3 Essential Tips for Raising a Mini Pot-Bellied Pig

Mini and pot-bellied pigs are by far some of the cutest pets you can currently find. From their intelligence to their soft hair, pot-bellied pigs are wonderful companions. If you’ve recently brought a mini pot-bellied pig into the family, here are three tips you should know in order to help them live the best life possible.

We’ll be covering:

• Habitat and Housing your Mini Pot-Bellied Pigs
• The Best Feed and What They Like to Eat
• Best Spaying and Neutering Practices

Our Top Tips for Raising Mini Pot-Bellied Pigs

#1 – Habitat

Mini pot-bellied pigs can roam inside or outside. But, that said, there are a few tips you should make a note of if you’re going to let your pigs out into the summer sun.

First of all, make sure your pot-bellied pigs always have access to fresh water. Pigs need to drink a lot to stay hydrated and will suffer if they don’t have enough water to drink. It’s a good idea to keep a trough of water topped up nearby.

Additionally, make sure that if your pigs are outside, you construct an area that allows them to lay in the shade. Pot-bellied pigs have sensitive skin and can burn easily. Due to this, they often like to spend time lounging in the shade on a hot day.

With space to lay down and a trough within reach, your pigs will happily play in the sun till the cows come home!

#2 – What do Mini Pot-Bellied Pigs Eat?

Surprisingly, one of the biggest problems that owners of pot-bellied pigs are likely to encounter in their furry friends is obesity. Despite the common conception that pigs will eat anything and everything, they typically need a well-balanced diet.

Most often, the best way to feed your pigs is by using a feed specifically designed for pot-bellied pigs. Kelley’s Feed is a great all-around option as it provides your pigs with a healthy balance of bran, barley, corn, and a plethora of vitamins and minerals.

The importance of minerals cannot be understated when it comes to the livelihood of mini pot-bellied pigs. Not only will a balanced intake of vitamins allow your pig to continue to grow, but it will also ensure your pot-bellied pig doesn’t fall ill.

Just like humans, pigs can gain a valuable balance of vitamins and minerals from a selection of fruits and vegetables. Raw veggies like carrots, peppers, zucchini, celery, squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and cabbage make great additions to their daily meals. Similarly, common fruits like pears, apples, and melons can be fed (in moderation due to their high sugar content) and will balance out their diet and ensure they’re as healthy as can be.

Another fantastic mini pot-bellied pig complete feed we would recommend is Ace Hi. This blend, much like Kelley’s Feed, guarantees a level of crude protein, fat, fiber, and ash. This all contributes to the overall health and wellness of your little friends.

The helpful feeding directions attached will also help you to feed your pig precisely the quantity it needs!

#3 – Spay and Neuter to Control Hormone Levels in Mini Pot-Bellied Pigs

Alongside preventing any unwanted piglets, neutering your pigs will keep their hormone levels in balance. Especially in male pigs, this can reduce their levels of aggression and ensure they stay as friendly as ever.

The best time to get these procedures done for a mini pig is 3-4 weeks old for a male, and 8-12 for a female. Please make sure to include anesthesia in the cost of neutering, as you’ll be keeping your pigs comfortable during the procedure!

Sow, there we have it! With these top tips, you’ll help your mini pot-bellied pigs grow up in an environment that nurtures them, inside and out. You’ll be hearing the happy oinks in no time.