If you want a pet, you need something that is part of the large number of important decisions to be concerned. One option that is very popular among people looking for something extra pot-bellied pig. Although it is so deep hatred, pot belly pigs can be a good decision but only for the right person. If you get one, you will be surprised of how good the animals is. There are important thing of owners that need to have before raising a pot belly pig that is a love to the animal. Some believe that there would be the unpleasant smell in the house but it is true for some people, they do not feel bad about it.
Pot belly pigs originate in Vietnam and are quite popular as domestic animals. Pot belly pigs are smaller than pigs that are breed for meat and other standard farm pigs. Generally, fully-grown pot belly pigs are about as big as medium or large breed dogs (though pigs will be heavier than dogs of the same size). Pot belly pigs are different from other pig breeds due to their small size, straight ears and tail. Overweight pot belly pig is easily noticed by the fat pouch under his/her eyes. Pot belly pigs which hip bones can easily be felt with minimal pressure are the sign of ideal or normal-weight pigs. Plus, their eyes and the whole socket could be seen easily. Pot belly pigs are capable of interbreeding with other breeds of pigs.
Why Pot Belly Pig as Pet?
The reasons why many people are charmed by pot belly pigs and have decided to make them part of the family are their intelligence and personality, among others. Pot belly pigs are sensitive, intelligent creature that could be readily trained. They could be trained to do simple tricks just like dogs. Pigs are odourless, affectionate and generally non-allergenic, making pigs perfect companion inside the house. Unlike pigs that are shown through story books or pigs that are breed for meat, pigs are clean animal by nature.
Pot belly pigs are also playful animal. They have high curiosity and like to be stimulated by simple games. Pigs that do not show these traits are generally pigs that are obese. Since they are active, strong-headed and love to play, without appropriate stimulation they could get bored easily and possibly destructive, just like dogs. Pigs are also territorial animals; hence from the first day you take a pot belly pig at home, you should set the rules and reinforce it. Pigs learn faster through positive reinforcement (given praise and traits when they behave desirably) and do not learn well using negative ones. Repetition, consistent rules, gentle but firm discipline are the keys to train your pot belly pigs.
Pot belly pigs, just like any other pigs, are determined animals when it comes to food. They could learn to open refrigerator, cabinets, cupboards and pantry –places where food might be hidden or stored. They also root (the act of digging and exploring using their snouts) instinctively. Thus, you might want to provide an area of soft dirt to fulfil your pot belly pig’s need to root and prevent him/her from overturning your interior decor, furniture and wastebaskets inside the house. Get your pot belly pig from respectable breeders and prepare to give regular vaccinations as well as quality food and trims for their hooves and tusks. You might also want to spay or neuter your pot belly pig to minimize marking behaviour.
Pot belly pigs reach their maturity when they are about six years old and they could live up to 18 years old. An adult pot belly pig could weigh up to 80 kilograms or more. Check with your local regulations to see if pot belly pigs are allowed to be kept in your area. Other than pot belly pigs, New Zealand’s Kune Kune pigs are also quite popular as house pets in some parts of the world.
Tips for How to House Train Pot Belly Pigs are as follows:
1. Set a specific area for your pig as his/her area.
Take him/her outside every 3 hours or so especially in the morning and about 30 minutes after giving him/her meal. Set specific commands to ask him/her to defecate or urinate. After she/he successfully does his/her thing outside, give him/her positive encouragement and give a bite of your pot belly pig’s favourite snack. Make it routine for your pig to go out and do his/her thing every day.
2. If your pot belly pig happens to urinate/defecate in the house, say NO to him/her firmly and take him/her outside without delay.
Clean the stained area with pet stain or odour remover available in many pet stores. You could put boundaries or limit his/her access to certain areas in the house by closing doors. If you should leave the house, confine your pig in his/her area. Never put newspapers on his/her floor since she/he might get confused.
3. Continue the routine until your pot belly pig is well-mannered.
During training, there might be some cases in which your pig might urinate or defecate inside the house due to illness, stress or other circumstances. Be patient and start train him/her again with gently but firm discipline.
