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are they good pets, can they be trained?

2007-04-10 08:53:55 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets Other - Pets

7 answers

Potbellied pigs make great pets but they're certainly not for everyone. They require special care, are extremely intelligent, need shelter, a place to cool off during the warm summer months, special diets, a place to graze and get exercise. Many potbellied pigs share people's homes all over the country.

A fully grown potbellied pig can range in size from 90 pounds to 275 pounds and any breeder that says otherwise, is not telling the truth. There are many good sanctuaries and rescues that are overflowing with potbellied pigs who are in need of good homes and loving care.

It's always good to learn everything that you can about these animals before getting one and finding out that you've made a mistake because when that happens, it's always the animal that ends up paying the price.

There are many things that need to be considered such as: zoning, a capable veterinarian who will work on potbellied pigs and knows what he's doing, a special diet, good housing, other animals that you have who might harm or even kill your pet pig, and having home that is child-proof.

Potbellies are curious, get bored easily, and tend to explore and get into things. Many are known to get into refrigerators, cabinets and other things and without the proper environment, they can be destructive.

Yes, you can train a potbellied pig to do many things! They are actually smarter than dogs. But again, it takes time, patience and the right type of person to deal with these creatures.

Before getting one, I highly recommend doing your research and asking a lot of questions. There are many great sites about potbellied pigs and also some great potbellied pig lists here on Yahoo. People are always willing to help and answer questions!

2007-04-10 10:28:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Pigs make great pets. They are smart and have great personalities....


BUT!!!! They are not like having a dog. There are a lot of considerations you must take into account before you decide to own a pig.

First off, pigs are not meant to live in houses. I know many people bring their pigs inside but this is not good for the pigs feet (and not good for your house). So you need to be sure that you have proper housing for such an animal. I would suggest a pen with a strong fence and a structure to provide warmth at night.

Second, it is difficult to find proper vet care for pigs. Be sure that you find a local vet that is willing to care for a pig. Pigs need routine vet care for hoof trims, vaccines and tusk trims. They should also be spayed or neutered.

That being said, they are really fun animals and they are great for training. Best of luck.

2007-04-10 10:19:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I have a pot-bellied pig. He is 2 years old, grey, weighs about 120 lbs, about a foot and a half high and just over two feet long.
His name is Bacon and he is a neutered male. He was neutered at 3 months old so he wouldn't become agressive or grow tusks.
Smart, smart, smart, but also stubborn. He sits, lays-down, turns around, will bough down and shakes a hoof. He will do practically anything for food.Bacon is house broken and has never made a mess in the house however he has made messes. He has been known to pull things down that are within his reach. He is built like a tank and if he wants something out of reach, say on a chair, he will try to push over the chair. He can open the fridge door - he gets his snout in there and just pries the door open.
He loves to go for walks (short ones) and he roots in the grass and garden. Because he has very short legs, he can not climb any form of stairs. He does not climb up steep slopes either. He is very vocal at times especially when he wants attention. He snorts, grunts, makes a sound similar to a dog barking and I have even heard him making sounds that remind me of a chicken. The odd time he squeals so loudly you think someone is killing him and when you go to him he is just standing there looking at you.
When he wants to have a tummy rub, be scratched rubbed or brushed he comes over to you and stands there grunting. If you ignore him he pushes his nose against you over and over until you give him his attention.
Bacon is a very clean animal, as are all pigs. He likes clean bedding, and avoids mud and puddles.He wants and likes company - always wants to be where I am and loves set routines. When the routine changes he gets a bit upset. He is fed every morning at 7:30 and at 7:25 he makes his way to his feed area and waits. If he is not fed within the 5 minutes you HEAR about it.
He is quite aloof with strangers and it takes him a while to go up to someone new. He is awesome. Here are some photos if you want to take a look at him. You need to scroll down under the cribbing strap.

http://www.mysciencesite.com/horses.html...

2007-04-10 10:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by Critters 7 · 0 0

I think they would make a good pet, but, I have never had one. I would say, any animal can be taught something, depends on how much and in-depth the teaching. There is a lot of information on the Internet and people to buy them from. I have seen them cheaper in the local Classifieds.

2007-04-10 08:59:03 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 1 0

I LOVE PIGS!!!!!!
Yes, they can be great indoor or outdoor pets with proper training.
Visit http://www.potbellypigpets.com/potbelliedaspet.html

2007-04-10 11:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by dramapiggie 4 · 0 0

i love pigs!!!! yes, theyre very clean and actually very smart animals.

2007-04-10 09:01:50 · answer #6 · answered by MSU 3 · 0 0

No.

2007-04-10 09:00:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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