How to Own Potbellied Pigs

A potbellied pig may seem like an unlikely household pet, but these animals are beloved by their owners for their playfulness, intelligence and affectionate nature. Potbellied pigs are generally clean, odor-free, hypo-allergenic, quiet and easy to train. Taking care of a potbellied pig, however, is a big responsibility, as these animals can grow to weigh as much as 160 pounds and live 15 to 20 years. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Outdoor shelter
• Ramps
• Pig Food
• Wading pool
• Blankets
• Litter box
• Toddler gates
• Toys

Take Care of a Potbellied Pig

1. Decide if you want to own an indoor pig or an outdoor pig. Potbellied pigs can be house-trained or litter box trained, so they can be easily kept indoors if you like. Their reputation for dirtiness is undeserved, as they are actually very clean animals.
2. Create a personal space for your potbellied pig. An indoor pig will need her own area that is just hers where she will not be bothered. This can be a whole room, a closet or just a large bed of old blankets. Outdoor pigs need a weatherproof shelter such as a shed or other enclosure.
3. Pig proof your home. Pigs are naturally curious, smart and persistent. Before you bring a pig into your home you must restrict access to electrical cords, cleaning chemicals and anything else that may be harmful to your pet. Use toddler gates to block off different areas of the house, since potbellied pigs are like a large toddler who can and will get into anything.
4. Give your potbellied pig quality feed supplemented with fruits and vegetables. There is specially designed feed for potbellied pigs widely available. Dog or cat food is not a suitable option.
5. Spend quality time with your pig everyday. Pigs get bored when when left on their own too long and can become destructive.
6. Take your pig to a qualified veterinarian regularly for checkups and shots. You'll need to find a vet who has experience with potbellied pigs, as the average vet may not have appropriate training.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a wading pool for your outside pig to cool down in. Pigs only sweat on their snouts so they can get overheated in hot temperatures.
• Use a ramp over short flights of stairs. Climbing stairs is difficult for pigs.
• You can determine if your pig is an outdoor pig by his desire to often be out of doors.
• Check zoning codes for your city and county before you adopt a potbellied pig. Depending on where you live, potbellied pigs can either be classified as companion animals or livestock, and some cities prohibit you from owning livestock.
• Even if you have an indoor pig, you need to create an exercise area outdoors for the pig to spend time in. Potbellied pigs need be outside so they can root in the dirt.