What makes some better than others at pig parenthood? (yeah, we aren't perfect either, so we have no idea) However, there are some things you can do to try and prepare for anything that may be in you and your pigs future. We will be adding to this blog as more things come to mind.

Anyone who has a pig that has either had to flip an uncooperative pig or simply restrain a pig that doesn't want to be restrained KNOWS the squeals that come out of your pigs mouth do not reflect their normal demeanor. However, when you have procedures planned and have neighbors close-by, it is just the right thing to do-to let them know what will be happening, just so they don't think there is an issue at your house. 

Keeping a journal of what your pig is doing, has done plus additional details about the care of your pig, this is helpful in many ways. As mentioned in the picture, we suggest you use our pig health form to help you gather the important information your vet will need in order to prioritize when your pig should be seen. Click here to view the page where these documents can be found.

Pigs are like kids in the car, if you slam on the brakes, pigs have no idea what to do or how to "brace themselves". Providing a sense of security for your pig by using a crate or something similar that restricts the area in which they can go is helpful in preventing injury. You would most likely beat yourself up if your pig had a fall in your vehicle resulting in an injury.

Secure fencing is a big one. Some peoples fencing is perfectly arranged with no weakness whatsoever....however, a stray dog looking for an easy target WILL get over a chain link fence or fencing that isn't set up right. Pallets can be used to make a sturdy fence, but they must be reinforced with other materials and because they are so low to the ground, you will also need to figure out something to protect your pig from other animals entering the yard. Click here to view the page with fencing examples. 

Ticks are NOT my favorite insect, not by any stretch of the imagination. But, there are ways to control them in the yard. Some vets approve frontline or Advantage + for use in pigs, please note, you MUST pay close attention to the weight restrictions. Click here to learn more about summertime concerns including a DIY tick and mosquito spray.

This information is covered in our new pig parent section as well, click here to read more information if you are new to pigs.

Nutrition and body scoring are both addressed on our website. Click here to read more about nutrition and click here to read more about body scoring for pigs.

This actually should've been number 1 on the list, but we cannot express the importance of this enough! Click here to read the wide range of complications your pig can have from not being spayed or neutered. It really isn't worth the risk.

So what should go in a first aid kit? What else do you need handy? Click here to find out!

If you suspect your pig is sick, the very first thing you should do is take your pigs temperature. Having a baseline core body temperature is key to knowing whether or not your pig has a fever, can lead you to your next step. The presence of a fever can indicate an infection is brewing, heat distress/overheating or even a systemic response to something else. If your pig has a high fever, it is recommended that your pig be seen by a vet. 

You can click here to see our vet map. This is a very user friendly map, all you need to do is search by city or "zoom in" to your area to see what vet practices are close to you.

Obviously we have tons of great information on our website. Most of the important info regarding a pigs health can be found within the subsections of those pages, but you can click here to read more about specific diseases that are popping up more frequently.

There are a few laws that affect pet pigs and you may have heard of some of them, but likely were not thinking outside the box to realize there are several more that may apply. You don't have to be a professor at a big University that teaches law to know that you have rules and regulations, as well as laws, if applicable. We have selected a few laws that may apply to you when you have an unconventional pet, such as a pet pig.

1. Wills and Estates Law
There was a case in NY several years back about a dog and the dog parent leaving ALL of her estate to the dog. Although contested, the family was quite shocked to find out that her will was legal and enforceable. The family contested, of course, and although they did win a portion, the bulk of her estate did, in fact, go to her dog. (If I am remembering all the facts correctly). This is an issue for a number of reasons...First, be sure to include your pig in any last will and testament you may have on file, including designation to who will care for your pig once you are no longer here to do so yourself. If you have assets, leave financial support for the care of your beloved porcine friend. Second part is to keep this document updated. It will do no good to name someone who is no longer with us. This is important for anyone who has a pet pig, but probably more-so for the rescue community who have large numbers of pigs that will need to be cared for long after they're gone. Always have back up plans for back up plans. ​

2. Travel Laws
We have said it before and now saying it again, you MUST check with the state you are traveling into to see what laws/regulations are in effect for pigs in that state. Some states require visible identification, some require blood tests such as brucellosis and pseudorabies before they will permit a pig to cross the state lines, others may simply require a CVI (certificate of veterinary inspection) also referred to as a health certificate. Whatever the regulations are, be sure you follow them. Click here to be directed to the USDA travel guidelines. The reason for these rules and regulations is actually to protect YOUR pig as well as other pigs from disease that can be carried over by an infected pig. This is also why the penalties are so steep for violations of these rules.

