The potbellied pig originated in Vietnam, and is a mixture of several bread of dogs. Offered the possibility, they can interbreed with regular farm building pigs and outrageous boars, as they will be all component of the genus sus scrofa. Potbellied pigs will be unique household pets, which can produce them a little considerably more problematic than a feline or a puppy for this purpose: certainly not all veterinarians take care of them which can produce it challenging to acquire these household pets the treatment they need. Pigs need their tusks trimmed every couple of years, and may need their hooves trimmed each year. A vet, or an owner who provides discovered how from a medical professionsal, can perform these duties. Pigs will need to end up being spayed or neutered and need frequent vaccines.
Potbellied pigs produce pleasurable dogs and cats mainly because they are extremely clever and tender. On the other hand, like various pets or animals they will be vulnerable to laziness and violence if certainly not properly exercised and socialized. At times, an adult pig may rebel against the owner in so-called “dominance aggression”, and will need to be reprimanded gently yet strongly, and taught to respect the owner’s authority. They can be well trained, if properly motivated by food and other rewards. They take well to positive reinforcement when they are behaving well, but should not be physically punished.
Pigs should have daily leash-led walks or they will gain weight. They will eat nearly endless amounts of food, particularly high-carbohydrate unhealthy food, if allowed, so it is vital to restrict your pet’s access to the food it craves. They are relentless in searching for food, and should be kept far away from the kitchen or any food storage. Special pig feed can be purchased in a pet store or special-ordered. Pigs are omnivores, equally interested in vegetables, meats, sweets, and carbohydrate-based foods.
Pigs are social herd creatures, and it is often recommended that they be kept in pairs or groups, especially if they are kept outside the house. This keeps them stimulated and active. Because of their intelligence, if pigs get bored they may become destructive and troublesome. Inadequate attention or playtime can compel pigs to do anything from rooting up plants to taking up linoleum floors and eating drywall. Pigs need to be kept in their own confined area of the house, preferably an entire room, if not a confined outdoor area. They are clean and essentially odor-free, so it is not usually difficult to find a place where they can roam.
Like any pet, a potbellied pig is a serious commitment, and requires some specialized care that demands time and resources. 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 potbellied pig can be very rewarding for the prepared, responsible owner.