Things You Need to Take Care of a Show Pig

Show pigs come in different sizes; some being miniature pigs that, if house trained, can live inside. However, most of the pigs that you might show are large breeds that need spacious outdoor enclosures. All pigs have similar basic needs, and to take care of a show pig, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, you need to provide suitable accommodation, food and bedding. Being social animals, pigs also need company, whether porcine or human. Be realistic about how much spare time and money you have before assuming the responsibility of a show pig.

  1. Housing

    • Indoor pigs require a space to sleep -- ideally an entire room. Outdoor pigs need custom housing. The basics are a weatherproof house and a large, secure pen. Heating equipment may be necessary in the winter and cooling in the summer. Each pig needs, at a bare minimum, 6 square feet of shelter space and 12 square feet of pen space, but more space is better. Don̵7;t forget basic cleaning tools, including a large shovel.

    Food

    • Select a pig chow suitable for your breed of show pig. Smaller breeds, such as Vietnamese pot belly pigs, need a slightly different diet than the larger pigs. A large set of scales helps with monitoring your pig̵7;s diet. Also necessary are food and water dispensers. Feeders or troughs of a suitable size are available from agricultural supply stores.

    Bedding

    • Old blankets and sweaters are fine as bedding for small indoor pigs. Outdoor pigs need straw -- and a lot of it. Straw not only forms a comfortable bed but also additional insulation, which is important when the weather gets cold.

    Transport

    • Only the smallest show pig can fit into a standard car. To transport your pig, when you first acquire it and to shows in the future, you need a suitable vehicle. A livestock trailer is usually required, although you may be able to rent one as needed. You also need a ramp to let the pig climb in and out.

    Miscellaneous

    • A child̵7;s paddling pool enables a pig to keep cool in the summer and enormously enriches their enclosure. Very large trays, such as cement mixing trays, make acceptable litter trays for indoor pigs. You̵7;ll also need a pig harness.