Welcome

to pigsaspets.org

Pigs as Pets - A New Platform Dedicated to

Pet Pigs and Pig Lovers

Pigs as Pets is excited to announce the launch of a new platform dedicated to potbellied pigs, miniature pigs, and all pig lovers. This specially designed website will be your go- to source for all pig related information. The website’s content is structured in the form of questions, mirroring the typical inquiries that pig owners have about the overall care of their pigs. The mission of Pigs as Pets is to preserve and protect the pet pig. Our website seeks to provide a thorough, user friendly resource for pet pigs. It will offer exclusive, valuable information about porcine behavior, diet, care, and health. Pigs as Pets recognizes the close relationship between people and their pet pig friends. We hope to foster a community of pig lovers who can interact and develop a deeper appreciation for their pet pigs. The website will offer a wide variety of information on pig diets, covering inquiries regarding the ideal food selections, quantity sizes, unique dietary requirements, and more. Pig owners can make educated decisions to make sure their pet pigs get the nutrition they need with the help of Dr. Carr. It is also important to note that a pleasant home life with your pet pig depends on your understanding of pig behavior. Pigs as Pets is an excellent resource for knowledge backed by experts in various porcine behavior related topics, including training, socialization, aggressiveness, and more. Pig owners will have access to plenty of knowledge and helpful advice to better understand the many sides of pig behavior. Additionally, Pigs as Pets understands the value of keeping a pig’s general health in good condition. We will address various pig health- related issues, such as preventative care, typical health problems, vaccines, parasite control, and emergency preparedness. Users will have access to materials and articles written by experts to assist them in providing proactive care for their pet pigs. We are thrilled to debut this innovative platform, where pig lovers and owners can obtain trustworthy information. By gaining knowledge and giving your pig the attention it deserves, we strengthen the relationship between people and their pet pig friends, making their lives happier and healthier. Whether you are an experienced pig lover or a first-time owner, this site is for you.

NAPPA’s Hope for Hooves Project

 2022/2023

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.