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Pot-Bellied Pigs Pot-bellied pigs have been present in the US since 1986 and were very popular as household pets in the late 1980's and throughout the 1990's. Since then, their popularity has waned and many unwanted pigs have been placed in rescue homes. The true pot-belllied pig originates from the Orien and Europe, of which there are over 200 varieties. Most pigs have an excellent disposition, enjoy attention and make excellent pets. Although smart and clean, they are prone to uprooting a backyard! Mini pigs live up to 15-20 years of age and become mature within a few months of age (4 to 7 months old). Pigs do not smell and they can be house-trained. The true mini pig should weight between 35 and 70 lbs and measure 14 to 18 inches tall. However, most "pot-bellied" pigs are overweight or not pure mini pigs. Mini pigs are very smart and easily capable of being potty-trained. If you are purchasing a baby mini-pig, litter training can begin immediately. Also, most pigs are not used to having their feet off the ground, which is frightening to them. If you choose to hold your baby pig, be aware that he/she will initially be frightened and squeal until they are used to it. In addition, your pig can be leash trained using a halter and leash. Health Issues Grooming: pigs enjoy water and a hard plastic children's wading pool makes a good watering hole if you have a backyard. Although their skin is dark and thick, it is tender and prone to sunburn. Hoof trimming is recommended on a yearly basis as hooves can get very long and make it difficult for the pig to walk well. Usually this requires another person or, more often than not, sedation administered by your veterinarian. We use a combination of hoof nippers and a dremel to shorten and round out the toes. Although pigs do not place any weight on their dewclaws, these require trimming as well as they can easily overgrow. Breeding: gilts (young female pigs) may be bred to farrow at 12-14 months of age, as long as the gilt is not too small. The smaller the gilt, the harder it will be for her to farrow. The heat period lasts 1 to 4 days, with older females staying in heat longer than younger gilts. Ovulation usually occurs onthe second day of heat. If not bred, the gilt will cycle again in 18 to 21 days. The gestation period is around 115 days. Feeding: the vast majority of pigs are obese! Close attention to their diet will prevent this and keep them healthier in the long run. The rations used will vary according to the pig's stage of life. The following feeds are generic recommendations. Your veterinarian can work with you to get your pig on a proper plane of nutrition. - nursing piglets can be fed a free choice early wean or starter diet (22% protein, 5% fat, 3% fiber)
- 4-12 weeks: gradually switch to a grower diet by 6 weeks of age (16% protein, 3% fat, 5.5% fiber) then to a maintenance diet thereafter (16% protein, 2% fat, 14% fiber)
- 3 months and on: limit feedings to twice a day and up to 1 lb per day depending on the size of the piglet, using a maintenance diet
- pregnant females: increase the amount of feed 50% during the last month of pregnancy
- lactating females: increase the feed by 1/4 lb for each 2 piglets nursing per day
- water: free choice and present at all times
Vaccinations: most mini pigs that live in the city or in the suburbs and are not reproducing may not require any vaccinations. For breeding farms, we recommend the following vaccinations: - leptospirosis
- erysipelas
- parvovirus
Surgery Routine castration and spaying can be performed if needed. If castrating at 2 months of age and older, the male piglet will be anesthetized as the surgery is painful and the testicular cords require suturing to prevent blood loss. Spaying is not as frequently performed. More information of pot-bellied pigs can be obtained at the following:
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