Your Pot Belly Pig Information Center

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Info and Resources

We Strive To Keep You Informed

In this section, you will find the latest, ever growing, information on pet pig health care, behavior, training, adoption, housing, diet, and more. The links on the right have valuable information and resources for caring for and training your pot belly pig.

Our FAQ's and information page is a constantly growing work. The information presented here is the result of our many years of living and taking care of our own potbelly pigs, and information we have gathered from other pot belly pig moms, dads, animal rescue and sanctuary owners around the world.

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In the future, we hope to include more papers and reports from veterinarians that have treated potbellied pigs and have become local pig pet experts.

If your vet has had experiences with pot belly pigs, we would like to hear about their approaches and treatments. In this way, other vets and you will have a source of sound and proven information.

Please understand: We are not veterinarians. The information presented here is for educational purposes only. Any health-related information presented below should always be checked out with your personal veterinarian.

Potbellied pigs (PBPs) are clean, highly-intelligent and loving creatures. In fact, pigs in general are the fourth smartest animal in the world. Pot-bellied pigs require extra patience and lots of love, but more than make up for it with their personality.

Care of pet pigs is simple if you have the proper knowledge before you start.

Abandoned Pigs

Winstom Churchill Quote

Every year hundreds, if not thousands, of pot bellied pigs are abandoned, "thrown away," or die, due to lack of information and knowledge. Many are abandoned because we had unrealistic expectations, or were given the wrong facts (like the ridiculous statement: "a mini pig will stay small if you feed it less," a favorite of many unscrupulous breeders!). Therefore, we strongly suggest you adopt a pig, or adopt any pet.

How About Adopting?

There are many wonderful animals in rescue centers and animal sanctuaries. If you want to adopt pet pigs please check our page on adoption first.

Many potbelly pigs die due to wrong medication, wrong anesthesia, etc. We lost our first little boy this way many years ago. The reason for this is much of the information being used to treat potbelly pigs comes from treating farm swine. In many cases, this type of treatment is deadly. You will need to make sure you have a vet in your area that is willing to learn about, handle and treat your pet pig.

Pigs and Dogs - A Bad Combination

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Potbelly pigs and dogs are not a good combination. Pigs are prey to dogs, which are predators. If you get a pet pig and have a dog, NEVER leave them alone together. We have heard way too many stories about pigs being attacked by the family dog and being severely injured, or killed. Many times, these are animals that have lived together for years. Normally it will be the pig that starts the problem by going after the dog's food, toys, etc.

Yes, there are exceptions to everything, but do not take the chance. Pot belly pig care, and pet pig care in general, requires different treatments and approaches than other exotic animals or more common pets, like cats and dogs. We suggest you go through our Info links at the top of this page. There is a great deal of information here and many of your questions will be answered there.

Sponsor a Pet Pig

If, after you have read through these pages, you decide a pig is not for you, you can still sponsor a pig at one of the many sanctuaries around the country.

Pigs are where it's at.
THINKING ABOUT
GETTING A PET PIG?

ALL pet pigs should be spayed or neutered before sold. They should be at least 6-8 weeks of age and weaned from mom.

PLEASE do your homework before getting a pig for a pet. Make sure that you are zoned for pigs as pets. Is there a vet in your area that will see mini pigs?

Please make sure that you're ready to commit to this pet for the next 12-15 plus years. The truth is that the potbellied pig is only a good pet for those who take commitment and responsible pet ownership very seriously.

PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTING!

"Potbelly pigs are not products you just throw away when you get bored or become overwhelmed. They are intelligent, caring creatures who depend on you for their survival.

PLEASE: Do your homework BEFORE getting one. Don't be stubborn or worse, ignorant. Know the facts before you get into unexpected problems."

Richard Slayton
Proud Pot Belly Pig Dad.
Animal Poison Control

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your best resource for any poison-related emergency, 24/7, 365. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call 888.426.4435. A $65 per case fee may apply.