General overview of pigs behavior
Pot-Bellied Pigs are becoming more common in animal-assisted activities and therapy, and they can be good visitors. Pot-Bellied Pigs have been something of a fad in many areas of the country, but better information is becoming available. Handlers are learning humane training methods and are developing respectful relationships with their pigs. As with any animal, its recommended that you have done your research before bringing a new species home. Potbelly pig personalities are complex. You need a good understanding of their behavior and habits before getting one. Potbelly pigs are herd animals. They have a strong pecking order. If they are spoiled, they often become territorial, and can be aggressive towards humans who don't form part of their herd, especially house guests. Pigs have an instinctual urge to be "top hog," which includes defending their territory. Those that receive lots of firm but subtle, daily discipline, and setting boundaries in the home, do not tend to exhibit this behavior (although anything is possible, after all, you're not a pig and it's not a human).
Pigs are not domestic animals like dogs or horses, they are wild animals and that must be factored into our understanding of their psychology. Unlike domestic animals, humans are not viewed by the pig as a playmate or like a dog views us, but as a potentially deadly predator. More about the definitions and significance of this status later. But keeping it foremost in the mind helps to understand many things that are not otherwise clear.
Pigs mature mentally and develop intelligence far greater than other animals. What playfulness was so enjoyable when he was a 3 month old piglet will be gone and forgotten when he is 4 years old and entering the mature pig years. Most will no longer be willing to be entertained in such silly ways, however, based on your relationship with your pig, he/she may still enjoy these things. He will become an adult pig with adult PIG needs.. not human needs or dog needs.. he will need the society of pigs, an environment that is challenging and interesting, relationships that have social and emotional content suitable for his species. A single pig is one of the saddest things on the planet. He knows, somehow, that he will never in his lifetime get to speak to someone who understands his language, or share his needs and his fears. Many, when they reach this point of awareness and the desperation that comes with it, simply give up and die, in extreme social isolation cases. If you expect that your companionship is enough to sustain him, you are simply not thinking about what he needs, HOWEVER, there are many single pig households that do great with only one pig. This is all based on each individual pigs personality, disposition and activity level. While I do agree pigs usually do better in pairs, it is not always the end of the world if you only have one. Much of this article was from a link (posted below) but we have edited it to add in our thoughts on some of these controversial things such as single pig families. Think long and hard about life, and imagine that you are raised by groundhogs and will never in your life see or speak or touch another human, living in an environment that is unhealthy to your genetic type and mentally incompatible to your needs... it's not a life we would choose. And he does not choose it. Those who point to the social nature of wild pigs to indicate how willing pigs are to live with humans forget the simple basis of the interaction, the pigs are free to come and go. (Very biased point of view- I tend to disagree though on a personal level) Based on the circumstances with regards to YOUR particular situation, ensuring your pig has appropriate enrichment activites to keep him/her stimulated, I feel like single pigs can absolutely thrive in the right environment. However, I will also say that a pig who has grown up having pig friends that finds himself alone, that can certainly weigh in and cause severe or extreme depression that could certainly lead to death and it is horrifying to watch or bear witness to.
Pigs are outdoor animals. While inside time is fine in moderation, it is not his natural setting and will not make for a happy pig in the long term. It is like keeping your teenager locked in the house.. not a good plan for either of you. Start out with a well-planned outdoor area and invite him in for visits. He will be happier and healthier and both you and the pig will have a more normal life style. Pigs have to graze to keep their immune function working properly. It is for that reason (and others) that house pigs often only live half as long as outdoor pigs. Grazing, exercise and an outdoor life with sun and breezes and rain is essential for a healthy pig. Also keep in mind that bored pigs are often destructive pigs. They do need mental stimulation.
Careful attention to his environment is the key to your long term relationship. Environment as much as genetics drive his behavior and while there is nothing you can do about the genetics, you have control of his environment and are solely responsible for providing a suitable one. Observe and learn from your own pig what he really enjoys for entertainment. Some like a soccer ball to push around, others absolutely have to have company. The biggest mistake you can make with a pig is assuming he will be content with being a "pet". Pigs are as intelligent as primates and have emotional and social needs that very closely parallel the same in man. In many cases their reasoning results in conclusions that are far more "mature" than one would expect based on similar situations in human society. A pig needs intellectual stimulation to mature into the adult of his species that he is designed to be. He needs emotional fulfillment through lifetime bonds with others of his own kind, especially his family. He needs the opportunity to develop his own society and rules of behavior that are satisfying to his innate psyche.
