Should You Keep a Potbellied Pig as a Pet?

Potbellied pigs are often classified as livestock rather than pets, yet they can be charming, intelligent, and affectionate companions. With proper care and training, potbellied pigs can become much-loved family members.

However, many people are unaware of the demands of keeping pigs as pets and become overwhelmed by their needs. Potbellied pigs are highly intelligent and curious, making it challenging to keep them entertained. Also, managing a healthy diet for a pig can be difficult due to their insatiable appetite. Owners should anticipate spending a significant amount of time each day socializing with and exercising their pig through play and outdoor activities.

Can You Own a Potbellied Pig?

Legality 

Potbellied pigs are legal in many areas, with some regions classifying them as livestock, requiring specific enclosures and permits. Other areas permit pigs of a certain size to be kept as pets, provided they are leashed or in an enclosed space when outdoors. Local laws and regulations are crucial, as state laws typically classify pigs as livestock.

Ethics

Ethically owning an animal often depends on your ability to meet its needs for a healthy life. Potbellied pigs require ample land, care, companionship, and mental stimulation. As such, providing these essentials makes it ethical to own a potbellied pig.

Things to Consider

Potbellied pigs vary greatly in size, which can be surprising when a seemingly small piglet grows into a 200-pound adult. Research thoroughly, understand the commitment, and consider whether you can accommodate a pet of this size.

Potbellied Pig Behavior and Temperament

People often compare having a pig to having a dog due to shared characteristics such as social and playful nature. However, pigs exhibit unique behaviors. They are intelligent and trainable, capable of being house-trained, leashed, and taught tricks. Despite this, pigs can be headstrong and sensitive. Owners need to gain their cooperation through positive reinforcement, particularly with treats.

Due to their high intelligence, pigs can become bored and potentially destructive without sufficient activities and social interaction. Naturally inclined to root (use their snouts to forage) for food, pigs may knock over objects or damage your yard. Providing food in treat puzzles or allowing rooting in designated areas can help satisfy their foraging instinct.

Similar to dogs, pigs can develop strong bonds with humans and coexist peacefully with other animals, especially if raised together from a young age. Due to their social nature, keeping multiple pigs is often preferable to owning just one.

Pet pigs enjoy being scratched and massaged by their owners, and many will gladly sit next to you for cuddling. They are generally friendly, but can become aggressive if they feel threatened, frightened, or territorial. Spaying or neutering can help manage hormonal aggression. Additionally, pigs can produce loud vocalizations when emotional, so they are not suitable for those seeking a quiet pet.

Pigs need to learn to respect their owners through established rules and boundaries, which is crucial for their overall care. Consistently praise positive behaviors while aiming to redirect or firmly discourage negative ones. Patience and repetition are essential in cultivating a well-mannered potbellied pig with a strong family bond.

Housing

Pigs are intelligent and curious, necessitating pig-proofing areas they can access, similar to baby-proofing for toddlers. Ensure electrical sockets are covered, stairs are inaccessible, and tripping hazards like cords and rugs are removed. While they can be destructive without toys, pigs are generally clean. You can potty train your pig to use a litter box or go outside using praise or healthy treats as incentives.

Provide your pig with its own space, like a large crate or tent, to help it feel calm. It’s advisable to offer an indoor rooting box, filled with rocks and natural materials, where your pig can use its snout to find bits of food. Regular outdoor playtime and walks are essential for your pig’s exercise needs, helping prevent constipation.

Specific Substrate Needs

On a farm, you’ll often see pigs in pens covered with hay. While not essential, hay is a suitable bedding material for outdoor pigs. Alternatively, use pine shavings, wood chips, or fallen leaves if hay is unavailable.

What Do Potbellied Pigs Eat and Drink?

Pigs are known for being relentless in their search for food, even learning to open fridges, cupboards, and pantries. They may become demanding, begging or even displaying aggression towards people with food.

Your pig’s diet should consist of pig pellets that are low in protein and fat, but high in fiber. Follow packaging instructions and consult a veterinarian on appropriate feeding amounts. Fresh, non-starchy vegetables should constitute 25% of the pig’s daily diet. Alfalfa hay or bran and a multivitamin are also recommended by many veterinarians.

