How to Raise a Pot-Bellied Piglet

With their intelligence and good nature, pot-bellied pigs can be excellent pets, although they are as much of a time and money commitment as a dog. Raising a pot-bellied piglet is a similar process to raising a puppy. You have to provide the right diet, a suitable environment and plenty of attention. It is also advisable to house-train your piglet early.

Things You'll Need

  • Pig enclosure
  • Blankets
  • Food and drink bowls
  • Mini-pig chow
  • Litter tray
  • Newspapers or pine shavings
  • Children's vitamins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a suitable space for your piglet. This could be an outdoor pen with a sheltered sleeping area, a dedicated room indoors or a section of a family room. Line the sleeping area with old blankets and sweaters as you would for a dog. In an outdoor enclosure, the shelter must be weatherproof and free from drafts. Provide plenty of straw for extra insulation. In very cold climates, an insulated shelter and possibly a heater may be necessary. Pot-bellied pigs are most comfortable at about room temperature.

    • 2

      Feed the piglet a high-quality pig chow specifically for pot-bellied pigs, rather than larger breeds. Up until the piglet is a year old, it can have unlimited food. After a year, it might be necessary to restrict how much your pig gets, but check with your vet for specific feeding instructions for your pig and its lifestyle.

    • 3

      Provide a large dish of fresh water. Replace the water daily.

    • 4

      Arrange an appointment with a vet experienced with pigs for an initial checkup, any necessary vaccinations and to arrange spaying or neutering. Finding a suitable vet shouldn't be difficult in rural areas. If you are in or near a city, ask a pot-bellied pig breeder, an animal sanctuary or a pig group for a recommendation.

    • 5

      House-train your piglet. Provide a large plastic tray, such as a cement mixing tray, lined with newspapers or pine shavings; don't use cat litter or cedar shavings, which can both be dangerous to pigs. Keep the piglet confined to one room or small area until it is toilet-trained. Place a few of its droppings in the litter tray and clean up all other messes. Walk the piglet to the litter tray every couple of hours, preferably on a schedule such as after each meal and at regular points in between. When you change the litter, retain a couple of droppings in the tray. Pigs usually learn to use a litter tray in less than a week, although piglets under 6 months may still have occasional accidents. Keep the litter tray in one place.