Potbellied pigs are prey species. Dogs are a natural predators. Therefore, pigs have instinctive fear of dogs. The handler must also be aware of this relationship between pigs and dogs. Even if the pig does well with other animals, the wrong situation might activate primal fears. Care and respect for this aspect of being a pig must always be present. Click here to read more about the dangers of pigs and dogs.
Smell is their primary sense; their vision is not keen. Smell is the sense pigs use for protection in the wild. A Pot-Bellied Pig can sense fear and may respond to a person’s fearful body signals. As has been mentioned, Pot-Bellied Pigs are extremely sensitive to scent and can respond aggressively to scents. This is more in the wild (feral pigs) than it is in domesticated pigs.
Even though a pig's vision is not keen, the way a pig perceives the world will affect the way a pig will test and visit. A pig may refuse to walk on distinctly patterned, highly polished/shiny, or red floors because it appears as if it is walking into an abyss, not to mention they lose traction easily and can slip and fall resulting in fractures, sprains or strains. A pig will also refuse to walk on unstable surfaces. A board being used on the ground for whatever purpose-if it shifts or moves while your pig is on it, your pig will NOT continue on or may be fearful of using that board again.
Pigs are very vocal. They communicate by grunting, squealing, and snorting to indicate pleasure, distress, alarm, etc. Research says that pigs have at least 20 different vocalizations, each meaning something different. Click here to read our page about the sounds pigs make along with what we think these sounds mean.
Pigs foam at the mouth, usually when it's feeding time or food is discovered. This does NOT mean your pig has rabies. Foaming at the mouth is normal and also circumstantial. As stated, food will lead to the foam and so will aggression. Foam is used to "scare" a predator along with other things pigs do when being challenged.
Some pigs never meet a stranger, others are very wary of everyone. Don't force unwanted relationships or biting may occur. Pigs and young children should be associated only with extreme caution. Pigs snap at each other as a normal part of their behavior and they snap at a child just as easily. It is not a signal of a "bad" pig, it is a perfectly normal action but can easily result in injury. Some pigs get aggressive and protective around food. Since food treats, food on the floor, etc. can often be a part of pig visits, one never knows when a pig might feel its food source is being threatened by an unsuspecting client. The pig’s response to having food removed must be tested for as well as how gently a pig can take food. Removing food is a direct challenge and threat to the pig. The pig will probably be unhappy. Some may grunt and squeal and get agitated. When pigs get food aggressive, you should stop hand fed treats until the behavior is under control. Click here to read more about food aggression.
Basic Postures
Pot-Bellied Pigs can be highly territorial, requiring adequate personal space or they are likely to charge. Good handlers must be observant of what their pig is doing - including spacing - at all times. Pigs can become easily stressed and can emit a scream.
A pig’s size and weight is a consideration. True potbellied pigs/mini pigs come in many sizes; only the babies are very small. Adults often get to be very large and heavy. (Click here to read more about realisitic sizes of pigs) Their body mass (coupled with their low reaction time) can be problematic in certain circumstances. Heavy or large pigs must be very aware of their size and exceptionally responsive to signals such as move over, get up, turn around,etc.
It is not always easy to know if a mini pig is feeling good on a given day. A pig has fewer body signals than many other animals. But you will come to know what is normal and abnormal for your pig. A pig who usually eats breakfast as soon as it is placed in reach but fails to get up for it one day could be a sick pig, for example. Click here to read more about mini pig health and the concerns.
Pigs that are challenging someone will turn sideways with their back hunched, the mohawk will be raised and they will usually chomp their mouth causing excessive foam. Click here to read more about pig aggression. They will also do this when meeting a new pig for the first time. (Introducing two pigs is a process and discussed in another area, click here if you would like to go to that page)
Signs of Fear or Stress
To help you avoid a charge, the signs of a pig contemplating a charge are:
Signs of Relaxation
From National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/petpigproblems
Pot-Bellied Pigs are becoming more common in animal-assisted activities and therapy, and they can be good visitors. Pot-Bellied Pigs have been something of a fad in many areas of the country, but better information is becoming available. Handlers are learning humane training methods and are developing respectful relationships with their pigs. As with any animal, its recommended that you have done your research before bringing a new species home. Potbelly pig personalities are complex. You need a good understanding of their behavior and habits before getting one. Potbelly pigs are herd animals. They have a strong pecking order. If they are spoiled, they often become territorial, and can be aggressive towards humans who don't form part of their herd, especially house guests. Pigs have an instinctual urge to be "top hog," which includes defending their territory. Those that receive lots of firm but subtle, daily discipline, and setting boundaries in the home, do not tend to exhibit this behavior (although anything is possible, after all, you're not a pig and it's not a human).
