Caring for a Potbellied Pig |
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A puppy, kitten, turtle, cockatoo and mice are known to be some of the most popular domestic household pets in the United States, but with the advent of having pigs around the house, pet owners are wondering if pigs, particularly the potbellied ones, are as much of a handful as compared to the normal average pets. Pigs are depicted in media, just like snakes and spiders, as animals with a negative nature that no one would dare allow to roam around the house. But contrary to their reputation of being smelly, greedy farm animals, they are actually quite the opposite. Compared to fish and turtles, pigs are affectionate, smart, very curious, quiet, and can easily be housetrained just like dogs and cats. But despite its positive points, owners need to go through Potbellied Pig Care 101 before deciding on getting one as a pet. With proper care, attention and love, having a potbellied pig would be an experience unforgotten. Aspiring owners get their pigs from breeders, preferably the reputable ones, and are brought home to adjust to their new environments. Potbellied pigs can live inside the house and are to be trained starting day 1 on proper behavior and knowing who is boss. Because potbellied pigs are very curious and intelligent, they can be quite a handful around the house. They are very demanding animals, especially when it comes to food, and would pull refrigerator doors, topple furniture, and do all kinds of trouble when they’re bored and very playful. Pigs would also root or dig the ground using their snouts for food, so it’s advisable to have a pile of dirt out on the backyard for it to relieve its instinct to root. Pigs, despite their affectionate nature, can become aggressive when they know they can do anything, even towards children. They are territorial animals and can become quite competitive unless it knows who the master of the house is. Unless trained properly, pigs would project dominant aggression (I’m top pig), which can also be seen among dogs. In terms of training, praise, treats and a pat on the head are great tools in teaching the mischievous pig and getting it to remember the rules of the house as compared to physical punishment. Consistent reminding, positive reinforcement, and unending patience will get the job done in a matter of days. For a potbellied pig’s diet, it is important that the essential foods that provide the nutrients it needs are available. The best pig chows suggested by pigsforever.com are Heartland and Peak Performance, as well as Mazuri by Purina and Manna Pro. A proper diet is very important in pig care, so a pig has to be fed its pig chow twice a day to provide it with protein in order to keep its body healthy. Once a piglet reaches about a year old, the amount of pig chow has to lessen to avoid overfeeding. Potbellied pigs are no different than any other pet in terms of its need for love and care. So before deciding on calling a breeder, it is most advisable to research and be guided about a pig’s basic necessities to have a happy family-pig relationship. | ||||||
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 October 2008 ) | ||||||
