Exotic Birds Blog

Although for many people the word pig conjures up images of a farm yard with huge pigs rolling in mud, or eating at a pig trough, for some it is a well mannered pig sitting in the living room with you as you watch television. Teacup potbellied pigs are becoming increasingly popular as domestic pets around the country. They are much smaller than the standard farm pig and the regular potbelly pig, and they are commonly seen with many colors, such as mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, silver coloringand even chocolate. 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 pigs are becoming popular city pets because of their small size. Pigs litter box train very quickly.

The regular potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. Given the chance, they can interbreed with common farm pigs and wild boars, as they are all part of the pig family. The teacup pigs were bred first in Devon, England.

Teacup potbellied pigs are considered exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. 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. Like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression and must be exercised to keep them from getting to fat and antisocial. 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. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet’s access to the food it craves. 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 best kept in pairs or groups if they are kept outside as they are social animals. Pigs want a lot of attention. Give them toys to play with just like children have. This keeps them stimulated and active. Left to their own if pigs get bored they will often become destructive, they are very intelligent. Lack of attention can lead to pigs tearing up your house. Pigs need to be kept in their own confined area of the house, preferably an entire room, if not a confined outdoor area. Clean and odor-free they can stay just about anywhere in the house.

Like any pet, a teacup potbellied pig is a serious commitment, and requires some specialized care that demands time and resources. 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.