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Behavior/Training

Scratching

Pigs, scratching and/or belly rubs seem to go hand in hand. With their naturally dry skin they just love to scratch. They also tend to scratch heavily when losing their coat of hair / shedding (also called blowing their coat), which usually happens once a year. You can help keep this scratching down to a minimum by making sure your pig is wormed twice a year and has a proper diet. When blowing their coat you can help them out by gently pulling out loose hair. Sometimes it comes out in big handfuls!

If your pig is scratching excessively they might have Mange from Mites. The skin itself looks kind of pink and irritated and the pig goes wild scratching. And I don't mean just once in a while rubbing against stuff, but its pretty much continuous and they even scratching to the point where they are bleeding.

All pigs, especially pot belly pigs, seem to love a good belly rub and will fall over on their side when you get the right spot. They will lay on their side for what will seem like hours while your give them a belly rub. After all, you love a good belly rub, don't you?

For those of you considering an inside pig beware that they like to rub on the edges of furniture and walls. The spots they pick out will gradually get dirty or stained. We have spots on two different walls where they love to rub their butts. Make sure your furniture cannot be knocked over if they are scratching on it. They are MUCH stronger than most people think.


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.