Care and health insurance for your pet's belly pig and things to know before adopting a piglet

Care and health insurance for your pet pot-bellied Pig

Pet Pot-Bellied Pig Care and Health Insurance

Pigs have recently begun making their way into an increasing number of homes as family pets. The pig's strong intelligence and active personality thrill many pet owners. Or they go into a clean barn and see a whole litter of fresh piglets resting in a big heap on a straw bed. They buy a young pot-bellied pig and bring it home the next thing they know.

The first mistake

People sometimes make the mistake of believing that a pot-bellied pig would make a nice companion for their family, not realizing that the attractiveness fades...quickly. The next thing they know, they're holding a charming little piglet and staring at a short-legged growing piglet with an oddly formed cranium, drooping jowls, and stiff hair.

The next mistake

When pet owners buy a potbellied pig, they think it will remain miniature-sized. While the pot-bellied pig is far smaller than its barnyard siblings, pet owners should be aware that pigs used for bacon and Easter hams are often murdered at weights exceeding 350 pounds. Full-grown sows can weigh up at well over 500 pounds.

What you should know before getting a tiny pig

Mini pigs have become more fashionable in recent years. But, do little pigs exist? "Mini pigs" refers to any smaller breed of pig and is sometimes interchanged with phrases such as "micro pigs," "pocket pigs," and "teacup pigs." They are not a unique breed, but rather a mixture of animals that have been intentionally developed to be smaller in size.

Here are a few things to think about before getting a pet mini pig:

What happens to stray pigs?

In the end, the pigs, like so many other novelty pets before them, pay the price for their popularity. Caregivers who are well-intentioned but uninformed feel overwhelmed, and many pet pigs are surrendered to shelters, rescues, and hobby farms as a result. Pet pigs, on the other hand, might be difficult to re-home since these organizations sometimes have little or no capacity to accept unwanted pigs. A vet may be forced to euthanize you.

Is this legal?

Many localities make it illegal to keep farm animals within city borders. Many individuals purchase a small pig just to discover that it is not permitted in their city. These people must then decide whether to relocate or find a new home for their pig.

"Pigs are difficult to position," explains Salumets. "People quickly realize that hobby farms and rescue organizations have little or no ability to take on more pigs." One of the biggest reasons why pet pigs find up looking for a new home is due to zoning limitations.

What is the price of a tiny pig?

Adopting a pet costs between $250 and $500 (breeders may charge up to $3000).

If necessary, licensing

Veterinary expenses, such as:

Vaccinations

Treatments on-site

Treatments for injuries, diseases, and physical examinations

If necessary, tusk or foot trimming

Spay/neuter

Food expenses, including supplements, if necessary

The costs of housing, fencing, and bedding

Care costs when you are on vacation

Costs of replacing assets if your pig destroys them

Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Other fees that are not stated here may also be incurred.

How large can tiny pigs grow?

Another typical cause for surrendering pet pigs is that they got larger than intended. "Words like micro and 'teacup' are deceptive," explains Salumets. Many pet pigs are young, even newborns, and have not yet reached their full size and weight, which can be enormous. "Not many houses can support a pet that large," Salumets adds.

If the breeder shows you images, make careful to inquire how old the parents are, or better yet, ask to meet the parent pigs. "Sometimes breeders show people how little the parent pigs are when the parent pigs themselves aren't fully matured," Salumets explains. Pigs reach complete maturity between the ages of three and six.

How does one go about training a pig?

Pigs, like any other animal, may be taught things like house training and positive reinforcement. Pigs respond well to food rewards! However, unlike puppy programs for dogs, pig training sessions are limited in number. This implies you must be capable of teaching your pig on your own. "Pigs are highly clever animals, and in order to properly house train them, owners must have expertise with pigs as well as a strong grasp of pig behavior, learning theory, and human training methods," explains Salumets. It's also worth noting that pig 'accidents' on the floor are significantly bigger, dirtier, and smellier than canine messes.

Pigs require what kind of housing?

"Pigs are highly curious animals who appreciate being able to investigate, probe about with their snouts, and move stuff." Some dog toys are not suitable for pigs because they are easily destroyed and consumed, posing a risk to their health. 

Other artifacts in your home may also pique their interest," adds Salumets. Anything that can be handled but is not readily destructible, is safe if ingested, and provides a challenge or results in a reward (e.g. food treat) when the pig plays with it is a suitable pig toy.

Do pet pigs stink?

While pigs are clean animals with little body odor, it is vital to note that pig dung is highly stinky. The majority of individuals claim it stinks worse than a horse or cow excrement. In other words, expect some complaints from your neighbors. Pigs may also be extremely noisy, which will not make you popular if you live near your neighbors.

What is the best way to transport a pig?

Do you know how to catch a pig and transport it in a human manner? Pigs, like humans, are prone to motion sickness and may vomit in a moving vehicle. Do you have a vehicle large enough to carry your pig securely, having in mind that it may become soiled during the journey?

Are pigs good with other pets?

Pigs, like any other pet, may or may not get along with other animals in the home. Pigs and cats coexist nicely most of the time. Canines and pigs, on the other hand, are an unexpected pair, owing to the fact that dogs are a huge predator species and pigs are naturally prey. This might result in unwanted bullying of your pet pig.

Should you spay or neuter your pet pig?

Mature, intact boars (male pigs) can grow to be exceedingly huge and violent. Male pigs should thus be neutered (castrated) as soon as possible when they are young. Only a skilled veterinarian should do the surgery using pain medication. Female pigs are not commonly spayed, therefore you may have difficulty finding a veterinarian willing to conduct the treatment.

Nutrition for pigs

Pigs are omnivores, which means they require a variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and carbs. "Mini pig" feed may be obtained at feed stores, although it is not always simple to locate, and the feed required by pet pigs differs from that required by farm pigs. Pigs thrive on a diverse diet of vegetables and fruits. They can consume certain human food scraps and leftovers if they are not rotten or poisonous to pigs. Some foods, like people, can cause digestive troubles in pigs, and some are more sensitive than others.

Do you have access to appropriate veterinarian care in your area?

How long does a mini pig live? Pigs live up to 15 years. You will need to schedule vet appointments throughout that period, just like you would for any other pet. Pigs require immunizations and are susceptible to ailments that humans suffer from, such as the flu. Pigs are unlikely to be accepted at a pet clinic. You'll need to find a pig-friendly veterinarian. Tusk trimming may also be necessary.

Health Care for Pot-Bellied Pig

When you buy a newborn potbellied pig, you need to start thinking about its health care. Pot-bellied pigs must be spayed or neutered, have their feet trimmed on a regular basis, have their lengthy tusks trimmed, and have yearly immunizations. Purchasing a pet health plan for your new pet may help reduce the cost of veterinarian treatment. If you decide to get a health insurance policy for your pot-bellied pig, make sure it will be valid at the end of your pet's life, which may be twenty years from now. If you can't locate a pet health insurance provider that covers potbellied pigs, consider negotiating a deal with an insurance firm that covers farmers' precious animals.

insurance against liability

In addition to health insurance, owners of pot-bellied pigs should probably consider purchasing liability insurance in case their pig accidentally injures someone. Pot-bellied pigs are generally quiet and friendly, but every now and again, one will become annoyed with humans. Pot-bellied pigs are as strong as their bigger barnyard siblings, and can practically hurl a full-grown man to the side with a shove of their nose.