Pet Miniature Pigs
Because potbellies are the most common mini pigs, Ill cover their basic care here. If youd like more information on the Guinea Hog or Kune Kune Id recommend checking out the online swine library at Oklahoma State University.
Miniature Pigs
Potbellied Pig
(also called Vietnamese Potbellied Pig, Miniature Pot Belly Pig, or Chinese Potbellied Pig) is the most common type of pet pig available.
Guinea Hogs
At about the same size of a large potbelly, but look a bit thinner, taller and are much hairier. These little pigs are rare, however a few breeders can still be found.
Kune Kune
Also considered a mini pig, but weighs in at around 400 pounds on average and looks more like a farm pig. It is still kept as such by some farmers due to their ability to graze and fatten on grass alone.
Basic Care for pet pigs
A fully matured potbelly will usually only reach 15-16 inches at the shoulder, especially in todays society where smaller is better and selective breeding is used. They can however grow as tall as 26-27 inches at the shoulder, which is still pretty small for a pig. Their average lifespan is around 12-20 years, but for your pet to live that long theyll need a good diet and regular vet care.
Pigs are considered by some to be one of the smartest animals on the planet, coming in just after dogs, whales and dolphins. They can be house trained, or even trained to use a giant sized litter box made out of a child wading pool or anything large enough for the pig to turn around in.
Feeding your pig can be a challenge, because no matter how much you feed your pet, they will always act like hes starving. Its best to use a pre-formulated feed from a company like Mazuri by Purina and Manna Pro. These feeds are designed for pot belly pigs and should be the mainstay of their diet.
For a bed a box with blankets and pillows would be ideal, but a padded dog bed would work as well. Cheap, used blankets from a thrift store are a great investment for piggy beds. Stay away from cedar as it can cause organ damage.
Pigs need toys to be happy, especially if your pet is kept indoors without a pet door to get outside and play. If left indoors all day alone, they will get bored and may amuse themselves by rooting up the floor or chewing on your furniture. Toys are the key! Toys, and lots of love and attention.
If you do allow your pig outdoors, make sure that they have somewhere warm to go during the winter months (no fur, yikes!) and that they have a wading pool to cool off in during the warmer months. Pigs dont have sweat glands, heat can kill them, they have to be able to cool off in a pool or mud, thats why you always see pictures of pigs in mud, they are just trying to cool off! Another piggy must have item is a place in the yard or in their kennel where they can root. Pigs love to root (dig with their snouts), and its a natural behavior. You shouldnt try to discourage your pet form rooting, thats why they have a snout in the first place, just make sure they have a place that they can put it to good use. A childs sandbox filled with earth is perfect, and if you hide treats, like carrots, in the earth it makes it just that much more fun for the pigs.
Warning
Use pine shavings for litter, not commercial kitty litter which clumps and can cause intestinal damage if ingested.
