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Message: <blockquote data-quote="uguduwa" data-source="post: 2666483" data-attributes="member: 75642">         Pros and Cons of Potbellied Pigs                                                            PIGS is a sanctuary specializing in miniature and potbellied pigs, has compiled  a list of the pros and cons of keeping a pig as a pet. Although having a pig as a pet can be a rewarding  experience, as with any animal, they do require a great deal of effort and commitment. Pigs are  not maintenance free animals and are not as easy to care for as a cat or dog. Vietnamese potbellied pigs  have been heavily promoted as house pets -- the Sanctuary does not endorse this belief and does not believe  that pigs should be raised full time as house pets. Anyone considering a pig as a pet should know  that potbellied pigs are expected to live 10 to 15 years and a full grown pig often weighs well over 130  pounds.        PROS     CONS      Pigs are intelligent and have been placed fourth on the intelligence  list (humans, primates, dolphins/whales, pigs).    Because of their high level of intelligence, pigs that are kept as FULL  time house pets can become bored easily and are often destructive when  finding ways to entertain themselves. It is not uncommon for them to  root up carpeting or linoleum floors, eat drywall, overturn house plants  and root through the dirt.       Pigs that have been neutered or spayed are generally sweet natured and sensitive  animals. In fact, pigs are so sensitive that you can hurt their feelings.    Pigs are herd animals and have a pecking order similar to that of chickens. Each member  of the herd has a particular standing in a pecking order and a pig will usually vie  to be "top pig" in the herd. When raised in the house the family members  will become the pig's herd. At around 18 months of age, the struggle for "top  pig" will begin. To determine the order standing, pigs fight. They  will charge their opponent, snapping and swinging their head. When the opponent is  a family member or a guest that has come to visit, this can be quite dangerous.  There is no approved rabies vaccine for a pig.      Pigs can be litter box trained. Outside pigs generally use one corner of the yard  as the bathroom    Pigs do root. Anyone desiring a perfectly manicured lawn should not have a pig.  Placing a ring in their nose is cruel as rooting is a natural instinct for pigs.  By rooting, they obtain necessary vitamins and minerals from the ground as well  as food. They have been known to eat worms and grubs and also will root to find  acorns or truffles      Pigs generally enjoy hardy health. Pigs should receive yearly vaccinations,  yearly hoof trimmings, and a yearly physical. Due to the size and difficulty in  transporting, a vet willing to make house calls is recommended   Pigs are very susceptible to pneumonia. The biggest cause of pneumonia is weather,  but it can also be brought on by stress. Pigs can "stress out" quite  easily. Because of their small lung size, bronchitis or pneumonia can kill a pig  quickly      Pigs have bristle like hair. People allergic to dog and cat fur may have no  reaction to the hair of a pig. NOTE: We have received a few calls about  allergies to the pig or the dust from the pig food.     Finding a vet knowledgeable in the health care of potbellied pigs can prove difficult.  Vet care can be expensive, depending, of course, on your particular area and the health  condition of your pig. Emergency treatment and/or specialized surgery can be especially  expensive. Pot bellied pigs should not be treated as domestic farm hogs. Also spaying  a pig is quite different from a dog or cat.      Pigs are generally clean, odorless animals    Pigs need a pool or puddle for cooling off in hot weather. They do not sweat  and must have a way of lowering their body temperature when they become over  heated. They need plenty of bedding in their sleeping area during the colder months.  In the winter, they love to bury themselves under straw and blankets        Local zoning laws may not allow pigs as pets. If your zoning does not allow  pigs, we urge you not to challenge your zoning.        At around 12 to 16 weeks of age, a female pig will go into her first heat. She  will then go into heat every 21 days and can become quite moody. An intact male  (not neutered) has a strong, foul odor and becomes sexually active at six to eight weeks of age. Spay and/or neuter your pigs. </blockquote>

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