How to Locate a Potbellied Pig Breeder

In order to obtain a healthy potbellied pig for your next pet, you have to locate a reputable breeder. Getting a piglet from a good breeder is the best way to ensure the piglet you get will be a quality pet. There's a lot of money in breeding pets, and sometimes the wrong people become breeders to capitalize on that. It's important to take the right steps to locate a certified breeder. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Find a Reputable Potbellied Pig Breeder

1. Use the North American Potbellied Pig Association (NAPPA) as a resource to locate a certified breeder (see Resources below). All certified breeders on the NAPPA list abide by NAPPA code of ethics and employ the services of a trained veterinarian.
2. Visit local pig shows or join a local pig club to get breeder recommendations from other pig owners.
3. Visit multiple breeders and check out the conditions their pigs live in. Pig stalls should be clean; and their pigs should be in good health.
4. Ask potential breeders questions about their piglets and their philosophies for caring for potbellied pigs in general. Good breeders are knowledgeable about caring for potbellied pigs and exhibit a high level of concern for their well being.
5. Answer questions from the breeder about your situation. Good breeders will scrutinize you as much as you are scrutinizing them. They will want to know that their precious piglets are going to good, long-term homes. Breeders who don't care who buys their pigs are only in it for the money.
6. Scrutinize adult pigs on location at potential breeders homes or farms. In most cases, you can get a good sense of how your piglet will behave by paying attention to the temperament of his parents.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a breeder you have a good rapport with because your piglet's breeder can be a valuable contact throughout the life of your pig. If anything should go wrong with your pig's health or behavior, you can turn to your breeder for advice and assistance.
• Consider waiting if you find a breeder you like, but she don't have a current litter for you to choose from. Establishing a good relationship with a quality breeder is more important than getting a pig immediately.
• Beware online "pig store" setups. Some of these sites are scams that will result in your sending money and not receiving a pig. Some of them are pig mills run by disreputable breeders.