Can someone please tell me where i can find a minature potbellied pig and in what price range does it fall in?

Question

I'm looking for a minature pot bellied pig and i really have no price limit. i'm interested in getting it for a friend for christmas and would really appreciate it if i could get some quick result!! Also i would just like to chat with someone who has personal knowledge about pigs, like what do they eat and the best ways to train them...thank you so much!!

Answer 1

I don't know of a Miniature potbellied. We have a 5 month old Vietnamese Pot Bellied pig that already weighs about 50-60 pounds. They get up to around 250-300 at full size.
As far as feeding them, ours eats dog food. I am not sure about training them, ours was leash, harness and house trained when we got her.

I have seen them online for around $125.Although, I know of a guy near me that sells babies for $75.
I am sure the price varies depending on your location.

Answer 2

Oh magosh!
There is no short answer for this question. I'll do my best.
I have a Vietnamese Pot Belly Piggie and I adore her. Pigs are NOT for everyone. I would recommend you not give it as a present without consulting the recepient.
Pigs are highly intelligent and require a great deal of attention. They do not like cold weather. They must have a spot in a fenced yard to wallow in. There are certain municipal codes and such regarding pigs- as long as they are the mini-pigs it's usually ok.
They are not miniture anything. While they are smaller than market hogs, mine is around 300 pounds -give or take a happy meal. And she is perfectly proportioned. They are refered to as belly draggers- their bellies do drag by design. Not feeding them to keep them small will only kill them. They are not a food product. You can't just get tired of them and host a BBQ. It's not like you can place them on your average bathroom scale. I take mine to a truck weighing station...
Pigs live an average of 12-15 years. They require as much time and attention as a 4 year old child.
Do not feed pigs dog food. Bad, bad, bad. They love it, but the fat content and lack of vital pig nutrition is found in Elder Pig / miniature pig pellets available on line or in ranch feed stores. They only eat about a handfull a day- supplemented with fruit and other yummies. Mine loves rootbeer. Too much of anything is not good for anyone, especially a pig. Too fat and they have back and hip problems.
Do not feed a pig chocolate- it is poison to them. Some pigs have died from only a small amount.
Pigs require a lot more everything than dogs and cats.
Their little legs are only like 8" high. Which is good. They won't be smelling your private parts, but they will snort on your feet. They are very vocal. They are protective. They shed- yes, they have hair and it is like fishing line- very pokey and it gets into everything. Pigs are eternally curious to find out what's under everything and they have the strength to move most anything... we're talking 300 pounds of determined, pig-headed thrust. They are strong. They have terrible eyesight. They don't really jump and don't care much for stairs. Their distribution of weight is awkward on stairs. They don't like linoleum or slick floors. They are hooved creatures and hoof trimming can be an ordeal unless started early.
I rescued my pig, but the pet shop offers them for around $400.00. If they tell you they won't get any bigger than 50 pounds they are lying- or it isn't a true Pot Belly. Mine has papers.
The boars have tusks that need to be removed.
Sows can become quite hostile during their "season" and that is every 28 days. For your own sanity and the health and happiness of your pig, regardless of the sex it needs to be fixed. It is more expensive than a dog. Takes a lot more anesthesia. Not all vets know about pigs.
Before you decide on a pig check out "Pig Sanctuaries". There are literally thousands of abused and neglected piggies out there because someone didn't do their homework.
Pigs imprint very early in life and don't forget a thing. It has taken me 3 years to gain Angelina's trust.
If you have the time, space and patience for a long term responsibility you may be rewarded with the same unconditional love I experience with her. She won't let me dress her up, won't let me paint her hooves, doesn't come when I call... and I love her more than any pet and quite honestly more than most people. When she grins, hums and turns belly up for scratchins- it's all worth it.
This really isn't a decision you should make for another. Not everyone finds them as adorable as me.
By the way, pets as presents at Christmas is never a good idea because of the chaos and confusion. It should be mellow when they are introduced to their new environs. Take a picture of the intended gift to be opened and then picked up after New Years.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Try sites like petfinder.com!
There are plenty of animals in need of home. You could check your local shelter, as well. This really depends on what area you live in. There may be adoption/for sale ads in, oh, say your newspaper?
You can find dietary and training infromation from whomever you adopt it from, or a book/website about the piggies. :)