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Checklist for a Good Piggy Caregiver
Honestly answering the following questions will help you determine if a potbellied pigs is the right type of pet for you:
Is my area zoned for potbellied pigs? If so, what is the exact code? Is this an impulsive decision or have I really though it out? Have I taken the time to visit an adult pet pig? Do I understand that pigs can be in excess of 100 pounds at maturity and that they can live 15 years? Would I be better off getting a cat, bird or other type of pet that requires less attention?
Do I have enough patience and time to give to a pet pig? Am I willing to learn how to work with my pig? Can I really afford to provide vet care for my pig? Can I provide adequate outdoor space for a pig? Are my children too young to have a pig as a pet? Am I expecting my children to take responsibility for the pig’s care? If my older children are leaving for college soon, am I willing to care for the pig? Does everyone in my house agree that we should get a pig? Do I have someone to care for my pig while I’m away? Am I planning on moving in the near future? Am I renting?
Do Potbellied Pigs Make Good Pets?
At three years old, potbellied pigs average about 125 lbs. (contrary to early advertising), making it difficult to take them to the vet in a car. Vietnamese potbellied pigs were once “darlings of the media,” and promoted as the condo pet of the eighties – clean, smart, small and affectionate. Imported into the United States from Canada, the first potbellies sold for up to $25,000! Ten years later, there are sanctuaries for unwanted potbellies that are filled to capacity. Potbellies are often advertised in the “For Free” section of newspapers, the prices have plummeted, and occasionally, the pigs are even abandoned by the roadside. What happened?
Of course, with any new, exotic breed of animal, prices will fall as the supply meets the demand. This goes with the territory. But in the case of the potbelly, other factors came into play. Potbellied pigs are very “special” animals. Most owners that understand their personalities and quirks bond to them.
Many owners sleep with their pigs, travel with their oinkers, dress them in costumes and share every aspect of their lives with their portly companions. Potbellies love to have their tummies scratched, and to snuggle with their owners. Pigs are like 2-year-old children -intelligent, curious, mischievous and sometimes manipulative. They are sensitive creatures that can be playful, and even almost humorous. In the intelligence scale, they are only two species away from the intelligence of humans! Only the monkey/ape family and the dolphin/whale families are more intelligent. Unfortunately, that can be detrimental to having a pig as a pet.
The porker will quickly learn to open refrigerator doors and cupboards in his eternal quest for food, and outsmart his trainer by taking the shortest route to gratification. Wily pigs learn to scream, to wake their owners for breakfast, beg for food and raid pantries. They can be demanding, overly sensitive or even neurotic. Piggies often pout if challenged by humans! Their personalities are complex. Because of this, pigs need a lot of discipline and monitoring. A bored pig will root, knock over household objects and devour houseplants. Pigs take nothing for granted and seem to want to know what is under everything. Pigs are not good pets if left home alone with no mental stimulation or physical challenges. And, because of their intelligence, they can be aggressive with young children.
The good news is that pigs are very trainable. First, a pig must be taught that he can trust his owner. Firm, gentle discipline works well. Because of their love for food, positive reinforcement is effective. Negative physical reinforcement is not. Pigs have a great memory and respond well to commands. They are capable of learning to slam dunk a basketball, play a piano, or golf, play soccer, jump through hoops!
Honestly answering the following questions will help you determine if a potbellied pigs is the right type of pet for you:
Is my area zoned for potbellied pigs? If so, what is the exact code? Is this an impulsive decision or have I really though it out? Have I taken the time to visit an adult pet pig? Do I understand that pigs can be in excess of 100 pounds at maturity and that they can live 15 years? Would I be better off getting a cat, bird or other type of pet that requires less attention?
Do I have enough patience and time to give to a pet pig? Am I willing to learn how to work with my pig? Can I really afford to provide vet care for my pig? Can I provide adequate outdoor space for a pig? Are my children too young to have a pig as a pet? Am I expecting my children to take responsibility for the pig’s care? If my older children are leaving for college soon, am I willing to care for the pig? Does everyone in my house agree that we should get a pig? Do I have someone to care for my pig while I’m away? Am I planning on moving in the near future? Am I renting?
Do Potbellied Pigs Make Good Pets?
At three years old, potbellied pigs average about 125 lbs. (contrary to early advertising), making it difficult to take them to the vet in a car. Vietnamese potbellied pigs were once “darlings of the media,” and promoted as the condo pet of the eighties – clean, smart, small and affectionate. Imported into the United States from Canada, the first potbellies sold for up to $25,000! Ten years later, there are sanctuaries for unwanted potbellies that are filled to capacity. Potbellies are often advertised in the “For Free” section of newspapers, the prices have plummeted, and occasionally, the pigs are even abandoned by the roadside. What happened?
Of course, with any new, exotic breed of animal, prices will fall as the supply meets the demand. This goes with the territory. But in the case of the potbelly, other factors came into play. Potbellied pigs are very “special” animals. Most owners that understand their personalities and quirks bond to them.
Many owners sleep with their pigs, travel with their oinkers, dress them in costumes and share every aspect of their lives with their portly companions. Potbellies love to have their tummies scratched, and to snuggle with their owners. Pigs are like 2-year-old children -intelligent, curious, mischievous and sometimes manipulative. They are sensitive creatures that can be playful, and even almost humorous. In the intelligence scale, they are only two species away from the intelligence of humans! Only the monkey/ape family and the dolphin/whale families are more intelligent. Unfortunately, that can be detrimental to having a pig as a pet.
The porker will quickly learn to open refrigerator doors and cupboards in his eternal quest for food, and outsmart his trainer by taking the shortest route to gratification. Wily pigs learn to scream, to wake their owners for breakfast, beg for food and raid pantries. They can be demanding, overly sensitive or even neurotic. Piggies often pout if challenged by humans! Their personalities are complex. Because of this, pigs need a lot of discipline and monitoring. A bored pig will root, knock over household objects and devour houseplants. Pigs take nothing for granted and seem to want to know what is under everything. Pigs are not good pets if left home alone with no mental stimulation or physical challenges. And, because of their intelligence, they can be aggressive with young children.
The good news is that pigs are very trainable. First, a pig must be taught that he can trust his owner. Firm, gentle discipline works well. Because of their love for food, positive reinforcement is effective. Negative physical reinforcement is not. Pigs have a great memory and respond well to commands. They are capable of learning to slam dunk a basketball, play a piano, or golf, play soccer, jump through hoops!
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