How to Raise a Pot Belly Pig

Having a Pot Belly (or "Potbellied") pig for a pet can be great fun. While smaller than a traditional pig, these have become chic pets for a new generation. However, there are many things to consider when you do take on this responsibility and since the pigs can live a long time, you must be able to make a long term commitment to raise them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pot Belly Pig

1. Check local ordinances and laws. Not all areas welcome pot belly pigs as pets unless you have a farm or a certain amount of land. Check with your city hall before you decide to adopt this pet. Do not attempt to keep it hidden. hese are commonly known as "Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs."

2. Purchase pig feed that has 12 to 14 percent of protein, and give it to your pot belly pig twice daily. Failure to feed properly can cause health problems, including fatigue, poor nutrition and weight gain. Avoid table food and foods made for other pets. Give your pig a children's vitamin daily to balance out the nutrition.

3. Keep your pig in a separate area away from other animals, especially dogs as they do cohabitate well. Give your pig plenty of room to run around and graze in a safe, fenced in area. Small apartments and homes without lawns do not make good homes for pot belly pigs. The grazing on grass is not 100 percent necessary, but very helpful, especially if you are not home much. Always offer fresh water.

4. Feed your pig produce in limited amounts such as fruits, corn, potatoes, spinach and yams if you have those available. You can also treat your pig to small quantities of cheerios, shredded wheat, and plain popcorn. This can be used as a reward for good behavior.

5. Take your pot belly pig to the veterinarian for regular immunizations and checkups. Have the vet trim the feet.

6. Use a large, deep plastic tub for a "litterbox" for the pot belly pig. The size of the box depends on the size of the pot belly pig you own. Wood shavings are good for this purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the use of cat litter in your pot belly pig's litter box. Your pig may attempt to eat the litter.

[WriterGig]

on 12/28/2008 Cute pot bellied pigs picture!

[TobyLee]

on 11/9/2008 Cute photo! Great article.

[Susang6]

on 8/12/2008 I heard they were big babies! saw one in NYC walking alon central park, it was too funny, He was a happy little pig. good artile

[dsarokin]

on 8/12/2008 They're so CUTE! But I'm not sure they're really a good city pet. Then again, who knows. But thanks for an interesting article.

[heatherschulte]

on 8/12/2008 What an interesting article. Thanks.