pet pig

Question
hello Helen!

After reading how much you know about pigs you are just the person I have been looking for!   My family is interested in getting a pet pig, but we are only very lightly touching on the idea.   We live in suburbia with a good sized house. We do have a pool with a patio, but we have grass in the front. What we are looking for is a miniature pig. We do not want a pig that is going to grow very large like farm pigs, if this is possible. I understand that pigs have Hair not fur. We do have 2 people in the family who are allergic to fur from dogs cats etc. are pigs better for allergies?

I have been told that pigs are very intelligent and are not too hard to train, is this true? Can pigs be taught to stay out of certain rooms and can they be taught to go to the door when they have to use the washroom? Do pigs like to chew on things?    We would like to know which gender is easier to train, their exercise needs, and basically everything pig:)   We are really counting on you! Thankyou soo much for your time!   

Hayley   

PS: when I say miniature pig we mean like one similar to the pig in the movie: collage road trip, if you have ever heard of it!

Answer
The average full grown pot-bellied pig is about the same size as a medium dog, but weighs considerably more, around 125 - 150 lb. Their bodies are wide and dense and their bones are heavy.

Pig Placement Network has an excellent article called "Is a Pig Right for You?", along with a wealth of pig care information, and, if a pig is right for you, a starting point to finding just the right pig.

www.pigplacementnetwork.com/isapigrightforyou.htm

If a pig seems like the right kind of pet, the next step is to check your local city zoning ordinances and home owner's association rules. Ask for a copy of the code in writing. This guarantees that the information you receive is correct and gives you proof if someone should later challenge your right to keep a pig. Sometimes city employees are reluctant to provide this written information, but be persistent.

Pigs have bristles not fur. Most fur allergies are actually due to the dandruff on the skin, not the fur. Pig skin is very similar to human skin, so close that it has been used to repair burned human skin. But, some people still report allergic reactions to pigs. Your best bet is to find a rescue, sanctuary, or petting zoo near you and spend some time playing with the pigs, in the house, out in the field or driveway area. The straw and hay inside a barn can cause allergies, then it's hard to tell if the reaction is from the straw or the pig.

Pigs are very smart and learn quickly. The flip side is, they also learn the wrong things very quickly, and it's difficult to correct bad habits. I highly recommend Priscilla Valentines book "Pot Bellied Pig Care and Training". She really understands how pigs think and explains  training in detail, including how to prevent bad habits. Her book is
available from Amazon or her website

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

Sorry I haven't seen College Road Trip so I can't comment on it.