Pig care

In this article, I will discuss the proper way to feed your pet pig. Pigs are omnivores, so their natural diet in the wild would include roots, veggies, nuts, seeds, berries, worms, insects, raw eggs and other little critters. It is ideal to feed captive pigs a large meal twice a day (breakfast and dinner) with healthy snacks throughout the day. 

There are several kinds of commercial feeds available for pigs, but most of them were developed for pigs intended for slaughter (to encourage maximum growth in a minimal amount of time). These feeds should not be fed to pigs who are intended to live a full life. There are commercial mini pig (or pot-bellied pig) food which are a better option but they should complement the pig's meal rather than be fed solely. 

A good daily diet for your pig should be primarily salad and vegetables. An example of a daily diet:

• 3/4 to 1 cup of mini pig pellets two times per day (depending on the size and age of your pig)
• 1-4 heads of lettuce
• 1 helping of fruit as a treat (remove any pits first)
• 1-2 carrots as snacks
• Unsalted nuts can be tossed in the enclosure as a snack and to encourage movement
• Pumpkins are a fun treat in the fall!
• Make sure no salt is added to leftovers fed to pigs

Pig Facts

Studies have found pigs to be more intelligent and trainable than dogs and to have an IQ equal to or greater than a 3 year old child. Pigs are ranked as the 5th most intelligent animal in the world. They can learn their names quickly and they come when called. They are capable of playing video games better than some primates.

Pigs do not sweat which is why they like to lay in water or mud on hot days. Pigs are clean animals and choose a place to defecate away from where they sleep and eat. 

Pigs love belly rubs and can enjoy playing with toys and with each other. 

Pigs have an excellent sense of direction and can find their way home over long distances.

Pigs at the Sanctuary

At the moment all of the pigs at the sanctuary are Pot Bellied (miniature) pigs. The current pigs are Dexter (10+ years old), Olive (6 years old) and Hamlet (1.5 years old). Dexter and Hamlet are neutered and Olive is spayed. 

Vietnam Potbelly pigs are a dwarf swine breed which where developed in the 1960's. They are imported to North American by a Canadian named Keith Connell who intended to put them in zoos but private buyers showed an interest and they began being sold as pets. They are called miniature pigs because they average 250 pounds when full grown which is much smaller than the regular sized 600-1500 pound domestic swine. They are not full grown until 5 years of age.

Interesting fact: A neutered male pig is called a "barrow" while and intact male pig is called a "boar". A female pig who has never had piglets is called a "gilt" while a mother pig is called a "sow".

Dexter

Hamlet

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Olive

Factory Farmed Pigs

Sadly, factory farmed pigs are kept in small cages where they can not turn around. It is common to butcher these pigs at 5 - 6 years of age so they are deprived of 95% of their lives. 

In a lifetime, the average American meat-eater consumes 2,600 animals including 2,450 chickens, 118 turkeys, 33 pigs, and 12 cattle. Reducing meat consumption and purchasing meat that is humanely raised (family farms rather than factory farms) can make a huge difference not only for the wellbeing of the animals, but also for the environment and your health.

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