Can you have a piglet as a pet

Volunteering for a potbellied pig rescue group or at a sanctuary not only helps those groups, but allows pig novices to get to know potbellied pigs before making the long-term commitment of adoption. We also recommend Ironwood Pig Sanctuary as a place to volunteer. Most potbellied pigs are happiest living outdoors with other pigs and with plenty of activity in their environment.

Here is a list of things your pig will need for basic safety and comfort:. Even family dogs who are familiar with a pet pig have been known to turn on the pig. Potbellied pigs require annual checkups and regular tusk and nail trims, and they can be susceptible to colds and other illnesses that require vet care.

Not every veterinarian works with potbellied pigs or has pig experience, so before you adopt a pig, do some research and select an appropriate veterinarian. For more information about adopting and caring for potbellied pigs, check out the other resources in this section and these websites:.

A miniature adult pig can weigh between kg. Commercial breeds of pigs can reach — kg, and it is unwise to keep one of these breeds as pets unless you have a lot of experience with them and plenty of room.

Pigs require little in the way of housing and can be kept indoors or out. They can be toilet trained like dogs. Indoor pigs will need their own space, preferably their own room with a pile of blankets to nest in. They will also need an outside run so that they can exercise and have an opportunity to use their natural instinct to forage for roots and fungi. Outdoor pigs will need a simple shelter; this could be a purpose-built brick or wooden house or just half a watertank with some straw inside.

Because pigs love to nest, you should provide them with straw or sawdust outside or blankets inside. Pigs get sunburnt easily, so they will also require shade, and they will welcome an area where they can have a dirt bath or mud bath. Make sure you have a sturdy fence. Pigs will eat almost anything. They will need cereals such as wheat, barley or oats, and will enjoy apples, kale, and root vegetables such as mangelwurzel or turnips; they will also forage for roots and fallen fruits.

You can give them household vegetable and fruit scraps that would otherwise be used for compost. After buying, the cost of keeping a pig as a pet only climbs from there. Because many "teacup" owners believe their pigs will remain small, they don't even consider the cost of raising a pound plus pig in their home.

Between adequate food supply potbellied pigs can eat a lot , check-ups and vaccinations at the veterinarian, and other piggy supplies, it can cost thousands of dollars each year to own a pig. Plus, it's recommended to spay or neuter pet pigs to limit unpleasant behaviors and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Although the average potbellied pig is expected to live anywhere between 12 and 18 years , a "teacup" pig's lifespan typically hovers around five years due to issues with their skeletal and immune systems.

Genetic disorders caused by inbreeding can also contribute to a shorter lifespan. Pigs, in general, take up a lot of space, and not just because they're large. Pigs require daily exercise so they don't become bored, which could lead to destructive or aggressive behavior. Some can even become aggressive towards humans and bite or charge.

Many pigs are abandoned or surrendered to shelters simply because their owners don't have the space to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged. Believe it or not, keeping a pig as a pet may be illegal where you live. Zoning laws in several states consider pigs strictly farm animals and won't allow them in non-farming or non-agricultural settings.

If you're considering adding a pig to the family, be sure to check out the zoning laws in your area. A little bit of research can help prevent the abandonment or surrender of many domesticated pigs each year. Did you know pigs are extremely social animals? Much like dogs, pigs develop "packs," often playing, lounging, and sleeping together. Depriving a pig of his or her social interaction can cause the pig to become bored, restless, or depressed, and he or she may act out aggressively.

That being said, it's best to keep at least two pigs at a time, but many "teacup" owners who find themselves struggling with a pound-plus pig will have an even harder time with two or more.

Not to mention, double the pigs means double the expenses for food, supplies, and vet visits. Pet pigs have specific needs and, like farmed pigs, there are strict laws concerning their diet, identification and movement. It can be challenging to look after them properly, which you need to do under the Animal Welfare Act. We would urge anyone considering keeping a pig as a pet to find out as much as possible about their needs and whether it's a realistic pet for you.

Whilst piglets may look cute, even miniature breeds e. Other breeds will grow as large as a commercially farmed pig i.