How to Care for Vietnamese Pot Belly Piglets

A popular breed of miniature pig kept as pets is the Vietnamese pot bellied pig. The first pot bellied pigs were imported to Canada about 1985, notes ̶0;Pot Bellies and Other Miniature Pigs.̶1; Miniature pigs became heavily in demand as pets in the 1990s, but many were abandoned when they grew to their full weight of 30 to 95 pounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Basket, dog bed or bottom half of pet airline carrier for bed
  • Old towels and blankets
  • Assorted dog toys
  • Two non-tip food bowls
  • Large litter pan and litter
  • Dog or baby gate
  • Fenced yard
  • Wading pool
  • Veterinarian
  • Pet carrier or ramp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a piglet nursery in one room or floor of the home. Place piglet̵7;s bed in out of drafts or direct sunlight. Place old towels and blankets in the bed. Piglets enjoy rooting around in them.

    • 2

      Place dog toys like dog stuffed animals or rawhide chews in the blankets. Nearby, place the piglet̵7;s litter pan. As far from the litter pan as possible, place non-tip water bowl and food bowl. They must be designed to not tip over, or the piglet will constantly flip them over, causing a considerable mess. Set up a baby or dog gate if necessary.

    • 3

      Check the outside area where the piglet will spend time. Check and remove any poisonous plants. Check that any fencing penetrates at least 6 inches underneath the ground to prevent piglets from digging underneath the fence and escaping. Make sure there is shade, so the piglet can escape sunlight. Fill a kiddie wading pool with water for the pig to splash and play in.

    • 4

      Feed the piglet a main diet of commercial pig food pellets. Pigs need to eat 2 to 3 percent of their body weight per day, which works out to about 2 cups of pellets per day, depending on the weight of the piglet. Piglets also enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables as treats, especially raisins.

    • 5

      Interact with the piglet daily. Pigs are highly intelligent and can learn desired behaviors. Scratching on the side often stimulates piglets to roll over on their backs.

    • 6

      Reward the piglet with treats, verbal praise and more caresses when it stays in this position. This position can help veterinarians check the pig and for anyone to check the condition of the piglet̵7;s hooves. ̶0;Pot Bellies and Other Miniature Pigs̶1; recommends belly rubs as rewards.

    • 7

      Purchase a ramp made for large dogs, so the pig can get into a car in case of emergency. Pot bellied pigs cannot jump up in cars or trucks and need a ramp. Piglets can travel in standard pet carrying cases when they are small enough to be picked up.