Many owners opt to feed pigs twice daily, morning and evening, in a bowl, while scattering part of the daily diet in a designated rooting area for mental stimulation. Rooting in dirt also provides minerals like iron and selenium. Ensure a large bowl of fresh water is available at all times.

Common Health Problems

Pigs, due to their hearty appetites, are prone to overfeeding, often leading to obesity and related diseases such as arthritis. A fat rollover over your pig's eyes indicates overweight status. Consult with your veterinarian, avoid fatty or salty foods, and restrict table scraps. Ensure everyone in the household adheres to these guidelines to prevent extra snacking.

A cessation in eating may indicate health issues, such as infection or a gastrointestinal blockage. Consult a veterinarian promptly if this occurs.

Overheated pigs may display depression, inactivity, open-mouth breathing, or panting, starting with a fever that lowers below normal. Provide shade and a cool spot if observed. Light-skinned pigs are vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer; apply sunscreen during outdoor exposure.

Mange, a skin condition caused by mites, is a common ailment in potbellied pigs, resulting in dry, scaly, and itchy skin. If detected, consult a veterinarian. Annual wellness checks with a pig-specific veterinarian and regular hoof trims are essential to prevent foot and leg issues.

Exercise 

Mental and physical stimulation are closely linked for potbellied pigs. They primarily exercise by roaming and rooting for food, so ample space is essential. Engage your pig daily through food searching, puzzles, or outdoor exploration. Training your pig to walk on a leash is useful for exercise and naturally wearing down hooves.

Grooming 

Despite their messy reputation, pigs are relatively clean animals. Regular brushing tames their bristly hair and reduces flaky skin. Bathe them approximately once a week using baby shampoo or pig-specific shampoo, either in your tub or an outdoor bath. Regularly clean their ears and the skin around their eyes, starting when they're young to foster trust and relaxation during grooming.

Potbellied Pig Size

Understanding the size a pet pig will grow is crucial before acquisition. While potbellied pigs are classified by size, there is debate over their naming, weights, and heights. Below are the most common sizes:

• Potbellied pigs, Vietnamese potbellied pigs, Kunekune pigs, and Chinese potbellied pigs generally grow anywhere from 125 pounds to over 200 pounds and 16 to 26 inches tall.
• Miniature potbellied pigs reach up to 100 pounds and 15 to 16 inches tall.
• Teacup potbellied pigs are usually 35 to 45 pounds and 14.5 inches tall.
• Toy potbellied pigs reach around 35 to 40 pounds and 14 inches tall.
• Royal Dandies grow to around 29 to 39 pounds and 15 inches tall.
• Micro Mini Pigs grow to roughly 18 to 30 pounds and 10 to 12.5 inches tall.
• Dandie Extremes reach around 12 to 29 pounds and 12 inches tall.
• Mini Julianas reach roughly 15 to 28 pounds and 8 to 12.5 inches tall.

It is possible to be misled by unscrupulous breeders who breed pigs before they are fully mature and claim the offspring will be the parents' size at maturity.

Pros & Cons of Keeping a Potbellied Pig as a Pet

Potbellied pigs are intelligent and loving, making them great pets if their specific needs and environment requirements are met. Their playful nature is a long-term enrichment, but it’s vital to assess your ability to dedicate the time, energy, money, and space they require.

Purchasing Your Potbellied Pig

Always acquire a pig from a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Many pigs in rescues come from owners unaware of their care needs, and rescues can help match you with a suitable pig. Avoid online purchases or transactions where you cannot visit the animal pre-commitment. Speak with people who have experience from the breeder or rescue for insights.

The seller should offer comprehensive information on the pig's history, health, and temperament. Seek a pig that appears friendly, bright, and alert. Lethargy or refusal to accept food are red flags. Expect breeder prices to average around $500, with rescue prices typically lower.

Similar Pets to the Potbellied Pig

Consider the following if you are interested in pets with similar care needs to potbellied pigs:

• Goats
• Chickens
• Capybaras

Otherwise, check out other exotic animals to find your next pet.