3. Zoning Restrictions
Each state is different in their ordinances regarding keeping pigs within city limits. Each county may have conflicting ordinances within the same state, but you MUST follow YOUR city/county/town ordinance. Many people have waged wars with their cities to try and have the ordinance amended to allow pigs to reside within the city limits. Some people have successfully had the ordinance changed or amended and some have not been successful. It is not worth the fight if you can find out beforehand or try and have the ordinance changed BEFORE you add a pig to your family. There is a lot of disappointment and heartbreak when you get a pig, find out the city doesn't allow pigs in the city and then have to find a new home for your beloved pet. Click here to read more about how to check and see if you're zoned to have a pig and also how you can work to change the city ordinance. ​All it takes is one jerk person to call and "report" you in order to get the wheels of justice moving. Do not get a pig if you have to hide it. That isn't good for you, your family or your pig. 

HOA (homeowners associations) can also impact whether or not you are "allowed" to have a pig. Do not sign HOA paperwork that isn't clear on what is traditional and what is not. Sometimes the wording doesn't include or exclude pigs, but you need to be sure of what is included so you can avoid a court case to try and fight to keep your pig. 

7. Personal Injury Law
You may have the Best. Pig. Ever. BUT, if your pig is at a community event and gets agitated because some kid keeps putting their hands in its' face, your pig may headswipe or even bite...are you responsible? Of course you are.

First, be sure your pig is vaccinated against any disease that can be passed via an animal bite, like rabies to lessen the chances of something bad happening to your pig because of an accidental or even purposeful bite. Second, if your pig tends to bite, do NOT do community events! Do not set your pig up for failure by placing him/her in an environment with a lot of people if your pig is socially standoffish. Third, do stand there with your animal and remove your pig from the premises if you can see your pig is frustrated. Place signs on your pigs area cautioning people that your pig will bite if provoked. Do NOT let young children handle your pig without you being present or literally holding the pig while they gently pet the back or leg while your have a firm grip.

​However, again, if your pig is not trained and socially inept, do NOT take your pig to events like "kiss the pig" or similar situations where your pig is expected to preform a service or act in a certain way for an audience. If your pig is not used to dealing with the public and seems a bit skittish, you will need to work more with your pig before having expectations of your pig being in the spotlight and being successful. ​

8. Property Damage
If you are a renter, this may be applicable to you. ALWAYS take pictures and do an inspection before you move in noting any areas of concern. Be sure your landlord knows you have a pig and you have written permission to have a pet pig in a rental home. There may be preexisting damage that your pig didn't do, that you are being blamed for. Pigs dig, pigs root, pigs will tear up walls and floors. Pigs will accidentally break doors where food is stored. Pigs will accidentally remove flooring when they're bored. Just know these things can happen with a pet pig and if you're visiting someone or renting a home, you may be on the line for damages as a result of your pig being in that home.

​Always keep an eye on your pig in unfamiliar areas and provide enrichment to bored pigs. This will lessen the chances of destruction caused by YOUR pig and hopefully, in turn, reduce your liability in regards to damage that could be caused by your pig. Always do a routine inspection of the area inside and outside of your house to easily identify possible toxins and removal of these potentially hazardous items from your pigs environment. See our blog from last week that discusses bored pig problems and solutions by clicking here.

We’ve just touched on a few of the basic areas where animals impact the law and vice versa, but there are many others. The message here is that, in a legal sense, owning, caring for or even just interacting with animals has become increasingly complicated in recent years. It pays to be aware of the laws and what your risks and rights are depending on your role and always err on the side of caution when it comes to you and your pig. ​​Always know what the laws are in YOUR area, protect your pig.

