Did you know that there is no such breed as a "Micro" or "Tea Cup" pig? This is a very unfortunate myth that has been perpetuated by breeders to make a quick buck. Pot Belly Pigs are considered "Micro" but in the pig world....remember that farm pigs average 1000 pounds! Pot belly pigs are not full grown until they are 4 to 5 years old and they're average weight is about 200 pounds - that's a lot of pig when you thought you were only getting a 30 to 50 pound pet. Due to many owners not doing their due diligence and researching the breed, 9 out of 10 pot belly pigs are surrendered within the first year of their life which has resulted in a pot belly pig crisis.
Often people don't realise that pigs like to root and can cause destruction in their homes if they do not receive enough enrichment activities. They can have aggression and health issues if they are not fixed but it's difficult to find a veterinarian who will spay or neuter them and it's even harder to find one that will do it for a reasonable price (many charge between $400 to $1000). They also need to have their hooves trimmed approximately 2 times a year and males need their tusks cut - this is an additional cost (requiring a veterinarian who specialises in exotic animals) if you are unable to perform this task on your own.
They must be properly socialised or else you will have aggression issues; and keep in mind they are incredibly intelligent! Pigs are the fourth smartest animal in the world after Whales, Chimpanzees and Dolphins (yes they are smarter than dogs!) They are considered to have the mental intellect of a three year old child, so if you have children, just think of how mischievous your kids are at that age!
The reason many breeders are able to fool buyers is because a pot belly pig reaches sexual maturity at just 3 months of age! Babies are having babies so you assume that since the parents are small you'll have a small pig when they are full grown but this is not the case because they grow until 4 to 5 years of age. Also many people don't realise that a "Micro Pig" is considered livestock so you cannot have them in the city or many municipalities.
Before you even consider getting a pot belly pig, make sure you do your research, ensure you have time for them, make sure you are zoned for pigs and remember they live an average of 18 to 20 years so be absolutely sure you are committed to that time frame! The best thing you can do is not buy from a breeder and find one that is available for adoption.
Often people don't realise that pigs like to root and can cause destruction in their homes if they do not receive enough enrichment activities. They can have aggression and health issues if they are not fixed but it's difficult to find a veterinarian who will spay or neuter them and it's even harder to find one that will do it for a reasonable price (many charge between $400 to $1000). They also need to have their hooves trimmed approximately 2 times a year and males need their tusks cut - this is an additional cost (requiring a veterinarian who specialises in exotic animals) if you are unable to perform this task on your own.
They must be properly socialised or else you will have aggression issues; and keep in mind they are incredibly intelligent! Pigs are the fourth smartest animal in the world after Whales, Chimpanzees and Dolphins (yes they are smarter than dogs!) They are considered to have the mental intellect of a three year old child, so if you have children, just think of how mischievous your kids are at that age!
The reason many breeders are able to fool buyers is because a pot belly pig reaches sexual maturity at just 3 months of age! Babies are having babies so you assume that since the parents are small you'll have a small pig when they are full grown but this is not the case because they grow until 4 to 5 years of age. Also many people don't realise that a "Micro Pig" is considered livestock so you cannot have them in the city or many municipalities.
Before you even consider getting a pot belly pig, make sure you do your research, ensure you have time for them, make sure you are zoned for pigs and remember they live an average of 18 to 20 years so be absolutely sure you are committed to that time frame! The best thing you can do is not buy from a breeder and find one that is available for adoption.