Copyright 2012 Squeals on Wheels: Petting Zoo Virginia. All Rights Reserved.
FEEDING YOUR MINI PIG
We feed our mini pigs the pellets that are made JUST for mini pigs. These pellets are made with the correct amount of protein, 12% or 14%, with very little fat content. This Mini Pig Chow is made by several different companies and is available at local farm supply or feed stores. If you are not able to find this specially formulated mini pig food at a local feed store or pet store, please consider asking your Veterinarian if their office could order it for you. Mini pigs have HUGE appetites and can easily become obese. The key to maintaining a healthy weight is to limit snacks, establish a feeding routine, and ensure your little piggy gets plenty of exercise.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR NEW LITTLE PIGGY
When you pick up your little piggy, we will provide you with a plastic bag of Mazuri Youth Miniature Pig food. There will be sufficient food for at least 10 days. Information regarding nutritional requirements and many other important topics are contained in the book "Potbellies and other Miniature Pigs (Complete Pet Owners Manual) by Pat Storer. This is the book you will be given when you receive your piggy. We also recommend the book "Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" by Priscilla Valentine. This is an excellent book.
LEVEL ONE OBEDIENCE TRAINING
It is a good idea to review all the obedience training and trick training your piggy received with a few treats the first couple weeks they are home with you.
Using low fat, low calorie treats such as half a Cheerio or grapes is fine for your piggy. We always have our pigs complete/review all of the obedience training and tricks before we feed them their pig pellets or receive a treat. It is important they earn their food and remember what they learned in Level One. When you purchase your piggy, we will provide a video of your pig rehearsing his/her tricks so that you may be easily be able to reinforce the training!
It is as easy as that!
Care of your new piggy
ACCESS TO WATER
Pigs need access to water at all times. They do not have the ability to perspire, so water is important to them. Some pigs drink a lot of water daily, some very little. Each pig is different regarding water intake.
IMPORTANCE OF BLANKETS
Pigs just LOVE their blankets! They love to hide under them, snuggle in them, sleep on them. They will frequently drag their blankets around the house with them. They are a source of comfort. Provide numerous blankets if possible: one for inside, one for the car, one for outside housing. Old blankets are just fine - they are not fussy!
TODDLER PROOF YOUR HOME
Piggies are so intelligent they can figure out how to get into just about anything. If there is a cupboard within their reach, they WILL figure out how to get into it and help themselves to whatever they find! It is important to ensure the food pantry and poison closet has child-proof locks on them!
LITTER BOX TRAINING
All of our pigs at Squeals on Wheels are litter-box trained before they leave. We suggest using dog litter boxes since they have a low opening in the front. Pigs don't like climbing over the edge of a traditional cat litter box. We use NON-cedar wood chips or recycled newspaper for the litter.
TELEVISION
Yes, some little piggies really enjoy watching TV while they are camped out on your lap! They might even develop an enjoyment for certain TV shows. Some owners put music on or keep the TV on for those times when the owners are not home.
VACCINATIONS
Our piggies will not come with any shots. We do not live in a hogging area so there is little to no risk that our pigs would develop a pig disease. If you live in a hogging area or your vet is aware of some pig disease in the area where you live, then I would recommend giving your piggie the shots that are deemed necessary or are precautionary for your geographic location. Check in with your vet soon after you arrive home with your new piggy to determine vaccination policy in your state.
REGISTRATION OF PIGS
Our 100% Juliana Pigs will be registered with the Juliana Pig Association and Registry www.JulianaPig.com Many of our other mini piggies may be a cross between potbellies and Juliana's - there is no registry for this mixed breed.