    I am going to write an introduction post because I never did when I started this page. This page was started because I was sick of seeing people purchase or obtain pigs who were clueless. Period. No knowledge of how to care for a pig, unable to have one where they live, no vet to take care of one....extremely frustrating. I started a FB group more than 2 years ago and at first it was relatively small, about 300-400 people who to this day remain pretty close. We love potbelly pigs. I love it, I can post as many pictures as I want of my sweet Buttercup and I don't have to hear, "looks like she's ready to be bacon, or look, it's dinner" or similar crude remarks. It's full of caring kind-hearted pig people who genuinely seem to care about one another. I've had the opportunity to meet some in person, others I've spoken to on the phone, some for hours at a time and some are great FB friends. It's nice to be able to message someone and you know they will read your message and get back to you because you've been kind enough to do the same for them.

     As a pig community, I do believe people try and educate whenever a situation will allow you to, at least I do. I will be quick to make a post on a cute pig thread where people are oohing and ahhhing over a cute little baby and saying "I want one". Um, you may want to do some research first. lol. What's cute at 8 lbs ain't cute at 80. And that's why I started this page. Hopefully after I get the educational materials flowing, it will be a place that a potential pig owner can come to and actually get what they need to see if a pig is in fact the right pet for them all in one place. I have 100's of pictures of these nonexistent teacup/nano/pocket/royal dandy/micro mini pigs at 70lbs and 100lbs all the way upwards of 300lbs....all promised to be no more than let's get crazy...50lbs. In reality, my pigs rear end weighs more than 50lbs and she's only a year and a half old.

     I am not some expert, I am simply a pig mama who cares about everyone's pigs. And I mean that, I won't hesitate to offer to pay someone's vet bill so their animal can be seen by a vet, or donate to a rescue, or even pick up a pig at the animal control and foster. I do what I can to help. I'm simply asking everyone to do the same. As I've said before, it doesn't have to be finanical, it doesn't even have to be rescuing or fostering, sometimes just educating others is what you're able to do and that's awesome. Any help in debunking myths about pigs is better than nothing. Small words sometimes have a huge impact on people. I've probably scared more people out of getting a pig than I have convincing them to get one with my devil pig horror stories. And to be honest, Buttercup really isn't that bad....now she's a big girl, and usually pretty well behaved, but definitely has caused some trouble and for someone with a yard of the month sign in their front yard? A pig probably isn't the right pet for them. If you value any material possession you have or you don't like to repaint your walls every few months (from the knees down) or you don't like to pick up shredded paper from all over your house? Then a pig isn't the right pet for you. If you don't like coarse hairs sticking into your feet as you walk down your hallway during seasonal changes and the annual blowing of the coats, then a pig isn't the right pet for you. If you like opening your cabinets with just one hand and no childproof lock? Then a pig isn't the right pet for you. BUT....if you want the warmest cuddle bug ever? A pig IS the right pet for you! You want an animal who can eat a grown man under the table? Then a pig is the right pet for you! 

     There are pros and cons to owning any animal. Just make sure you know what's involved with owning a pig before you get one, that's the best gift you can ever give your pet. Pigs are smart, trainable, can be expensive, hardheaded, so very food motivated, mischievous, down right mean and hateful, ruin yards and eat walls and carpet. You don't know what kind of pig you are going to get. But they all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and get proper care when it's needed.

     There are a couple of people I asked to help me get this site going, I'll let them introduce themselves if they chose to do so, I don't necessarily know any more than the next person, but I do know how to find answers and lucky enough to have some super smart people by my side. I was  recently was involved with another website that was designed to educate potential owners and current owners, that partnership didn't work out, but because of my passion to try and teach as many as possible, I decided to move forward and create another website because the information needs to be in as many forums as possible. Education is education regardless of the way it's done. Everyone can learn something.  If you have any topics you'd like to see on the website, please let us know by using the survey forms and we will do our best to find the information, research it and have it added to the site. Or if you have it, and feel like its something that needs to be included, please feel free to email it to us at [email protected]. So allow me to introduce myself....Brittany Sawyer and my devil pig is named Buttercup.