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Post by KellyGa on May 16, 2006 7:39:10 GMT -6
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Post by chickenfarmer on May 16, 2006 9:24:34 GMT -6
Great pics.. and even better info there Kelly....
Are the pot bellies hard to work with care wise... Do they need any special requirements.. I was thinking of adding one or three to my little piece of land here..
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Post by lilsparrow on May 16, 2006 9:48:59 GMT -6
Yes, I am interested in that answer. My mom is telling me I might want to go with something other than the goats I have been obsessing about...she suggested pigs too.
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Post by mckenzygirl on May 16, 2006 19:06:54 GMT -6
Great photos Kelly! Everybody looks happy and healthy!  |
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Post by flowerpower on May 17, 2006 5:20:52 GMT -6
Kelly ,the girls look great! If their little bellies start to touch the ground, just cut back a bit on the pig chow. If they are rooting and grazing, they don't need as much.
PBPs are not hard to take care of. Finding a vet seems to be the hardest part. Pigs enjoy each other's company. They are very smart and can learn tricks.
DAP, there are at least half a dozen pig rescue groups in Florida. There are alot of homeless piggies. And at least the pig would be spayed/neutered when you get it.
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Post by KellyGa on May 17, 2006 9:15:12 GMT -6
I will tell you this, they are VERY smart, and VERY hard to keep penned! They will find ways to get out and come see you if your not right on time with dinner, (speaking from personal experience). Manna Pro and Purina makes a PB Pig specific pellet diet. It is a good idea to feed them that. You can't feed them regular pig feed, since regular pig feed is meant to fatten pigs up. You can't have overwieght PB pigs, as they can get leg and foot problems, arthritis, from being too fat. They already have a physique that has to be closely watched. They will beg and act like they are starving to death, but you can't give in. I don't give any junk treats, only fruit and veggies. They have to stay warm and dry in the winter or they can get pneumonia. They are also kind of like dogs, they need and want the attention from their owners. They need shade to keep cool and I have a baby pool for mine to get in. They can overheat easily in the summer as they don't sweat. If you are serious about getting them, always get more than one. They do love each others company. Look up and do some research on them on the internet. Thats what I did. Took a crash course in them! They are very entertaining and interesting critters to say the least!
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Post by flowerpower on May 18, 2006 5:09:07 GMT -6
Kelly, how are they getting out? Pigs will get themselves into all sorts of mischief. It can be dangerous for them. Even one single Geranium plant can kill them if they eat it.
Pigs are very much like humans in their dietary needs. Lots of protein and fiber are the main things to look for in a chow. As for treats, Cheerios are a big hit and cheese is also a favorite. You can spoil them just a bit sometimes. A little strawberry ice cream or a few fruit loops won't hurt.
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Post by KellyGa on May 18, 2006 9:27:09 GMT -6
They don't get out anymore. The door is a 4 by 2 frame. I had heavy wire stapled on it, but they pushed through that, at the time didnt realize how strong pigs can be. Then, I put the wire back, then took three wooden slats and nailed them along the bottom to deter pushing the wire out. Then, they ripped those off the door and got out. So, I got bigger stronger wood and screws. They can't pull those off...lol. They aren't let out unless we are supervising. They are allowed to stay on the back half of the property, NO flowerbed stomping allowed!  They don't have access to anything that will poison them. I have looked up what will poison them, there sure is a lot! I don't have anything that will though...so we are alright. |
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They don't have access to anything that will poison them. I have looked up what will poison them, there sure is a lot! I don't have anything that will though...so we are alright.