I want a Potbelly Pig

[Emzyyy]

for Christmas/Birthday gift this year and I'm not so sure my parents want me to have one. I think I want a Vietnamese Pot Bellied. I've seen the potty trained pigs that live indoors just like a dog or cat. Does anyone have a indoor potbelly pig? How did you potty train s/he? Will they use a doggy door? Are stairs safe or do they need to be closed off? How much do they eat in about a weeks time? Do you need two to keep the other company or is human and dog company enough? Will they harm chickens? How much does a potbelly pig cost and where can I get one? I don't really want to go to the auctions with the stories I have heard... So many questions! Don't know where to start!

 

[fhdogs]

My PBP lives in our mud-room. She doesn't come into the rest of the house house because our small dogs are afraid of her, and to be completely honest she hates anybody other than me. She charges at people and has been known to bite feet. I on the other hand can walk up to her, do whatever I want and she doesn't mind at all. She even rolls over on her back on command so I can rub her belly.

We adopted her from the humane society when she was about 1 1/2. She's now almost 3. When we got her she was already potty trained. Since she has a dog door with a kennel outside, she only uses the "litter box" (the plastic bottom to a rabbit hutch) in the winter. I'm sure she would use it all year if I left it for her, but it's much easier to shovel out a kennel than clean her box.

One thing I would keep in mind is that they can be lots of work. Imagine keeping a cat box clean, now multiply the weight of that cat by 10-15. Stairs would probably be a big no no once the PBP is grown. Ours can handle one or two steps, but even going down a slight hill in our yard can be problematic since she often can't hold her speed back.

As for company, ours is solitary. We've thought about getting another, but that hasn't happened yet. She will be moving into half of the building our chickens live in so maybe then. I don't know about the chickens since she's only met them a few times through a chain link fence. The chickens seem more scared of her than anything.

As for food... I really don't have a clue what she's eating right now. She's fed from an automatic feeder that I top off about every two weeks. I can't remember the last time I bought food, but I usually buy about 150 lbs at a time. Probably every two and a half months, but I could be way off, and it's too late to go find out what I've got on hand. One thing about my PBP unlike most is that she does not like treats at all! Except for apples, and the chunks of grass she rips up when I take her for a walk.

 

[Emzyyy]

Thanks. I've heard of pigs eating chickens is one reason I was worried. I've heard of them pulling chickens through chicken wire by their head just like raccons. I was sorta worried about that if I end up keeping s/he outside. If I don't get a pig I think I want a incubator. The Vietnamese Potbelly Pigs are supposed to be smaller than just a Potbelly right? And I don't want one getting to humongous porportions. Have you seen the movie "Uptown Girls"? I was thinking around that size.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Its a good thing you are asking questions first sweetie! Thats very smart!

Litter box training...They train just like a kitten...keep them in a small space/room and if they make a mistake put the pee/poop in the litter box and they will naturally find it.(show them the box also....i use a dog litter box or a low under bed tote) Just make sure you clean up any potty messes with a good enzyme cleaner. Remember their noses are better than blood hounds...

Yes, they can live inside without another pig..as long as they have some/any kind of company...kinda like a dog..(only WAY smarter)
Stairs..you have to be careful with pigs and stairs...they can slip very easy. But if you start them from young piglets on them its usually okay.
Remember they cant see very well...
Doggy door, yes they can be trained just like a dog to use a doggy door..with time ...

How much do they eat?...Most PBP owners feed their pots 1/2 cup twice a day pig pellets. So about 1 cup total a day per pig.the food is cheap...a bag will last you at least a month for one pig. probably more. BUT , you also have to feed them some treats/table scraps daily when they get older (about another cup..)..veggies is the BEST for them...

Will they harm chickens...i say no..if they are raised with them...mine is buddies with the chickens and ducks...i would trust them to live together..

Also..dont get one from an auction..google PBP breeders in your area..then check craigslist...etc..

Also..go to yahoo groups, piginfoandchat OR piggymisfits, they have ALOT of info and help and piggies for adoption..

they will help you out SO much!

 

[redhen]

Also..remember they arent like dogs. They can be temperamental and moody and stubborn like a toddler. They actually DO have the mentality of a 3-4 yr old toddler..So thats what its like having a PBP in the house...

They are one of the only animals that have the ability to reason..like a human..
And in I.Q. tests they blew dogs out of the water...so be prepared..they DONT want to please you like dogs do....BUT..once you have one and see how they look at you..(almost human)its just something so cool...
also..remember they DO mourn their owners if they are abandoned...alot of them stop eating and get sick...so..if you get a piggy..you gotta keep him. Because its very,very tough on them to loose their owners..

 

[Haviris]

I'd also buy from a breeder, not an auction, and make sure you get to see the parents! And find out their ages, PBPs grow for 3 years. That's so you can have the best idea how big your pig will be! Some get very large!

I kept mine in til she was 5 months or so, I never could get her fully house trained, she was good as long as she was in the laundry room, but not so much any other time. Ironically now that she's older, she won't potty in the house, she prefers outside, but she only comes in for a few hours at a time. Right now she freeranges in the daytime and sleeps on her bed on the deck at night.

In my experience the biggest downside to having a PBP is that they LOVE to eat! And are constantly looking for something to eat, so you can't leave anything in their reach, including dog food and garbage. PBPs are prone to obesety, so you have to carefully monitor their food, and they really don't need that much! A 50lb bag of food lasts me a really long time! But she also forages in the yard during the day.

My pig has never bothered the chickens (although she'd love their feed). She climbs the steps to come inside, but has never attempted the stairs. One is enough, they will have you as a companion! I'd guess the cost varies by location, I've seen them here anywhere from $25-$100, but like I said you'd want to be careful you got one from a good breeder and parents. I got both mine from the same breeder, I found her through another forum I'm on.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I have had one for a little bit now and she is just too cute. I really like her. You would love one. Mine runs around the yard with the dogs. She stays outside and has a little box we built her to sleep in at night. She is one happy little pig. I love how she runs around like a pony bucking and running...she will squeal and oink and try to play with everything. I think she thinks out pitt is a big pig because she likes to hang close to him. Mine LOVES to have her belly scratched. Now, when she hears me call "Here pig, pig, pig" She comes running and squeaking and as soon as she gets to me, she flops over on her side so I will scratch her down!

Mine is out with my chickens everyday and she has never tried to hurt one. I have seen her try and play with them but they have no interest in her LOL. She is out with baby chicks too and doesn't bother them.

I got mine at an auction, for $2.00. All her brothers and sisters were there too. No problems with her and she is just fine. My neighbors, who now raise pbps) got theirs at an auction too.

You could find some local pig farmers or find you a breeder online. Around here they are free - 15$ max....there are lots of little PBPs running around our area LOL

This is my little 'Bacon' (I think you have already seen this one though LOL )