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Our community
is dedicated to
providing valuable
knowledge and
insight to both
current potbellied
pigs/miniature pig
owners and those
considering adopting
these charming
animals. We
understand the unique
needs and
characteristics of
potbellied pigs and
miniature pigs, and we
are here to help you
navigate the wonderful
world of pet pig
ownership.
Whether you’re a
current owner or just
starting your journey,
our forum serves as a
hub of expertise,
where you can find
answers to your
questions, share
experiences, and learn
from fellow pig
owners. Our goal is to empower you with the
information you need to provide the best possible
care for your potbellied pig or miniature pig and
create a happy, healthy home for them.
Here, you’ll discover a wide range of topics
related to potbellied pigs or miniature pigs,
including diet, housing and environment, health
and veterinary care, behavior and training, and
much more. We encourage open discussions,
where owners can exchange ideas, share tips, and
offer support to one another.
Our dedicated team of pig experts are
committed to providing accurate, up-to-date
information and resources. We strive to create a
welcoming and inclusive environment, where
everyone can feel comfortable asking questions
and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on pig
behavior, seeking recommendations for pig-
friendly products, or simply looking for a place to
connect with fellow pig lovers, our forum is the
perfect platform to expand your knowledge and
network within the pig community.
Join us today and embark on an educational
journey that will deepen your understanding of
potbellied pigs/ miniature pigs and enhance your
bond with these amazing animals. Together, let’s
create a community that promotes responsible pig
ownership and ensures the well-being of these
delightful companions.
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Help us Legalize
Miniature Pigs as
Pets
CLICK HERE
Dispelling the Myth: Misconception
about Potbellied Pigs and Miniature
Pigs and their Growth
Introduction:
Potbellied pigs have gained popularity as pets
over the years, but there are several myths and
misconceptions surrounding their growth and
development. One particular myth involves
breeding a young female potbellied pig with her
own litter-mate, leading breeders to believe that
the resulting piglets would remain small and not
grow beyond a certain size. This false belief has
caused problems, including the abandonment of
potbellied pigs when they inevitably outgrow
expectations. Let’s debunk this myth and shed
light on the truth.
Myth: Breeding a young female
potbellied pig with her litter-mate
will result in permanently small
piglets.
Explanation:
This myth stems from a misunderstanding of
the genetics and biology of potbellied pigs. While
it is true that potbellied pigs are generally smaller
compared to traditional farm pigs, their growth is
influenced by various factors, including genetics,
diet, and overall care. Breeding a young female
potbellied pig with her litter-mate does not
guarantee that the piglets will remain small
throughout their lives. In fact, their growth
potential is determined by the genetic makeup
inherited from both parents, regardless of their
relationship within the litter.
Fact: Potbellied pigs, like any other
breed, will grow and reach their
genetically determined size.
Potbellied pigs, regardless of their lineage or
breeding combinations, will continue to grow and
reach their genetically determined size. While
some individuals may remain smaller than others,
they will still undergo normal growth and
development. Factors such as nutrition, exercise,
and healthcare play significant roles in their overall
growth and well-being. It is crucial for prospective
potbellied pig owners and breeders to understand
that they should not rely on this myth as a
guarantee of perpetual small size.
Consequences of the Myth:
Believing in the myth of breeding a young
female potbellied pig with her litter-mate can have
severe consequences. When piglets inevitably
grow larger than expected, individuals who were
misled by this false notion may find themselves ill-
prepared to care for a larger-sized pig. This
misconception has led to the abandonment and
relinquishment of potbellied pigs, contributing to
the already existing problem of the pet pig rescue
and overpopulation.
Dispelling the myth that breeding a young
female potbellied pig with her own litter-mate will
result in permanently small piglets is essential for
promoting responsible pet ownership.
Understanding that potbellied pigs, like any other
living beings, will grow and reach their genetically
determined size is crucial in providing proper care,
nutrition, and housing for these intelligent
animals. By debunking this myth, we can help
prevent the abandonment and mistreatment of
potbellied pigs and promote their well-being in
loving and responsible homes.
Remember, accurate knowledge and
responsible practices are key to ensuring the
welfare of potbellied pigs and all animals in our
care.
NAPPA’s Hope for Hooves Project
2022/2024
A Guide for Foster Pig Parents
This guide is designed to provide foster
parents with a comprehensive overview of the
NAPPA’s Hope for Hooves Project. Along with
information included in the foster pig packet, the
guide is meant to be helpful resource for foster
parents and should answer many of the questions
that may arise before and during foster care. All
information is subject to change.
A second chance is sometimes all we need.
The same goes for pet pigs hoping to find a new
loving home. There are plenty of pigs longing for a
new life and welcoming owners, so before you buy
we should remember that many of the sweetest
and loving pigs are found in local rescues and
should be considered as your next foster pig. Our
mission is to create the safety net these potbellied
and miniature pigs need so desperately.
Reason to Foster
Thank you for opening your heart and home
to a homeless pig. Your generosity will provide
young, old, injured and abused and under-
socialized pigs a chance to grow or heal before
finding their forever home. Our hope for placing
homeless pigs will save many pigs other wised
homeless. The Hope for Hooves Project plays an
integral part in facilitating adoption of many pigs
into forever homes. Fostering is a wonderful
experience for you and your family. You can feel
good knowing you have helped enrich a pig’s life.
