QA

How To Raise A Pot Belly Pig

What do you need to raise a potbelly pig?

Your pig does not have to be kept indoors all the time. While outside you should provide your pig with a pen that has a shade from the sun, and protection from rain, wind and snow. Pigs like to lie on a bed in a dog house, relax in a shallow pool of water and dig in the dirt.

Are pot belly pigs easy to take care of?

Many owners of potbelly pigs will claim they are more difficult to care for than their dogs and cats combined. Although they are not easy to care for, potbellied pigs provide a loving pet that you will learn to enjoy sharing your home with. Keeping a potbelly pig healthy and entertained is important.

How much room does a potbelly pig need?

How much space does a pot-bellied pig need? Recommendations for housing space vary for mini-pigs depending on their size, but for pot-bellied pigs, one recommendation suggests at least 12 square meters (about 130 square feet) for two pigs, or about 0.5 square feet per kilogram of body weight per pig.

Can a pot belly pig live inside?

Unlike production pigs, which can weigh up to 900 pound, most mature potbellied pigs weigh between 100 and 250 pounds. They’re typically less than 20 inches tall. Pot-bellied pigs can live full-time in a safe outdoor enclosure or inside the home — Those who live indoors need plenty of time outdoors.

Do potbelly pigs need shots?

Veterinary care is essential. Pigs should receive yearly vaccinations, yearly hoof trimmings, and a yearly physical. Spaying / neutering at the proper age is essential to ensure a sweet-natured pet.

How much does it cost to have a pet pig?

If you want to purchase a “teacup” pig, be prepared to drop a whopping $750 to $3,500 on your new pet. After buying, the cost of keeping a pig as a pet only climbs from there.

Where do you keep a pot belly pig?

If kept outside, potbellied pigs need suitable shelter. A large pen equipped with a structure—such as a large dog house—to provide a sleeping, feeding, and watering area makes a suitable outdoor home. You should allow at least 50 square feet per pig.

What is the lifespan of a pot belly pig?

A pig will live an average of 12-18 years, estimates range to more than 20 years. Considered grown by 6 years of age, and usually weigh 125 pounds or more. In non-breeding adults, feed about 1/2 cup of maintenance food per 25 pounds of the pig’s weight, split into 2 meals per day.

Can pot belly pigs live outside in winter?

Winter’s cold air brings lots of concerns for responsible potbellied pig owners. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature reading. A potbellied pig is not protected by fur, whether your pet lives exclusively outdoors or spends little time outside, adequate shelter is a necessity.

What do you put in a pig pen?

Food, water, shelter, space, and a way to keep cool. These are the essentials for all pigs, regardless of size, breed, or purpose. Basic guidelines can set you on the road to building the ideal pen for your pets or livestock, though research on specific breed requirements is always recommended.

How much water should a potbelly pig drink?

It’s estimated that pigs need somewhere between 2-8 liters of water a day. Pigs consume most of their water by drinking. As we all know, pigs form a social hierarchy, or rank order, that can also affect accessibility of key resources, like the feed or water bowl, within their pen.

How big should a pig pen be?

Inside a barn or shed, plan for at least 50 square feet per pig. Ideally, your pig pen would be twice as long as it is wide. An 8- by 16-foot pen would be enough so two feeder pigs could stretch their legs. Pigs kept indoors should be protected from drafts but must also have good ventilation.

What temp is too cold for potbelly pigs?

Pigs in winter do not need any type of supplemental heat down to at least 20 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit, which is how cold it has been here. We’ve actually looked into their three-sided shelter and seen steam rising off their bodies on cold days.

What can potbelly pigs not eat?

What a domestic pig should not eat. Potbellied pigs are not being fattened up for slaughter, so they can’t be fed anything and everything, as farm hogs typically are. Certain foods and plants are toxic to pigs, including chocolate, alcohol, avocados, ivy and a large variety of other plants.

Can potbelly pigs have raisins?

Fresh Foods for Pot Bellied Pigs Some fruits can be feed as well but only in moderation due to the high natural sugar content. Most pigs love treats like apples, grapes, and raisins, but these are good to reserve as treats to be used in training (as they are very motivating).

How many times a day should I feed my potbelly pig?

Part of good pot belly pig care is proper diet. Feed your pig at least twice a day. A general guide is piglets should be fed on a free-choice basis (as many times as they want) or about 2 cups of pig chow from 6-8 weeks old (or as soon as pigs will nibble on it) until 1 year old.