How to Keep Pot Bellied Pigs as Pets

Potbellied pigs are clean, smart and make excellent pets. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about potbellied pigs, including how to care for them and how large they get. They do not stay small forever. Many potbellied pigs are abandoned every year because people do not know how to care for them or become disillusioned when their pig outgrows their expectations.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby gate
  • Large litter box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your local zoning laws. Make sure that your neighborhood allows potbellied pigs as pets. You don't want to have to give away your pig because it's illegal to keep it in your house or yard.

    • 2

      Prepare a room for your potbellied pig. Create a safe, warm environment for your pig with old blankets for sleeping. Place a litter box in a place where your pig can access it. Install a baby gate to keep your pig safe while he gets used to his new home.

    • 3

      Pig-proof your house. This is about the same as baby-proofing for a toddler. Anything within pig reach is fair game, including electrical cords, choking hazards and poisonous substances. Install child-proof latches on your fridge and cabinets. Pigs are smart and can open nearly anything.

    • 4

      Socialize your pig. Potbellied pigs have poor eyesight and need to learn to trust you. Spend time near your pig, sometimes with treats and other times without, just letting her get used to you. She will come up and investigate when she is ready. Talk to her before you touch her and don't pick up your pig. Pigs hate being picked up.

    • 5

      Feed your pig mini-pig chow. Pigs need to eat special food designed for pigs, not for dogs andcats. There are several brands of mini-pig chow on the market, and most large pet stores or feed stores will carry at least one. Feed your pig twice per day according to the size and weight requirements on the bag.

    • 6

      Always provide fresh water for your pig. Some pigs drink a lot and others drink very little. If he is thirsty, he will drink. Just make sure that the water bowl is clean and full all of the time.