Lately it has become popular to have a pig as a pet, since some celebrities have decided to adopt such animals. However, it is important to know that this is not the same as owning a cat or a dog. It pays to know a few things about having a pet pig before deciding to take the plunge.
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Pig as a pet
A pig can become an excellent pet for the home. They are animals that can be taught good habits and bond with their owners. In fact, they are animals that can learn quickly, memorize commands and behave affectionately with children. The same positive reinforcement techniques that have been developed for training dogs can be used to teach them to memorize commands.
A pig in good health may have a cheerful disposition and may be running and playing all day long. They like to discover new spaces and contrary to popular belief, they are animals that do not like to live in dirty spaces.
In any case, it must always be remembered that it is an animal with peculiar conditions and characteristics that must be taken into account before adoption. It is important to keep in mind that whenever we adopt an animal, we must assume responsibility for its health and welfare, regardless of the species.
What a pig needs at home
Generally speaking, any domestic animal needs certain care, education, feeding and affection. The first thing to do is to consult a veterinarian, who is the specialist who will be able to tell you what to do to take your pet’s health forward.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that there is no such thing as a mini-pig. Yes, there are smaller breeds than others, but in general, they can weigh up to 100 kilos. In fact, the minimum they can weigh is about twenty-five kilos. This is an important point to take into account, because you will need to have adequate space for its development.
It is important that when you purchase your pig, you do it in a place whose professionalism is recognized. Otherwise, you could be in for a disappointment later on due to health or other problems.
When a pig arrives at your home, it should have its own bedding. This may be a space similar to that needed by a dog. In addition, pigs need space outdoors or with soil, as digging is necessary for this species. In other words, if you want to keep a pig as a pet, you must make sure you give it space to dig around.
You should also bathe your pig every so often and teach him some simple things based on positive reinforcement. In this, training can be similar to that of a dog and you might be surprised at how quickly they can learn.
Regarding their diet, pigs are omnivorous animals. This means that they eat everything. You can offer them fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains. However, you must take care that they do not become overweight, because they usually have a very good appetite.
Image courtesy of vmt.nl, all rights reserved.
