ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605060104
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Claws & Paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: There have been a lot of articles in the newspapers recently about potbellied pigs. Are they easy to look after, and what should they be fed?
A: Vietnamese potbellied pigs were quite a fashionable pet a few years ago, but I am glad to say that their popularity seems to be waning. As little piglets they are very cute, but they do grow up into quite large animals that are better suited to living on a farm rather than any urban situation.
We often see cases where the pig, acquired as a cute little piglet, becomes an adult and has the owner at his wit's end as to how to cope or what to do with this passing fad that is tearing up the yard and upsetting the neighbors.
Potbellied pigs should be fed a commercial miniature pig feed. Do NOT feed them regular commercial swine rations. Supplement the pig's diet with a meal of vegetables. They should have fruit once daily, but not more than 10 percent of the total diet. If they have more, the sugar in the fruit will act as a diuretic, causing the pig to need to urinate frequently. Also avoid onions, cucumbers and radishes - they will give the pig gas! Fresh water should be available at all times.
The pig should have a children's chewable vitamin tablet or Pet-Tab daily. Do not give chocolate in any form; it is poisonous to pigs. To reward good behavior, you can give a treat such as Cheerios, plain popcorn, raisins, grapes or low-sodium, no-fat crackers. Always place the treats on the ground so the pig does not associate hands with food. This lessens the chance of getting bitten.
Never feed a screaming pig; this only encourages bad behavior. Do take care not to overfeed; this can cause medical problems. Like all pigs, these don't know when to stop.
Exercise is important, so allow the pig to spend as much time out of doors as it likes. Pigs that spend a lot of time outside tend to be less destructive and to behave better. If the pig is eating a lot of grass and rooting a lot, remember to cut back on its other food to some extent; even grass has calories.
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB