How to Keep Potbellied Pigs Small

How to Keep Potbellied Pigs Small. Potbellied piglets are small and cute, but they grow. And grow. Adult potbelly pigs can range from 70 pounds to more than 300 pounds. Part of having a small pig is luck and genetics. To have as small a potbellied pig as possible, look for a pig whose parents and other family members are small. You also have other methods to keep your pig as small as possible. Do not listen to breeders who say your pig will weigh a maximum of 25 pounds.

Step 1

Set a routine for your pig. Exercise him and feed him at the same times every day. Feed him only twice daily. Like a dog, a potbelly pig begs for food and gobbles up dropped food, so keep your pig away from you when you eat. Potbelly pigs also give "begging" looks similar to dogs. Ignore these; think long term. Saying no to your pig is best for his health.

Step 2

Feed your pig properly; never underfeed him in order to make him smaller. Genetics plays a large part in how big a pig gets. You could feed two potbellies the same amount, and one would grow to be relatively small, while the other is huge. That said, you do not want your pig to become obese. See your vet to determine the ideal weight for your pig and how much to feed him. Ensure he always has clean fresh water on hand. About half of a pig's meal should be food pellets. The rest comes from vegetables, fruit and grass. Avoid foods high in sugar and calories. Low-fat dog food is acceptable.

Step 3

Take your pig walking. Exercising a potbellied pig keeps him healthy and not obese. Start as soon as possible; once a pig is obese, exercising him becomes harder. Exercising your pig is as simple as exercising a dog. Get a leash and harness, and go for a neighborhood walk, a greenway walk or head to the park. As your pig builds up stamina, you can increase the length of your walks. However, avoid exercising your pig outside on hot days; potbelly pigs do not do well in heat.

Step 4

Hide your pig's treats to exercise him. Giving your pig snacks once or twice a day is OK. Again, think healthy and think moderation. Chop up carrots and leafy vegetables to reward your pig for good behavior or for something else. You can also give your pig popcorn because it is full of fiber and low in calories. However, keep the popcorn unsalted and air popped.

References

• "Potbellied Pigs;" Tristan Boyer Binns; 2004
• SUNY Cortland; Pigs as Pets?; Jeanne Swafford; 1996
• "Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs, Revised Edition;" Priscilla Valentine; September 2009
• PBS; Pigs as Pets