Vietnamese Pot bellied pigs are the most well-known pet pig anywhere. Their popularity has grown tremendously since they were first introduced to the United States in 1986. In the last twenty-three years, pot bellied pig breeders have also had the opportunity to learn how to best care for these exotic animals.
Pot bellied pigs are extremely social, and affectionate, therefore, they do require the companionship of people or other pigs. Curious by nature, they will explore, and move items around for their pleasure. They delight in sun-bathing, belly scratches, and some even enjoy car rides!
Pot Belly Pig Stats
- Pigs belong to the family, Suidae
- They are omnivores (opportunistic eaters)
- Proper names – A 'Gilt' is a female pig who has not given birth. A 'Sow' is a female pig who has either given birth, or is over 12 months old. 'Boars' are un-neutered males of breeding age. 'Barrows' are neutered males.
- An adult weighs anywhere from 60-175 lbs. Some pigs fall just below or above this range. It depends entirely on the genetics of a particular pot belly. If this sounds large, remember, farm pigs can weigh over 1000 lbs! Some breeders are breeding "teacup" piggies that weigh in at 35 lbs as an adult. Beware of breeders who make this claim. There are no teacup pot bellied pigs. These animals have had their food rationed to stay this small, or on occasion an average-sized adults will produce a runt. That said, an 80 lb piggy is much smaller-looking than a 150 lb one; but both are typical.
- Height is 13-36”. The height and weight of a pot bellied pig is often deceiving. Because they are so compact and dense, an 80 lb pot belly doesn’t take up much space.
- They reach maturity around 3 years old.
- Gestation is 112-114 days, and have 5-8 piglets.
- Their lifespan is 12-20 years.
Feeding Pot Bellied Pigs
These little guys are easy keepers and don’t cost a lot to feed. Their main diet is a commercial pot bellied pig food (12% - 14% protein). It’s important to purchase food made for these particular pigs because the other food - made for farm pigs/hogs - is for fattening up for slaughter, and this is not what we are after for the pot belly.
Another reason this food is important is that pot bellies are omnivores and need the protein provided in these special feeds. On average, piggies get 2 cups of this pelleted feed a day – 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup at night. If a piggy lives outdoors in the winter, this ration should be increased. The commercial name brands are:
- Heartland
- Peak Performance
- Mazuri
- Purina
- Manna Pro
Note: Some unethical people will try to convince you that to keep a pot belly ‘smaller’, you must feed them less food. This is not only cruel, and unfair to the animal, but it’s also absolutely untrue. A pig grows to its genetic predisposition that it inherits from its parents. If a smaller-in-stature pig is desired, that's what needs to be purchased. Ask to see the parents before you buy a young pig.
Treats For Piggies
- Fruits – in moderation. Fruits contain a lot of sugar.
- Veggies
- Plain popcorn – try scattering it all over for piggy exercise.
- Cheese
- Grapes
- Cheerios
Housing And Shelter
Pot bellied pigs need their own secure, safe yard that is free of anything that could poke their eyes or that is undesirable to ingest such as toxic plants (ie: oleander). The fencing should be secure – piggies are quite strong. Of course, they should have ample room to mill about, graze and find shade.
Inside the pig area should be a structure for complete protection from the elements. A dog house, or a 3-sided shelter, even a dog igloo works well. Keep in mind that the opening needs to be set low, as piggies can't step up high. Pigs have a natural instinct to ‘root’ in rocks or grass, so, a pile of smooth rocks (like river rocks) is always appreciated in the area.
Another necessity for the summer is either a short, blow-up kiddie pool or a nice mud hole to cool off in. The phrase, sweat like a pig’ is a misnomer. Pigs don’t have sweat glands, and therefore must rely on whatever water or mud they can find to bring down their body temperature in the hot months.
Pot bellied pigs do grow more body hair in the winter, however, sometimes not enough to stay warm. When the temperatures drop down to frost levels, extra bedding such as an old blanket or straw becomes necessary.
It may surprise you to know that not only are pot bellies odorless (unless you have an un-neutered male), but pigs are very clean animals and will usually find a particular spot as a ‘bathroom’.
Extra Pig Care
- Pigs love toys! Balls, bags, and rooting boxes are favorites.
- If their skin gets dry or flakey, popping some vitamin E (200 IUs) in their daily food works well.
- Hoof trims.
- Worming 2X a year.
- Periodic ear and eye cleanings - pigs can get a brownish discharge coming from their eyes. It is easily washed away with a soft, wet cloth.
- Vaccines – This is an ongoing debate among pot bellied pig owners. If a pig is not associated with any pigs outside the home, most owners don’t bother with vaccination. If vaccinations are given they are Erysipelas, Bortadella, and Pasturella. There is no approved rabies vaccine for pigs, and dog vaccines are a no-no.
As far as intelligence, pigs are right up there on the list with dolphins, elephants, and chimps. They are quickly litter-box trained (shallow ones - cat litter boxes are too tall), easily trick-trained, and can walk on a harness and leash. Potbellied pigs make wonderful pets, and loyal companions.
Please Investigate
With all exotic animals, it is necessary to find out the zoning laws and regulations in your particular city or community. Some places do not permit pot bellied pigs, and those pets are confiscated from the owners and have an uncertain future.
Interested in learning more? Visit the North American Pot Bellied Pig Association.
Related Reading
Want to learn more about pigs? Check out Meet The Kune Kune and The Intelligent Pig.
Chris McLaughlin - Chris McLaughlin's gardening books include "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables." Check out her complete profile.
