Possible Pig Owner - Info Please?

[TheQueen]

Hello everyone. I had always wanted a potbellied pig, but never thought I would get one; not for a while anyways. However, the other day, I was in the local family owned pet shop to buy crickets for my bearded dragon, and the man had three baby potbellies. I have never seen one in real life, and I fell in love immediately. They are $230, all three are female, and they already have their shots. However, the one thing I was a bit skeptic about was that he said they were "miniature potbellied pigs", and they only get 20-25lbs. After doing some research, I haven't found anything that says a pig can be this small and be healthy. So either there's something wrong with the piglets, or they're just lying to me. What do you all think? If they're just regular potbellies, that's fine, but do you think there may be health issues? The next time I go back I'll ask for breeder info and stuff.

Anyways, if I do get one, I need a bit of info. I have been researching, but I thought I'd get some individual opinions. I have a yellow lab, but he's 10yrs old, and nothing really bothers him, so I don't think he'd be much of a problem. I also have two cats (one of which scares the dog quite often), the bearded dragon, and two guinea pigs. So I know if I work on, a pig could fit right in, could it not? I would probably use Mazuri feed, as I already order their cavy food for my guinea pigs. And I also have a steady supply of fruits and veggies for the cavies, so treats will be here already! My vet is also an exotic specialist, so I don't have to worry about that.

I understand that pigs are easily trained, and need a dominant owner. I think that if I get one, they would go outside, since the yard is already filled with dog poo! The pig can root in the backyard, too. One question - can they have electrical fence collars, like a dog? Or is that a bad idea? We have an electric fence for our dog, so I thought maybe a pig could have one too? If the electricity is the right amount? If not it's okay, just wondering.

Any other info would be awesome! I need all the help I can get! Thanks everyone!

[HJKaga]

If you find a good breeder you can usually get potbellied pigs for under $100. Their is no such thing as a miniature potbellied pig....just under fed pigs and selective breeding. They only breed the smallest pigs and then under feed them to make them smaller. This of course is a terrible practice. If you get one of these pigs just make sure you feed it right and it should be just fine. You may even find on at a local shelter, I know one of our local shelters has a baby.

Never use a shock collar on a pig. They are touch/jumpy to start with, this would would do nothing but cause problems with the pig. You would have to put up a good fence or buy a large kennel that you could put her in when she is outside and not on a leash (harness style).

They are VERY smart. You have to be careful or you will accidently teach them things you don't want them to do. Like don't give a pig food or something everytime it starts making noise or it will see this as a way to get treats and will be more noisy. As a baby you can litter train the pig if you want and they work it to going outside as it gets bigger. They litter train in about 1-2 days. You can teach it to go outside to the bathroom as a baby too if you don't want to mess with the litterbox. Just make sure you let it out often enough. You could use a bell or something it could ring when it has to go out or something.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. They are great pets for the right owner. Oh yea, I think it would fit in fine with the animals you have.

[TheQueen]

Okay, thanks! I went back today to buy some more crickets and they have four now. Gosh they are so stinking cute. It was packed, and there was only one worker, so I didn't get to ask any questions, but I think I may go back in the next few days when it isn't so busy to talk to the guy about them. So obviously they were either misinformed about the weight, or they are malnourished pigs. If the latter is the case, and I still buy one, if I feed it correctly will it grow alright and be healthy or will it have lifelong problems and perhaps a shorter lifespan? Next time I go I'm going to ask for breeder info and see how knowledgable the man is; that should determine whether or not I get one from there. I've been looking online for adoptables, but haven't come across many near me. I live in upstate New York.

Okay, I won't use the shock collar! I just wondered if it would be a possibility. Letting them out in the yard will be fine too. I like the bell idea very much. Is there a required amount of land one should have to let the pig run in? I have a nice sized yard, but it isn't huge. I'd also take her for walks and such, to get her more used to people and the neighborhood and such. Any other tips would be great! Thanks!

Edit: One more thing. So there's really no such thing has a mini pot bellied pig? Will they all range from around 60-150lbs? The smaller the better, though I know they are denser than, say, dogs, so the weight isn't necessarily the size. One more thing: does this breeder look reputable? http://www.potbelly-pigs.net/ Thanks!

[HJKaga]

if the mother isnt fed right when pregnant and producing milk it can affect the babies health all through their life, which can in turn cause a short lifespan. I would suggest getting one from a good breeder. If a breeder is selling them at petstores then they arent very worried about their pigs and who gets them. A good breeder will want to know where the pig is going and that it will have a good home.

check out these sites

www.petpigs.com
www.pigs4ever.com
www.pigpalssanctuary.com

[Lexx]

Sorry if you already have checked, but I would check your local bylaws before you bring one home.