet to estimate its full-grown size.

When trning a new pot-bellied pig, owners should that they require as much attention and social interaction as dogs do. They can be trned using positive reinforcement techniques like clicker trning and are highly food-motivated, making them eager learners.

When it comes to feeding, young pigs should eat youth mini-pig feed until they're around two years old, sd Sprake. After this stage, you can switch to adult or senior foods that have high fiber but relatively low calories to prevent obesity. Pigs need access to fresh water at all times and should not be fed food as it contns a high salt content which could cause sodium toxicity.

In deciding on pig bedding, pet owners must first determine whether they will keep their new companion indoors or outdoors. Regardless of the choice, pigs need an outdoor space for rooting, an instinctive behavior where they use their snout to dig and find food as well as iron from soil necessary for preventing anemia.

Pigs are sensitive to both heat and cold, sd Sprake. So they require shelter from sunlight, wind, and rn. In Texas or similar climates, pigs kept outside should have fans during hot summers and access to a shallow pool like a kiddie pool or pond to wallow in and cool off. Pigs can also be kept indoors as they are easily trned for housekeeping.

Pigs need regular veterinary check-ups by professionals to stay healthy.

Pet pigs initially require vaccinations agnst various diseases, should be spayed or neutered to prevent behavioral issues like unwanted litters, health problems, and other complications, sd Sprake. Pigs also need deworming several times a year and their hooves trimmed regularly. The most common veterinary concerns in pet pigs usually arise from owners providing an inappropriate diet.

Pet Talk is a service offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences at Texas AM University. Stories can be reviewed online at vetmed.tamu.edunewspet-talk. Suggestions for future articles may be directed to [email protected].

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Tags: Farm Animals, Pet Care, pet talk, Philippa Sprake

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