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Potbellied Pig Behavior & Care

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Potbellied Pig Behavior & Care

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MAPPAR is a domestic and farm animal sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitative care, protection and placement of abused, abandoned, neglected or displaced animals, and equally dedicated to advocating a compassionate lifestyle through humane education efforts. Founded in 1996, MAPPAR is a 10 acre Sanctuary located in Pardeeville, WI. MAPAR is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Sanctuary tours are offered based on volunteer availability. Please call ahead to make a reservation at 608.239.5349 or email at info@mappar.org

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Bree Sharp-Everything Feels Wrong 2

animals pigs pets dogs cats kittens puppies animal rights farm sanctuary animal shelter donations volunteers charity mappar pardeeville wisconsin vegan vegetarian potbellied pigs potbelly pig rescue rescues midwest animal potbellied pig association and rescue midwest area pet pig animal rescue 6082395349

Cute baby potbellied pig

Potbellied Pig Behavior and Care

A potbellied pig is a cute little pig smarter than most people and is a commitment for 15 -20 years. Having a pig in the house is a lot like having a 3 year old child that is usually behaved, but never gets older.

For the most part they are well behaved and very clean and learn very quickly. Their hair is bristle like a paint brush. Sometimes like people and children they will try to manipulate you or display bad beviors. That's why its some important to train them smart the first time. You don't want to train your pig companions to be spoiled brats and then decide you don't want to deal with retraining and then dumping them off to some other unsuspecting family. Basically they learn both from you - how to be good and how to be bad.

Pigs grow to 75-100-some even 125 or more. The healthy grown weight of a potbellied pig is dependant on their bone structure and their parents genes. Your 20 pound bundle of joy could become a 100 pound devils spawn if you don't train them right.

They are very fast learners. The house must be "pig proofed" and you will learn that heavy furniture is the best in a home with pet pigs. Also, you and your guests will learn quickly NOT to leave anything like bags, anything, on the floor where a pig could get into especially food and drug drugs.

Small children and dogs should always be supervised with the pigs. Pigs are prey animals and even if a dog is raised with the pig, its natural instincts of both dog and pig could send each into instinct mode and your pet pig could be killed. Please use common sense. Pigs and Dogs and Children should be supervised when together. Do not leave alone. Its like leaving 3 years olds home alone. Young children must be made to understand that a pig is not a stuffed toy, but truly an animal to be respected. Like kids, pigs think everything goes into their mouths.

Some pigs use a doggy door to go outside to the fenced yard. You should have a fenced yard. My pigs ring a door bell to go out, and they have actually trained the dogs to do the same. My pigs don't care to go out in the winter, but in order to eat their breakfast and dinner, they must go out to eat. While they are outside they take the opportunity to potty. Please don't forget to let your pigs inside especially in winter. I have heard horror stories about people forgetting to bring in their pigs. If you are absent minded, please ensure you have a heated and thermal dog house with fresh hay. Potbellied pigs do not like to live outside in the winter.

When full grown potbellied pigs have a very large mouth, a hard head, tusks that grow over time and hooves that can be hard and sharp. Its important that you learn to keep their tusks and hooves trimmed or find a vet comfortable in maintaining.

Commitment, training, gentle guidelines or discipline, support from a group of pig people to work through challenges are all things that you will need.

Make sure you are zoned to have a pig!

If you live in a condo, you will need the condo associations approval.

Adoption Application

Other things to consider before adopting a potbellied pig...

In order to assure that the animal has only one thing on his mind (being your companion) have him spayed or neutered ASAP. Boys (boars) will stink to high heaven and be humping you, your children, and your significant others if you do not have him neutered. You can do this anytime after 8 weeks usually.

You will need a pet sitter or live in caregiver who knows how to care for potbellied pigs when you are on vacation.

Many boarding facilities are not equipped to provide quality care for the pet pig. There are several very good boarding facilities throughout the United States that can board your pig while you are away. Some will even provide transportation from the local airport for the pet.

Is there a veterinarian in your area who is knowledgeable in pet pig care? Sometimes farm vets only know how to care for farm pigs. This is something to consider, especially in more rural or even more urban areas.

According to recent census, most people stay in their homes less than 7 years and change careers every three. Are you committed to finding a pig friendly community every time you decide to move or change your career? How about the rest of your family?

Please understand, most of the above are based on our years of excuses heard in sheltering animals. Most considerations are common sense for any animal caregiver, really. We don't want to discourage you, rather educated you. Pigs can be very good companions for the right people in the right circumstances.

We have seen many sad faces because families and individuals have to give up their pets for so many different reasons. Many animals get just as depressed and often times, more depressed than their human caregivers. I have even encountered many pigs (and cats, and dogs) so depressed, that they won't eat and drink or interact. The result can be death by depression.

So get as much information as you can. Visit people who live with pigs as long and as often as possible. If after countless research you determine you are not a good companion for a pet pig, you can always help out by sponsoring a pig in a sanctuary. There are tons in sanctuaries all around the country displaced because people were not willing to do the research you are doing now.

Zoe -8x10 on 11x14 signed print on archival watercolor paper - $75.00
20% benefits MAPPAR
Original Painting $650.00 "$50.00 donated to MAPPAR

After listening to yet another heartrending story of pets being separated from their owners during Hurricane Katrina, artist Sandi Gold knew that she had to do something. She decided to paint portraits of rescued animals for animal rescue and welfare organizations to put up for �adoption� to help them with their fundraising. Consequently Sandi's �Adopt-A-Pet-Portrait� program was born. �The portraits won't ever need to be fed and I guarantee they will never stain your carpet!� explains the artist laughingly. Sandi is committed to helping as many animal rescue and welfare organizations as possible throughout the United States.

You can �Adopt-A-Pet-Portrait� of a potbellied pig named �Zoe� to help "The Midwest Animal & Potbellied Pig Association and Rescue." It is printed on heavy archival watercolor paper and each is signed by the artist. For every print sold, artist Sandi Gold will donate 20%. She will donate $50.00 when the original painting sells. Both the original painting and prints may be purchased of �Zoe.� http://www.sandigold.com/adopt_a_pet_portrait.htm You also can commission this artist by emailing her a photo of your pet to sandi@sandigold.com . Ask for a free estimate and be sure to mention MAPPAR and she'll donate $50.00 for each commission she paints.

Proceeds benefit the animals of MAPPAR.

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