Even better, you’ve created space in the rescue to
accommodate other homeless pigs. Foster pigs
provide hope. Your act of kindness is repaid in
rewards that are beyond words.
How long are pigs in foster homes?
It depends on the pig and situation. The
average stay in a foster home is about 1-2 years.
However, pigs recovering from an injury and
seniors may stay much longer.
Can I adopt my foster pig?
YES! Foster parents have first choice to adopt
their foster pig.
If I have my own animals, can I foster?
Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a risk to
expose your established animal to a foster pig due
to being prey and not adjusting to their
surroundings.
What supplies are needed to foster?
Foster parents provide space, basic training,
exercise, and love for the pig. Hope for Hooves
will provide food for the foster pig and give contact
information on partnered veterinarians, vet access
and list of veterinarian colleges. We proudly have a
sponsor to give feed to your foster pig. Always
provide plenty of clean fresh water!
Do I have to crate-train my foster pig?
Yes, it is one of the most efficient ways to house
train a foster pig. Some pigs need to be trained to
walk into a crate. This is relatively easy to
accomplish by putting a small amount of treats into
crate. When the pig walks into the crate, then
secure the door behind them. Crates should never
be used as punishment.
Stay calm, be patient and read about the 3-
3-3 Rule
The 3 day, 3 week, 3 months Rule: In the first
days, your foster pig will be overwhelmed with
their new surroundings. Let them walk up to you
as they may be scared and unsure of what is going
on.
After 3 weeks ,your foster pig will be settling
in, feeling more comfortable, and realizing this will
be their safe home awaiting for their forever home.
They have figured out their environment and have
established a routine that you have set. Behavior
issues may start showing, this is your time to be a
strong leader and calmly show them what is right
from wrong.
After 3 months, your foster pig is now
completely comfortable in their home. You have
built trust and true bond with your foster pig,
which gives them a complete sense of security with
you.
The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guide. Every pig is
unique and will adjust differently. Give your foster
pig space and allow them to go at his own pace.
How much time each day is needed to
foster?
Commitment and responsibilities are
requirement for fostering a pig. It is essential that
foster parents understand that a pig may be
stressed and even emotional post transport from
the rescue to the foster home. Foster parents
must be willing to be patent and commit to the pig
because our goal is to keep them in a stable and
consistent environment. Create a routine that you
set from day one.
Transporting your Foster Pig
The safest way to transport your pig is in a
secure crate in the back of a SUV. The crate should
be secured so that it doesn’t tip over.
Harness Training
Harness training should not be attempted
until your pig trusts you and is totally comfortable
being touched all over. During your touching
sessions, try taking measurements of your pig’s
neck and girth with a cloth tape. This will be
helpful when adjusting the harness (off the pig)
before the initial fitting. Take your time and be
patient. Rub the harness on the pig’s body. Let
your pig sniff and root the harness. This is called
desensitization.
Training Tip
We suggest positive, rewards based training
for pigs. Increasing your foster pig’s basic-training
skills has many benefits. Not only will the future
adopter appreciate these skills, but your foster pig
will have better manners when visiting a vet and
you will have a much happier foster experience.
Some basic training cues that your foster pig
should learn are: Sit, Come and Crate. These are
very helpful in managing any pig.
Your foster pig should be allowed to root in
the soil and graze on the grass (not treated with
chemicals or fertilizers). Pigs are susceptible to
selenium deficiency. If pigs are allowed to graze
and root in the soil they will get enough.
Do not feed dog or cat food (it is too high in
protein). Never feed salty snacks. Never feed any
pork or pork products. Give plenty of fresh water,
do not give in to begging.
We are proud to bring together our experts in the
overall care and related issues of the pet pig. The
information shared will help to improve the health
and wellness of our pigs. By working together,
and teaching new owners the importance of
responsible pig parenting, we give homeless pet
pigs a chance to thrive in their forever homes.
PET PIG SUMMIT ARTICLES:
•
BEHAVIOR ISSUES IN MINIATURE PIGS
•
NUTRITION OF POTBELLIED PIGS
•
FUN & SIMPLE WAYS TO TRAIN YOUR PET PIG
•
TIPS FOR SOLVING COMMON PET PIG
PROBLEMS
•
GENERAL FEEDING GUIDELINES FOR
POTBELLIED AND MINIATURE PET PIGS
•
MINIATURE PIG CARE SHEET
•
HISTORY OF THE POT-BELLIED PIG / KEITH
CONNELL
•
5 IMPORTANT FACTS TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT
PETS
•
WAYS TO STRENGTHEN BONDS WITH A
RESCUE PIG
•
5 SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS
•
7 REASONS TO CONSIDER ADOPTING THE
ADULT PET PIG
•
THINKING ABOUT A POTBELLIED PIG
•
SHOULD YOU GET A PIG AS A PET?
•
HELPFUL TIPS
•
DR. JOHN CARR & OTHER RESCUE
ORGANIZATIONAL INFO & EDUCATIONAL
VIDEOS
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PET PIG
SUMMIT
The Pet Pig Summit
Welcome to the Potbellied
Pig and Miniature Pig
Education and
Information Forum
Welcome