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Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs originated in the jungles of China and Vietnam and were introduced to the United States as pets around 1985. Since that time, the Miniature Pot-Bellied Pig has achieved an ever growing popularity among pet owners through its general cleanliness, intelligence, and unique appearance.
Lifespan: 12-18 years
Color: Black
Adult weight: average 125 pounds
Ears: erect, not too large
Snout: longer than domestic pig
Senses
eyesight: poor
smell: highly developed
Can be kept indoors or outdoors. The Ideal temperature for Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs is about 70 degrees. Provide shelter to protect from cold spells. A small wading pool can be furnished to help the animal keep cool during hot spells. Always provide an area of soft dirt or soil where the Miniature Pot-Bellied Pig can relieve its rooting instincts.
Commercially prepared foods developed for Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs are available. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables can be added for variety and added nutrition. Fresh water should be available at all times.
Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs reach puberty around 6-7 months of age. Female pigs (sows) have a heat cycle every 21 days that lasts about 3 days. The gestation period lasts around 114 days. Litter size will depend on the size and age of the sow, the normal litter will have between 4 and 12 piglets. Piglets normally weigh about one pound. If you do not plan to breed your Miniature Pot-Bellied Pig you can schedule it to be spayed or neutered as early as 3 to 4 months of age.
Brush with a soft bristle brush daily. Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs are usually odor-free so frequent bathing is not necessary. Use only mild or hypoallergenic shampoos when bathing. Trim hooves regularly. Male Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs will require regular tusk trimming.
Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs are intelligent and can be trained in much the same way as dogs by using simple commands and rewards. They can be litter trained or house-broken(as with dogs, only train the animal to do one of these in order to avoid confusion and mistakes). Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs can be taught to do simple tricks and to walk on a leash.
Temperature should be maintained between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid hypothermia. Iron supplements should be given during the first few days after birth to prevent anemia. The pigletâs needle teeth should be trimmed in order to prevent injury to the sow or littermates. Canine teeth can be removed around 4 months of age.
6 weeks: atrophic rhinitis, erysipelas, leptospirosis, and transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE)
9 weeks: booster all vaccinations
6 months: booster all vaccinations (booster annually from this date)
Skin diseases and disorders: Sunburn and Frostbite, Mange, Seborrhea
Respiratory diseases: Atrophic Rhinitis, Pneumonia
Other: improperly formed snout, hernia, lameness in one or more limbs.
Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs instinctively want to root and can cause considerable damage to the house or yard if not furnished with an appropriate area to appease this desire. If the sharp canine teeth are not removed, the Miniature Pot-Bellied Pig can inflict quite serious puncture wounds. Zoning in your area may consider Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs to be livestock instead of pets which may rule out your ability to keep one in your residence. Check with the appropriate officials in your area before investing your time and money.
off-line source: MS Encarta Encyclopedia
off-line source: Pet Encyclopedia
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