How to Rear Pet Pigs
Pigs are curious, intelligent and sociable animals that love attention and make great pets. The problems most people encounter when raising pigs is that they often underestimate how large and strong some pigs can get, how much they can eat, and how much work is involved in caring for them. It is important to thoroughly educate yourself on the responsibility of owning a pig beforehand. Knowing what it takes to raise and care for a pig can help you be better prepared.
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Instructions
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Check with local authorities to see if it is legal for you to own a pig. Some cities and towns have rules and laws against some pets, so it's important to check first before purchasing a pig.
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Feed your pig a well-balanced diet. According to the Countryside magazine, pigs can't live on food scraps alone. In addition to food scraps and fresh vegetables you should also feed your pig about 4 lbs. of high protein grain a day. This will give your pig the extra protein it needs to grow big strong muscles instead of lots of fat.
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Give your pig a nice clean pen. Pigs are actually clean animals and enjoy a bed of clean litter or straw in their pen, according to the Country Farm website. Clean the pen often by replacing the litter at least once a week, or as often as needed, to prevent odors.
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Give your pig a shelter from the elements. Build or purchase a three-sided shed large enough for each pig to have about 8 square feet of space so your pigs can rest comfortably during bad weather. Position the pen so that it protects the pigs from prevailing wind and place it on a hard concrete floor so the pigs have an even, sturdy surface to walk and rest on.
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Secure your pig's pen or roaming area. Set up an electric fence around the pig's roaming area, or build a strong fence around its pen. Pigs can grow very large and can use their heavy weight to push down weak fences and escape.
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Provide your pig with a kitty litter box if it is a small pig being raised indoors. Use a short kitty litter box that is no taller than 2 inches high and fill it with wood shavings or straw. Clean and replace the litter at least once a week, or as often as needed.
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Bring your pig to the veterinarian every 6 to 12 months for vaccinations. Vaccinations will prevent common infections and disease in the pig like parvo virus and mycoplasma pneumonia and will also prevent your pig from developing diseases that are transferable to humans such as leptospirosis and erysipelas, according to the New South Wales website.
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References
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