DO YOU WANT TO OWN A POTBELLIED PIG?
Read this link first.
http://www.minipiginfo.com/please-read-before-you-get-a-pig.html
So you are considering adding a pig to your family. Owning a pig can either be the beginning of a wonderful love affair, or the beginning of overwhelming responsibility for which you are not prepared. Since this will be a long term relationship, you should ask yourself a few serious questions to determine if you are ready to become a potbellied pig owner. Be sure and answer the following questions honestly so both you and the pig have the future you deserve:
• Have I done enough research and do I have enough information about the pig’s temperament, size, training methods, daily care, and health care to know if a pig is right for me?
• Can I afford to take good care of my pig? Do I have a vet that will accept a pig as a patient?
• Do I have time to properly train my pig?
• Will a pig fit into my lifestyle and my home?
Is A Potbellied Pig Right For You?
Are you confused about how to select a pig?
You should do some homework to make sure that you select the right pig for you and your family. The North American Potbellied Pig Association can help you begin your research with a description of the potbellied pig as a pet with a Certified Breeder List. For extended research, there are several books available which give more details about pigs. As you research the pig, always be honest with yourself. Think about your community. Does Your community have restrictions concerning the potbellied pigs? Think about your home. Do you have the proper environment required to adequately care for a potbelly? Analyze your lifestyle, locations, and the physical characteristics of your and grounds. Are you gone a lot? Who will watch your pig? Does your pig have a space to call her own in both your yard and home? Do you have the time necessary to properly train your pig? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your pig and being a responsible neighbor. Remember it is OK to change your mind about owning a potbellied pig Before You Buy A Pig..but once you have made that commitment, a pig will actually grieve the loss of an owner and will cry real tears. trust me when I say, you do not ever want to see a pig cry.
A Big Responsibility
Be sure and talk to breeders, go visit a sanctuary, and other pet owners. Ask lots of questions. Remember that there are no stupid questions. Conscientious breeders/ sanctuaries will eagerly answer your questions and share their experience and knowledge with you.
Choosing A Breeder/Sanctuary
Only buy a piglet from a responsible breeder or sanctuary. The risk is too great to your family to deal with breeders who are in question. Responsible breeder is concerned with the betterment of the breed as well as the education of the family. They work hard to breed only healthy, happy piglets, both mentally and physically. Sanctuaries also offer happy healthy piglets and pigs. After you have chosen where you are going to get your pig, screen them carefully. Visit the place so you can see what they have to offer. Notice how the pigs interact. Do the breeder/ sanctuary’s pigs act friendly to them, or do they shy away? Realize the responsible individual will be screening you also, as she looks for the best possible home for her piglets/pigs.
How Much Does A Pig Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new pig will be a member of your family for up to fifteen years, so you certainly will want to make a wise investment. Realize breeders/ sanctuaries have individual pricing policies. Remember, just because a pig costs more does not mean the pig will stay small or is of better quality. A fancy name doesn’t make a pig a special new breed, all that says is that the person you’re getting a pig from lacks the knowledge to use appropriate terms relating to pigs. Do NOT fall for the teacup pig myth. People have paid 1000’s of dollars to be disappointed when a pig reaches weights greater than 100lbs. Do not have unrealistic expectations. All pigs grow. The tiny pig you may see or even buy will grow much bugger. The rate of pigs being rehomed because they grew bigger than expected has been reported at 90% or higher in the first year.
Can You Afford A Piglet?
The purchase price of your pig is not the only cost you have to consider. The piglet you take into your family will need proper care: food, health care (vaccinations, worming , tusk and hoof trimmings), and of course your piglet should be spayed or neutered. You will need to provide a bed, harness, leash, and bowls. After establishing the cost of properly caring for a pig in your area and evaluating your budget, ask yourself if you really can afford a potbellied pig. Intact pigs do not make great pets, so you will need to have your pig spayed and/or neutered as soon as possible if they’re not already fixed when you get one. Most people do not factor in that cost when considering adding a pig to the family. Factor in the cost of a containment system like a crate or pen, if you do not have appropriate fencing, you will need to have outdoor space where your pig can “be a pig”, We dedicated a section to new pig parents and what is involved when you get a pig. Click here to read more about that.
Responsibility
After answering these questions and after educating yourself about potbellied pigs, you are ready to decide if a pig is the right pet for your family. There is no doubt that there is nothing cuter than a potbellied pig, but remember it is also a huge responsibility. You must be prepared for a pet with the mind of a 3 year old for its’ entire life. You need to be sure you have a vet that will see pigs, emergency plans for any kind of natural disasters and someone who can “pig-sit” should you need to go out of town. These are all things that need to be considered BEFORE you get a pig.