The normal pet owner would really find the potbelly pig appealing because of its high intelligence, affectionate nature and lively personality. They may grow heavy, 60 to 150 lbs, and big, 4 to 18 inches, be destructive due to their rooting instincts yet people would still love and care for them. Here are a few tips from pet owners on how to care for potbelly pig pets.
Your potbelly pigs can stay either indoor or outdoors, it really depends on the owner. Just take note, do not be carried by the stereotypes of pigs, they are really clean animals; in fact they prefer to pee and poop outside of the house. If your potbelly pig pet’s tail stops wagging and becomes horizontal that is a sign that it wants to relieve itself.
Potbelly pig pets should be fed at least twice a day with commercially prepared pot-bellied pig food that has been prepared to meet its nutritional needs. You can ask for the quantity of food you can feed your potbelly pig pet with your veterinarian because he still has to factor in the age and weight. You should not overfeed your pig by monitoring its weight closely.
Due to the high intelligence of your potbelly pig pet, it can live indoors since they are highly trainable to use a litter box. The box should be placed away from its food and bedding area. Make sure that your line the litter box with items your potbelly pig pet cannot chew. Line your large cement-mixing tub with newspaper and pine chips; these are available in local hardware stores.
The indoor potbelly pig pet should be taken out daily so it can root and play. If you don’t have ample space for rooting, you can use a children’s swimming pool by filling it with sand, dirt and toys.
Make sure that your pig has ample supply of straws and blankets for it’s bedding if you plan to let it live outdoors. They are very sensitive to both weather temperatures so make sure that they are shaded during the hot months and covered with blanket during the cooler periods. They like to cool down when it’s hot so apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns and provide them a place where they can swim.
Their tusks and hooves should be trimmed while they have their vaccination for the year. Have the vet take out the sharp teeth to prevent unintentional accidents.
Your potbelly pet pig can have a lifespan of 30 years so better make sure you are ready to have a full commitment to having a relationship with it before obtaining one.