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What is the zoning laws regarding pigs as pets?
Each city and county has its own zoning codes about pet pigs. Many cities prohibit farm animals, including swine. Many have revised their codes to allow potbellied pig because miniature pigs are considered companion animals. Before getting a pig, check with your city, county and homeowners association to determine the exact code. Get the code in writing!
How big are potbellied pigs?
PPB’s can range between 80 and 160 pounds, with the average pig weighing around 120 pounds. Miniature pigs continue to grow until they reach maturity at 3 to 5 years of age. Comparatively, farm pigs can weigh 600 to 1000 pounds.
Is there such thing as a Teacup or Micro-mini Potbelly Pig?
Though breeders and pet shops might claim they have micro-mini pigs, far too frequently, such pigs have stunted growth due to under-feeding and poor nutrition. Rarely do we see a pig that remains under 50 pounds at maturity unless it has health problems that are often a result of inbreeding. Starving a pig to keep it small is no different than starving a human child to keep it small. It’s cruel and it doesn’t work.
Can the size of the parents determine the ultimate size of the offspring?
To some degree, yes, but there are no 100% guarantees. Babies born to small pigs often grow up to be larger than their parents. When looking at the parents for sizing, make certain the parents are at least 3-5 years of age and that their growth has not been stunted from malnutrition or inbreeding.
What should I feed my pig?
Pigs thrive on a diet consisting of grain, vegetables and an occasional taste of fruit. Feeding your pig a complete feed like Champion Premium Potbellied Pig Feed supplemented with low-calorie fresh produce greens will keep your pig fit and trim. Do not feed your pig dog chow or cat chow. The quantity of feed depends on the age, size and activity level of your pig. Growing pigs and nursing moms need more calories than sedentary older pigs. We recommend that you feed your pig twice daily, allow yard time for grazing and include low-fat foods such as carrots, cucumbers, celery and leafy green vegetables (collard and mustard greens, spinach, etc.). Canned veggies, corn, potatoes, dried fruit, cookies, chips and nuts, etc, can pack the pounds on piggy. Pigs also enjoy hay in their diets. Use Timothy or oat hay rather than alfalfa hay. Most importantly, your pig needs access to plenty of fresh water. To ensure that your pig is properly hydrated, particularly in the summer months, add lots of hot water to his pig chow. The water will bulk up the pellets, making piggy feel fuller and more satisfied. Pigs are rooters and rummagers by nature, and therefore always act hungry. Don’t let piggy cajole you into feeding him more than he needs. The occasional special treats are okay, but avoid feeding table-scraps. Your piggy is not a garbage disposal!
Can I keep my pig inside?
While some potbellied pigs enjoy being inside the house, they also require ample outdoor time to root around, relax in the sun and engage in other piggly behavior. Pigs acquire certain critical nutrients from soil, so they must be given an opportunity to be outdoors. You can keep your pig outside during the day and allow him to sleep inside at night. While outdoors, your pig will need to be protected from the elements. Provide your pig with a properly secured yard, a house with bedding (blanketsor straw will do) and with an overhead shelter (above the house) like a tarp or canopy to protect him from the sun, wind and rain. If given a choice, some pigs prefer to live outdoors, so you must be prepared to provide a proper outdoor home.
Where do pigs sleep?
Each city and county has its own zoning codes about pet pigs. Many cities prohibit farm animals, including swine. Many have revised their codes to allow potbellied pig because miniature pigs are considered companion animals. Before getting a pig, check with your city, county and homeowners association to determine the exact code. Get the code in writing!
How big are potbellied pigs?
PPB’s can range between 80 and 160 pounds, with the average pig weighing around 120 pounds. Miniature pigs continue to grow until they reach maturity at 3 to 5 years of age. Comparatively, farm pigs can weigh 600 to 1000 pounds.
Is there such thing as a Teacup or Micro-mini Potbelly Pig?
Though breeders and pet shops might claim they have micro-mini pigs, far too frequently, such pigs have stunted growth due to under-feeding and poor nutrition. Rarely do we see a pig that remains under 50 pounds at maturity unless it has health problems that are often a result of inbreeding. Starving a pig to keep it small is no different than starving a human child to keep it small. It’s cruel and it doesn’t work.
Can the size of the parents determine the ultimate size of the offspring?
To some degree, yes, but there are no 100% guarantees. Babies born to small pigs often grow up to be larger than their parents. When looking at the parents for sizing, make certain the parents are at least 3-5 years of age and that their growth has not been stunted from malnutrition or inbreeding.
What should I feed my pig?
Pigs thrive on a diet consisting of grain, vegetables and an occasional taste of fruit. Feeding your pig a complete feed like Champion Premium Potbellied Pig Feed supplemented with low-calorie fresh produce greens will keep your pig fit and trim. Do not feed your pig dog chow or cat chow. The quantity of feed depends on the age, size and activity level of your pig. Growing pigs and nursing moms need more calories than sedentary older pigs. We recommend that you feed your pig twice daily, allow yard time for grazing and include low-fat foods such as carrots, cucumbers, celery and leafy green vegetables (collard and mustard greens, spinach, etc.). Canned veggies, corn, potatoes, dried fruit, cookies, chips and nuts, etc, can pack the pounds on piggy. Pigs also enjoy hay in their diets. Use Timothy or oat hay rather than alfalfa hay. Most importantly, your pig needs access to plenty of fresh water. To ensure that your pig is properly hydrated, particularly in the summer months, add lots of hot water to his pig chow. The water will bulk up the pellets, making piggy feel fuller and more satisfied. Pigs are rooters and rummagers by nature, and therefore always act hungry. Don’t let piggy cajole you into feeding him more than he needs. The occasional special treats are okay, but avoid feeding table-scraps. Your piggy is not a garbage disposal!
Can I keep my pig inside?
While some potbellied pigs enjoy being inside the house, they also require ample outdoor time to root around, relax in the sun and engage in other piggly behavior. Pigs acquire certain critical nutrients from soil, so they must be given an opportunity to be outdoors. You can keep your pig outside during the day and allow him to sleep inside at night. While outdoors, your pig will need to be protected from the elements. Provide your pig with a properly secured yard, a house with bedding (blanketsor straw will do) and with an overhead shelter (above the house) like a tarp or canopy to protect him from the sun, wind and rain. If given a choice, some pigs prefer to live outdoors, so you must be prepared to provide a proper outdoor home.
Where do pigs sleep?
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