Your Pot Belly Pig Information Center

Home > Info and Resources > Info
Behavior/Training

Rooting

Pigs love to root (dig with their snouts) and it is a natural behavior. Please do not discourage your pet pig from rooting. This is what his snout is for. Give him a place in the yard that will be all his and that he can root up to his hearts content. A rooting pig is a pig in heaven. If your pig roots up something in the yard that he should not have, it is not his fault. It is yours for poor planning.

He will root up any available dirt searching for something. A favorite time of the year for mine to root is Spring when the ground is still moist. I have noticed over the years that where ever they decide to root they do come up with something, whether it be old roots from the trees and bushes, bark that is below ground level, flora growing under the ground surface, etc. Remember, pigs can smell 100 times better than we can. If it is underground, they will find it.

Root Box
Example of a Rooting Box

If your pot belly pig is a house pig be sure he has plenty of old blankets, towels or rugs to root around with. Another good idea is a rooting box where he can get a treat by pushing some river rocks around.

Is your little pig rooting on your ankles and turning them black and blue? The rooting on you comes from his instinct to root like he would on mom... and "wa-la" food comes. They are very forceful about this and it does hurt more the bigger they get. Hand feeding is usually what brings this to the problem point. You might want to start putting all treats and food in his food dish only. No treats by hand at all for a while. When he roots on you correct him by pushing him away and saying "NO ROOT"!

He needs to realize that anything to do with food or treats goes in the bowl, not on your leg. If he does it while your working around the kitchen you can dribble a little water on his head when he gets persistent. (He wont connect the water with you and it will dawn on him if I don't root I don't see the "acid" rain.) I don't know about your pig, but I know that Ziggy will equate root or pushing on my leg with food given from the table very quickly and even one time of sharing can start the process.

If you have an outside pig he will enjoy rooting around in the straw in his pen.


The information presented within our information and resources section has been collected from what we consider experts and various reputable persons including vets, sanctuary owners, and private pig owners among others. Information shown is the latest available. Although we have had pet pigs for 20 years and consider ourselves quite knowledgeable, we are by no means veterinarians. Any health related information presented below should be checked out with your personal veterinarian.

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.