If anyone on this site owns or breeds pot bellied or mini pigs, please share any useful information. Such as: How do you travel with pigs? What do you feed them? Is it best to get a male or female pig? How much do they cost? Is it better to adopt or buy a pig? etc...
2007-01-09 14:23:13 · 3 answers · asked by John S 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I owned my first pot-belly for almost 14 years, so they do require a long-term commitment. My current piggie, Olivia, is 11 months old now. They eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus commercial pot-bellied pig food, (and the occasional Oreo cookie as a treat!). They need plenty of fresh water. During the summer months, I let her out to graze and nose around in the grass, they really enjoy that. They are prone to sunurn, so need to have adequate shade, and a warm winter shelter. As strange as it sounds, I do bath them once in awhile, too. Just in a kiddie pool with mild soap and a stiff brush. I put children's sunscreen on them during the summer, too. They need to see a vet yearly for shots and may need to have their feet trimmed (I do that myself, when I do my horses). If they have tusks, the vet can trim them, or if you're strong enough, you can. My first pig was a neutered male, and I honestly haven't noticed a difference in temperment between the males and females, but I would assume an intact male would maybe be a bit more aggressive. If you keep them in the house, remember they can tear up your floors and do need attention. Olivia stays in the barn with shelter and goes in and out as she pleases. They are very clean, and can be litter trained. If I have to lock her up, she has a litter box, like a cat. They really don't smell, either. You can adopt them from shelters and rescue groups (that's where Olivia came from), or a private breeder (where I got my first pig). My first pig was $200, he was registered as well. Now that the fad is fading you can get them much cheaper, or even free. Olivia was $25. They travel like a dog, I just put them in a dog crate, they can be heavy...my first pig weighed 100 pounds, but Olivia is only about 40.They are very loyal, smart, and learn tricks easily. Just remember, it is like having a dog, but they don't bark!
2007-01-09 16:00:45 · answer #1 · answered by But Inside I'm Screaming 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Female pig- definately. I don't even know of males for sale. They have musk glands as well and can get quite stinky. They eat a pelleted food pig diet supplimented with fruits and veggies. Travel-my friend walks hers around on a harness/leash- acts just like a dog- it even grunts at the door when it has to go the the bathroom!
Cost- varies on your state. I have seen them for $30-60ish, but they are pretty common here.
Adopt or buy? I would definately go with a younger one-easier to train and usually less bad habits.
2007-01-10 00:02:26 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont know but you should name it doodle
2007-01-09 22:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by master apple 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