how do you take care of a pig, eating habits, treats, shelter, friendliness, etc...?

Answer 1

a 50'x100' yard with plenty of shade and edible grasses (dandelions are a favorite food if your yard has some) is a minimum for long term care. no herbicides or pesticides. pigs love exploring, so if in addition to his yard you have another area, perhaps the front yard, where he can explore and sample new things occasionally, all the better. this can be a supervised outing time, a walk in the woods, a visit to the neighbors, etc. just a break from his normal routine. coming inside can accomplish the same thing. good fence is essential, fencing must be tight at the bottom to keep pigs secure.

a tight, well insulated house is necessary in cold climates. in colder climates where temps drop below 0, insulate all walls, floor and ceiling. fill the house with straw or hay and keep it 16 inches deep. they will bury themselves under it and be nice and warm. bedding won't last long as it becomes pulverized and flat so keep a check on it. add a blanket to the bedding for extra protection. if you live in a severe climate where sub zero is common, it is best to plan an indoor sleeping area.

pigs cannot sweat or pant; they must have water they can immerse in to cool off. this is essential. heatstroke is common. and they must have mud. just water is not enough. mud provides insect protection, sunscreen and lubrication to prevent scaly skin.

vaccinate & worm. some pigs need their hooves trimmed. male pigs need their tusks cut every 1-3 years (let a vet do it). keep eyes clean. all pigs should be neutered or spayed.

nutrition is a very complex subject, and feeding the wrong balance of nutrients to your pig can cut his life short by many years. feed fruits and vegetables as snacks. feed twice daily if possible. commercial pig food is available.

DO YOUR RESEARCH, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VET EDUCATED & WILLING TO ACCEPT PIG CLIENTS.