How to Raise a Healthy Potbellied Pig

As the owner of a beautiful 7 year old female potbellied pig, Lucy, I have experience and have done plenty of research on how to raise a potbellied pig. Here's the scoop:

Cute and Cuddly or Fat with a Face Only a Mother Could Love?

First and foremost, you have begun in the right direction if you have been smart enough to begin research before getting your piggy. Personally, I am completely against people breeding and selling potbellied pigs, when there are so many out there without homes. Pigs are not easy to take care of. People will take in a potbellied pig when they are young, tiny, and cute. Then the pig grows to be old, huge, and ugly, and they don't want him anymore. Be aware when you get your pig that he will grow old and will not have the same 'cuteness' that he did when he was a piglet. As you grow to love your pig, you will always think he is cute, no matter how far his belly sags to the ground.

Because people get pigs and are not aware of how to take care of them or that they will not maintain the appeal they first saw in them, a lot of pigs end up at animal sanctuaries, such as Lil' Orphan Hammies in Solvang, CA (http://lilorphanhammies.com/). Caring rescues and sanctuaries take in unwanted potbellied pigs and try to find them good, loving, caring homes. If you are interested-after you do your research, of course-in getting a potbellied pig as a pet, please contact a rescue or sanctuary to give a home to one of many piggies who desperately need one.

Pigs are Not Dogs!

Secondly, pigs are not dogs. Period. You cannot feed them dog food, and expect them to be healthy. Personally, I have a local feed store order my pig's food specially. We feed Lucy Manna Pro Adult Potbellied Pig Food. (Yes, there is a different food for young potbellied pigs.) We purchase a 20 pound bag for around ten dollars. Check out their web site at http://www.mannapro.com/. They also have a great fly spray to keep flies and insects off of your piggy in the summer.