Pigs are not domestic animals like dogs or horses, they are wild animals and that must be factored into our understanding of their psychology. Unlike domestic animals, humans are not viewed by the pig as a playmate or like a dog views us, but as a potentially deadly predator. More about the definitions and significance of this status later. But keeping it foremost in the mind helps to understand many things that are not otherwise clear.
Pigs mature mentally and develop intelligence far greater than other animals. What playfulness was so enjoyable when he was a 3 month old piglet will be gone and forgotten when he is 4 years old and entering the mature pig years. Most will no longer be willing to be entertained in such silly ways, however, based on your relationship with your pig, he/she may still enjoy these things. He will become an adult pig with adult PIG needs.. not human needs or dog needs.. he will need the society of pigs, an environment that is challenging and interesting, relationships that have social and emotional content suitable for his species. A single pig is one of the saddest things on the planet. He knows, somehow, that he will never in his lifetime get to speak to someone who understands his language, or share his needs and his fears. Many, when they reach this point of awareness and the desperation that comes with it, simply give up and die, in extreme social isolation cases. If you expect that your companionship is enough to sustain him, you are simply not thinking about what he needs, HOWEVER, there are many single pig households that do great with only one pig. This is all based on each individual pigs personality, disposition and activity level. While I do agree pigs usually do better in pairs, it is not always the end of the world if you only have one. Much of this article was from a link (posted below) but we have edited it to add in our thoughts on some of these controversial things such as single pig families. Think long and hard about life, and imagine that you are raised by groundhogs and will never in your life see or speak or touch another human, living in an environment that is unhealthy to your genetic type and mentally incompatible to your needs... it's not a life we would choose. And he does not choose it. Those who point to the social nature of wild pigs to indicate how willing pigs are to live with humans forget the simple basis of the interaction, the pigs are free to come and go. (Very biased point of view- I tend to disagree though on a personal level) Based on the circumstances with regards to YOUR particular situation, ensuring your pig has appropriate enrichment activites to keep him/her stimulated, I feel like single pigs can absolutely thrive in the right environment. However, I will also say that a pig who has grown up having pig friends that finds himself alone, that can certainly weigh in and cause severe or extreme depression that could certainly lead to death and it is horrifying to watch or bear witness to.
Pigs are outdoor animals. While inside time is fine in moderation, it is not his natural setting and will not make for a happy pig in the long term. It is like keeping your teenager locked in the house.. not a good plan for either of you. Start out with a well-planned outdoor area and invite him in for visits. He will be happier and healthier and both you and the pig will have a more normal life style. Pigs have to graze to keep their immune function working properly. It is for that reason (and others) that house pigs often only live half as long as outdoor pigs. Grazing, exercise and an outdoor life with sun and breezes and rain is essential for a healthy pig. Also keep in mind that bored pigs are often destructive pigs. They do need mental stimulation.
Careful attention to his environment is the key to your long term relationship. Environment as much as genetics drive his behavior and while there is nothing you can do about the genetics, you have control of his environment and are solely responsible for providing a suitable one. Observe and learn from your own pig what he really enjoys for entertainment. Some like a soccer ball to push around, others absolutely have to have company. The biggest mistake you can make with a pig is assuming he will be content with being a "pet". Pigs are as intelligent as primates and have emotional and social needs that very closely parallel the same in man. In many cases their reasoning results in conclusions that are far more "mature" than one would expect based on similar situations in human society. A pig needs intellectual stimulation to mature into the adult of his species that he is designed to be. He needs emotional fulfillment through lifetime bonds with others of his own kind, especially his family. He needs the opportunity to develop his own society and rules of behavior that are satisfying to his innate psyche.
- Potbelly pigs must be taught to respect humans from the outset. They must be trained to respect the word "no".
- Pigs can learn to scream. This will be used to wake the owner for breakfast, beg for food, and raid pantries.
