Notes

howcastartrec
Teacup pigs are very trainable, as they are very very intelligent! Pigs are like 3-year-old children - intelligent, curious, mischievous and sometimes manipulative. They are sensitive creatures that can be playful, and even humorous. In the intelligence scale, they are only two species away from the intelligence of humans! Only the monkey/ape family and the dolphin/whale families are more intelligent.

Teacup pigs don’t have coats, so they don’t shed dander like cats and dogs. That means they tend not to aggravate allergies in people with pet allergies
You can litter train them, and teach them tricks just as you would a dog. They are clean, generally non-allergenic, odor-free, flea-free, charming and inexpensive to feed. Pigs are social, bonding easily with humans. They’ll readily roll over for a tummy rub, as well as snuggle with you. They don’t bark, prowl the streets or spread rabies. Compared with dog droppings, mild smelling “pig berries” are a breeze to clean up. Teacup pigs are motivated by food, so treat-based positive reinforcement training is best. You can take them for walks, and you can usually use products made for dogs, including leads, bowls and adorable little jackets and outfits.

Teacup piggies are "special" animals and owners who take the time to understand the psychology of piggies bond very closely with their piggies. Many owners sleep with their pigs, travel with their oinkers, dress them in costumes and share every aspect of their lives with their piggy companions. Piggies love to have their tummies scratched, and to snuggle with their owners.

Pigs don’t have sweat glands, so they don’t generate their own funky smell. The males only begin to stink because when they mature they develop scent glands that smell awful. Neutered and female pigs don’t develop these glands, so they never really smell bad in and of themselves.

Teacup pigs are very sociable, and they get on well with other household pets, especially if they are introduced to other animals at a younger age.
Teacup pigs love to be in blankets, and not just during winter holidays. They love their blankets all the time. Digging around in blankets helps alleviate their rooting instinct, and when they do that, you’ll have a pig in a blanket.

ACCESS TO WATER
Pigs need access to water at all times. They do not have the ability to perspire, so water is important to them. Some pigs drink a lot of water daily, some very little. Each pig is different regarding water intake. We use stainless steel non-tip bowls.

BED AND BLANKETS

Pigs just LOVE to have their own bed and blankets! They need to have a spot they can call their own - it adds to their stability and they love to hide under blankets, snuggle in them, sleep on them. They will frequently drag their blankets around the house with them. They are a source of comfort. Provide numerous blankets if possible: one for inside, one for the car, one for outside housing. Old blankets are just fine - they are not fussy! It is fun to start them out in a pack n play and when they get older and have the run of the home, the mesh end of it can be cut and they have their own exit and entrance!

It is suggested to use a dog litter box since they have a low opening in the front. Long, low under-the-bed sweater boxes work nicely if one is cut down for easy entry. Pigs don't like climbing over the edge of a traditional cat litter box. it is suggested to use wood chips (not cedar since the fumes from cedar are toxic to small lungs) or recycled newspaper for the litter.

Yes, some little piggies really enjoy watching TV or videos (especially about pigs!) while they are camped out on your lap! They might even develop an enjoyment for certain TV shows. Some owners put music on or keep the TV on for those times when the owners are not home

If you live in a hogging area or your vet is aware of some pig disease in the area where you live, then I would recommend giving your piggie the shots that are deemed necessary or are precautionary for your geographic location. Check in with your vet soon after you arrive home with your new piggy to determine vaccination policy in your state

HOOF CARE

Those little hooves on these tiny pigs will need some attention - maybe some filing or a little clip 3-4 times per year. We harness train our piglets and walk them on sidewalks so there is not a need to trim the hooves very often. Not taking care of your babies feet can result in stiff and/or deformed joints

We feed our mini pigs the pellets that are made JUST for mini pigs. These pellets are made with the correct amount of protein, 12% or 14%, with very little fat content. This Mini Pig Chow is made by several different companies and is available at local farm supply or feed stores. If you are not able to find this specially formulated mini pig food at a local feed store or pet store, please consider asking your Veterinarian if their office could order it for you. Mini pigs have HUGE appetites and can easily become obese. The key to maintaining a healthy weight is to limit snacks, establish a feeding routine, and ensure your little piggy gets plenty of exercise. We use Mazuri brand mini pig food. Potbellied pigs are omnivores, so their natural dietary intake in the wild would include berries, worms, raw eggs, roots, veggies, nuts, seeds, insects, and other little critters. It would be difficult to imitate this diet for your pig, but you can feed your pig a variety of healthy veggies along with the Mazuri Pellets. We feed our pigs twice a day (breakfast and dinner) and add veggies to the Mazuri pellets. Your pig’s diet may contain veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower (limit amount due to bloating and gas), green beans, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, edamame, bell peppers and peeled zucchini. We peel the zucchini (unless they are organic) because the skin may contain residual pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is best to introduce new veggies slowly.

piglets easily get along with other animals if they are raised with cats, dogs and all types of farm animals. Being raised with other animals is the key to ensure they get along with your own cats, dogs, etc.

Dry skin may be prevented on your piglet by applying a mild skin lotion on a daily or every other day basis. Pigs can easily develop dry skin - they have hair, not fur, and no sweat glands. Baths can dry out their skin so try to bathe them one time monthly or less.