hoof timming

Question
Do I need to trim my pot bellied pigs hoves.  They seem to be getting long and I have never heard or read about trimming.  If I do can you give me some guidlines and what to use.

Answer
Absolutely!
Unless your pig lives on a rough terrain that will naturally wear down his hooves, you will eventually have to trim all 16 toes. Otherwise, the long hooves will stretch the delicate tendons.
Many pigs owners do the following:
1. Take the pig to the vet, where the vet usualy puts the pig under anesthesia, and clips away.
2. Try and trim the hooves while the pig is rolled over for a belly rub, or standing, eating out of a bowl.
3. Flip the pig over on his back, hold him down, and WORK FAST, the screams are shrill!
You will need a garden  pruning shears, sold at hardwear stores, and should take small slices. You can see the "quick" in white hooves, it is pink. Stay away from it, or if the hoof texture seems to change in the slices that come off. Getting your pig used to having his feet "messed" with is a must. Pigs can be DESENSITIZED to haveing their hooves trimmed,but it takes patience.
Good luck!
Priscilla Valentine