Breed: Pot-bellied Pig
Average Size: They are smaller than most pigs kept for food production, but they still usually weigh 125 pounds or more when fully grown. They are usually 16-26 inches tall.
Appearance: They can be determined from farm pigs with their size, upright ears and straight tail. There are several color varieties, black, gray, white, tan and red. They have rough bristles of hair.
Lifespan: On average of 12 -18 years
Habitat: Pot-bellied Pigs need their exercise which outdoor pets seem to get more of but they are good indoor pets as long as you provide them with a nesting area with cushions or blankets. They need a space is not too confined. They can be easily litter trained.
Food: Their diet should be high in fiber and low in calories. Ideally, a food formulated specifically for pot bellied pigs or mini pigs should be fed, and these can now be found at some feed stores and pet stores. Non-breeding adults need about 1/2 cup of maintenance food per 25 pounds of the pig's weight divided into two meals a day however, this amount should be adjusted based on your own pig's body condition. They need a good variety of fresh vegetables to make up about 25% of the pig's diet. Foods such as celery, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, potatoes and some greens are good choices. Try to limit the starchy foods as wells as fruits due to the high sugar content. Most pigs love treats like apples, grapes and raisins, but these are good to reserve as treats to be used in training.
Pigs should also be allowed opportunity to root in soil and graze on grass. Pigs are susceptible to selenium deficiency but if allowed to graze and root in the soil they should get enough.
Temperament: Pigs have several desirable qualities. They are intelligent, readily trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, generally quiet, odor free, and usually non-allergenic. Although they do not like to be picked up or cuddled they do make good family pets as long as they are taught to respect their owners. Setting rules and boundaries, teaching the word 'no' and using gentle but firm discipline usually work well. If they are not shown that they are not the head of household they can become aggressive and destructive. Due to their curious nature, without appropriate stimulation, they will become easily bored, and possibly destructive.
Special Traits: They can become demanding, begging for food, and even getting aggressive with kids that have food. Pigs also dig and explore with their snouts called rooting. In doing so may overturn items in the house, including wastebaskets, and can disrupt the landscaping. This is instinctual, so an area of soft dirt should be provided in the yard so they can fulfill their need to root. Un-neutered males can become aggressive as they get older. They like to go to the bathroom in one area which is very easy for outdoor pigs but for indoor pets litter training is a good option.
Other Important Info: Generally pigs and dogs do not get along. Pigs respond well to positive reinforcement and do not do well at all with physical punishment. Pigs should be obtained form conscientious, reputable breeders, and will need a good quality pig food, regular vaccinations, hoof and tusk trims, and will also need to be spayed or neutered. Since their hair is sparse, they need a shaded area as well as a children’s sunblock applied to their skin in the sun. Since they are so smart, they can be taught to do tricks like a dog.
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