Why do pot bellied pigs root

Rooting is the act of a potbellied pig digging and searching with its snout. By rooting, pigs can cool down on a warm day. As an added benefit, dirt and mud offer effective protection from the harsh rays of the sun. So how can a pet pig parent avoid these issues?

By keeping their pet on a pelleted, balanced diet that is formulated especially for potbellied pigs as instructed by their accredited breeder or adoption facility, and of course, their veterinarian. According to Illescas they should be fed this nutritionally complete diet twice a day, with a regimented schedule.

Additionally, you want to avoid high-sugar or high-processed foods for treats, says Gray, adding that low-sugar, high-fiber fruits and veggies make the best treats for pet pigs. Pig parents also have to find a balance between what they feed their pet and how much they eat while grazing outside.

Madison says that if a pig eats grass in your backyard, depending on its intake, you should lessen the required amount of food for that day based on how much it ingested. When it comes to keeping your pig hydrated, Gray says that water consumption varies with the amount of exercise your pig has and how much water is in their food lots of veggie treats often means less water intake. This needs to be monitored closely.

While a potbellied-pig is a major responsibility, the rewards can be incredibly worthwhile when you consider how these animals behave in the home.

Nancy Shepherd, author of Potbellied Pig Parenting , points out that pigs are not only very affectionate animals but, perhaps most notably, they are very intelligent.

Pigs remember both positive and negative reinforcement and know how to get the desired results for instance, sometimes pigs will nudge at their owner when they want something. She adds that, pigs are not terribly destructive pets overall, however, as they do sometimes root indoors, you can make them their own rooting box to avoid a distressed flooring or couch cushions.

Shepherd attributes the stereotype of pigs being smelly to them being left in poorly-managed conditions. A wallow i. It cools them off on hot days, and acts as an insect repellent, sun screen and skin conditioner, as pigs are prone to dry, flaky skin. Appropriate fencing must be used to enclose their outdoor area, as pigs are very strong and can uproot it, push it over and even dig underneath it if not properly secured. You will also need to consider protecting your pig from predators like coyotes, wolves, big cats, bears, or even loose dogs.

One final thought to consider is how your pig will be housed and cared for while you are away from your home for extended periods of time. Do you know someone you can trust with the care of your pig?

As with any pet, pigs may or may not get along with other animals in the household. In general, pigs and cats tend to live peacefully together. Dogs and pigs, on the other hand, are an unpredictable combination, mainly because dogs are a large predator species and pigs are naturally a prey species. This may lead to unwanted bullying of your pet pig. Though pigs may not get along with other pets, Salumets notes that they are very social animals and should be housed with other pigs.

Pigs are omnivores and need a balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. Pigs really enjoy a variety of vegetables and fruits in their diet. They can eat some human food scraps and leftovers as long as they are not spoiled or toxic to pigs. Just like in humans, some foods can cause digestive issues in pigs and some are more sensitive than others. Even if you are providing fresh produce for your pig, feeding your pig only human food is not ideal, as it is not guaranteed to meet all of their nutritional needs.

It is important they still receive pig feed to ensure their nutritional requirements are being met. Dog and cat foods are NOT a good alternative to a quality feed formulated specifically for pigs. Pigs should always have access to water, and should be fed at least two or three times per day. Pot-bellied pigs consume a few pounds of food per day, but if your teacup pig turns out to be a farm-breed pig, you can expect it to consume as much as four to seven pounds of food per day.

Information on the internet can be very incorrect in regards to feeding pigs. But this may result in an underweight pig with developmental and health issues, as the genetics of the pig dictate its skeletal size, not the amount you feed it.

If one were to feed their pig such a small amount of food, they would be starving it, resulting in many potential negative implications on its health, including malformed bones, poor hair coat, inadequate brain development and even death.

What is the lifespan of a mini pig? Pigs may live for up to 15 years. During that time you will need to plan for vet visits just like you would with other pets. Pigs require vaccinations and are susceptible to a number of illnesses that humans also get, such as the flu. It is very unlikely a pet clinic will accept pigs. Tusk trims may also be required. Because they are prey animals, sometimes pigs try to hide the fact that they are sick or injured.

Do you have the knowledge or skills necessary to recognize common symptoms of disease, injury or infection in your pet pig? Mature, intact boars i. They naturally use their snout to root in search of food.

Outside they will do this by digging up grass or other plants in search of roots and bugs. There is no prevention or training that can stop this. If your pig is becoming destructive in the yard, he will need a fenced area where he is allowed to root. Rooting is a natural behavior that pigs need an outlet for.

Restricting rooting or outdoor time will frustrate the pig causing behavioral issues. When their needs and outdoor time are not met, they may even become obsessive rooters indoors, ruining carpeting or laminate flooring. Visit our website to learn more about mini pigs, find a registered mini pig breeder , become a member of the AMPA and register your mini pig in the official mini pig registry! Menu Skip to content.