People think all kind of thoughts when you mention pigs but hardly one of pigs in the house. Teacup potbellied pigs are becoming increasingly popular as domestic pets around the country. Teacup Pigs come in very many colors and are much smaller than the standard farm pig and the regular potbelly pig. They are not really teacup size like one imagines except when they are born when they are around 9 oz. But compared to a full grown regular pig at 600-800 pounds or a full grown regular potbelly pig at 120 – 200 pounds then they are teacup. Fully grown at 2-3 years of age the teacups weigh in around 40 – 65 pounds and 11 – 14″ tall. The pigs require about the same amount of care as a dog and are low maintenance pets, living 15-20 years. Teacup potbellied pigs are popular city pets, and their small size lends itself well to apartment living. They litter box train in a matter of days and as early as 4 weeks old.
The regular potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. They will breed with other types of pigs even farm pigs causing mixed breeds. The teacup pigs were bred first in Devon, England.
Not all veterinarians treat pigs making owning one more troublesome that a cat or dog. All pigs need their tusks trimmed every couple of years, and may need their hooves trimmed annually. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.
Teacup potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. You could be surprised to learn that some think their intelligence rivals that of dogs, However, like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression if not properly exercised and socialized. At times, an adult pig may raise a challenge against the owner in so-called “dominance aggression”, much like any pet will at first and they will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner’s authority. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished. They can be well trained, if properly motivated by food and other rewards and have been used many times in shows doing tricks like playing golf, riding a skateboard , sitting on command and many other tricks.
Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. If you find that your pig is getting too fat you can scatter raw oatmeal where they have to search for it and doesn’t amount to much to eat. This gives them something to eat and exercise at the same time. Of course this is when they are outside. Pigs just really love to eat, just like children they lean toward the high carbohydrate unhealthy type, please restrict your pet’s availab.ility. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered and local feed stores are starting to carry the specialty feed. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.
Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. While in your house they will want your attention. Like children they need toys to play with so they can amuse themselves. This keeps them stimulated and active. Left to their own if pigs get bored they will often become destructive, they are very intelligent. Inadequate attention during playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. Keep pigs in their own area of the house or a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.
Teacup pigs require specialized care of time and resources and should not be taken without a serious commitment. Do your due diligence before getting a pig to make sure that you and a pig are compatible. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for teacup potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.
