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March 31st, 2009 by PetGuru

People think all kind of thoughts when you mention pigs but hardly one of pigs in the house. Teacup potbellied pigs are becoming increasingly popular as domestic pets around the country. They are much smaller than the standard farm pig and the regular potbelly pig, and they are commonly seen with many colors, such as mixed black and white coloring; or all black, all white, silver coloringand even chocolate. They are not really teacup size like one imagines except when they are born when they are around 9 oz. But compared to a full grown regular pig at 600-800 pounds or a full grown regular potbelly pig at 120 – 200 pounds then they are teacup. Adults typically weigh around 40 – 65 lbs, are fully-grown at 2-3 years and are about the height of a cocker spaniel. Living 15-20 years and low maintenance pets, with about the same daily care as a dog. People living in apartments find the small size of the teacup pig just the right size. They litter box train in a matter of days and as early as 4 weeks old.

The regular potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a combination of several breeds. They will breed with other types of pigs even farm pigs causing mixed breeds. The teacup pigs were bred first in Devon, England.

Teacup potbellied pigs are considered exotic pets, which can make them a bit more troublesome than a cat or a dog for this reason: not all veterinarians treat them which can make it difficult to get these pets the care they require. All types of pigs need maintenance with tusks trimmed and hooves trimmed. A veterinarian, or an owner who has learned how from a doctor, can perform these tasks. Pigs will need to be spayed or neutered and require regular vaccinations.

Teacup potbellied pigs make enjoyable pets because they are very intelligent and affectionate. Like many animals they are prone to laziness and aggression and must be exercised to keep them from getting to fat and antisocial. At times, an adult pig may raise a challenge against the owner in so-called “dominance aggression”, much like any pet will at first and they will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner’s authority. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished. Properly motivated these intelligent animals learn tricks very easily like sit and playing golf.

Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. If you find that your pig is getting too fat you can scatter raw oatmeal where they have to search for it and doesn’t amount to much to eat. This gives them something to eat and exercise at the same time. Of course this is when they are outside. Pigs just really love to eat, just like children they lean toward the high carbohydrate unhealthy type, please restrict your pet’s availab.ility. Pigs constantly search for food so care must be taken to keep them out of the kitchen. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered and local feed stores are starting to carry the specialty feed. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.

Pigs are best kept in pairs or groups if they are kept outside as they are social animals. While in your house they will want your attention. Give them toys to play with just like children have. This keeps them stimulated and active. Because of their intelligence, if pigs get bored they may become destructive and troublesome. Lack of attention can lead to pigs tearing up your house. If you are not keeping your pig outside in a confined area then they need their own confined area in the house. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a room where they can roam.

Teacup pigs require specialized care of time and resources and should not be taken without a serious commitment. Do not consider owning a teacup pig or potbelly pig without doing a lot of homework to make sure that you and a pig will be compatible. Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pigs whose owners did not anticipate the kind of attention that their pet would need. However, the intelligence, affection and personality of a well trained, adequately cared for teacup potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.