Choosing a PotBelly Pig as a Pet: The Pros and Cons
Learn Why PotBelly Pigs Should Be Considered Pets
There are many reasons why so many people have turned to pot-bellied pigs as pets. Research has indicated that they are among the most intelligent of animals and, as a result, make very interesting pets for humans. They are also very social beings and like to make friends. In fact, your pet pig could be your best friend if you give it the chance. Another good quality of pot-bellied pigs is that they are very loyal and trustworthy. They will be by your side and make you happy in times of trouble and will never leave you alone to wallow in your pain.
Pot-bellied pigs are also very affectionate. They are very considerate of their owners and are not afraid to show it. Just like a dog licks its owner, your piggies will do the same to show you how much they care about you.
These pigs are very easy to train and you can teach them to perform various tricks just like their canine counterparts. You can train him yourself at home and all you have to do is commit to his training a bit and be consistent with him. You could easily train him to be self-controlled and live indoors without any issues with dirt and hygiene. When you train, you should reward them when they listen to your instructions, as this will boost their morale and make them want to please you more.
A pet pot-bellied pig can be especially kind to its owners when you treat them well. They are not afraid to treat you back with good behavior, as these animals are very appreciative. Pot-bellied pigs are also very healthy and most people who are allergic to many pets have no problem when they come into contact with pot-bellied pigs. This is due to the absence of fur on the animal.
However, there are a couple of downsides to keeping pot-bellied pigs as pets. First of all, the animal lives about 15 years and you have to be totally committed to living with it for that period of time, before getting one as a pet. That means it’s not highly recommended for people who only live in temporary places to get a pot-bellied pig.
They need a lot of space to move around in your home. That means only people who live in fairly large houses can live with them as indoor pets. If you live in an apartment, keeping a pot-bellied pig as a pet may not be a very good idea, as the animal won’t have the space to move around.
Pot-bellied pigs can also smell bad if not cared for properly. They need to be properly socialized or they will become stubborn and refuse to obey your instructions. They suffer in extremely high temperatures and if you live in a hot area, raising a pot belly may not be a very good idea. You may need to provide a pond for your pet to cool off.
Another problem is that pot-bellied pigs often don’t get along with other animals and should probably be your only pets to prevent them from attacking other pets. To avoid this, you must get the pig very young and raise it with the other animals. There are many cases of domestic pigs and dogs being the best of friends.
Most pot-bellied pig owners say the pros outweigh any cons their pets may have. Fortunately, most of the negative factors can be overcome with training or by keeping them clean. By doing these things, you will have a loyal friend for many years to come.