- Potbelly pigs can be demanding, overly sensitive, or even neurotic. They can quickly be very jealous of other pets if not socialized properly. They are also "drama queens".
- Pigs will often pout if challenged by humans.
Potbellied pigs are prey species. Dogs are a natural predators. Therefore, pigs have instinctive fear of dogs. The handler must also be aware of this relationship between pigs and dogs. Even if the pig does well with other animals, the wrong situation might activate primal fears. Care and respect for this aspect of being a pig must always be present. Click here to read more about the dangers of pigs and dogs.
Smell is their primary sense; their vision is not keen. Smell is the sense pigs use for protection in the wild. A Pot-Bellied Pig can sense fear and may respond to a person’s fearful body signals. As has been mentioned, Pot-Bellied Pigs are extremely sensitive to scent and can respond aggressively to scents. This is more in the wild (feral pigs) than it is in domesticated pigs.
Even though a pig's vision is not keen, the way a pig perceives the world will affect the way a pig will test and visit. A pig may refuse to walk on distinctly patterned, highly polished/shiny, or red floors because it appears as if it is walking into an abyss, not to mention they lose traction easily and can slip and fall resulting in fractures, sprains or strains. A pig will also refuse to walk on unstable surfaces. A board being used on the ground for whatever purpose-if it shifts or moves while your pig is on it, your pig will NOT continue on or may be fearful of using that board again.
Pigs are very vocal. They communicate by grunting, squealing, and snorting to indicate pleasure, distress, alarm, etc. Research says that pigs have at least 20 different vocalizations, each meaning something different. Click here to read our page about the sounds pigs make along with what we think these sounds mean.
Pigs foam at the mouth, usually when it's feeding time or food is discovered. This does NOT mean your pig has rabies. Foaming at the mouth is normal and also circumstantial. As stated, food will lead to the foam and so will aggression. Foam is used to "scare" a predator along with other things pigs do when being challenged.
Some pigs never meet a stranger, others are very wary of everyone. Don't force unwanted relationships or biting may occur. Pigs and young children should be associated only with extreme caution. Pigs snap at each other as a normal part of their behavior and they snap at a child just as easily. It is not a signal of a "bad" pig, it is a perfectly normal action but can easily result in injury. Some pigs get aggressive and protective around food. Since food treats, food on the floor, etc. can often be a part of pig visits, one never knows when a pig might feel its food source is being threatened by an unsuspecting client. The pig’s response to having food removed must be tested for as well as how gently a pig can take food. Removing food is a direct challenge and threat to the pig. The pig will probably be unhappy. Some may grunt and squeal and get agitated. When pigs get food aggressive, you should stop hand fed treats until the behavior is under control. Click here to read more about food aggression.
Basic Postures
Pot-Bellied Pigs can be highly territorial, requiring adequate personal space or they are likely to charge. Good handlers must be observant of what their pig is doing - including spacing - at all times. Pigs can become easily stressed and can emit a scream.
A pig’s size and weight is a consideration. True potbellied pigs/mini pigs come in many sizes; only the babies are very small. Adults often get to be very large and heavy. (Click here to read more about realisitic sizes of pigs) Their body mass (coupled with their low reaction time) can be problematic in certain circumstances. Heavy or large pigs must be very aware of their size and exceptionally responsive to signals such as move over, get up, turn around,etc.
It is not always easy to know if a mini pig is feeling good on a given day. A pig has fewer body signals than many other animals. But you will come to know what is normal and abnormal for your pig. A pig who usually eats breakfast as soon as it is placed in reach but fails to get up for it one day could be a sick pig, for example. Click here to read more about mini pig health and the concerns.
Pigs that are challenging someone will turn sideways with their back hunched, the mohawk will be raised and they will usually chomp their mouth causing excessive foam. Click here to read more about pig aggression. They will also do this when meeting a new pig for the first time. (Introducing two pigs is a process and discussed in another area, click here if you would like to go to that page)
Signs of Fear or Stress
- Mane or hackles up
- Twitches the tail (like a cat), usually on only one side
- Head swipe or side swipe of the head, quickly flinging the head from front to side (If your pig has long tusks, please be sure to protect yourself with a sorting board or barrier of some kind. These tusk, even sometimes accidental can cause a lot of damage to you or whomever you pig is head swiping)
- Chomping of the mouth (not teeth grinding). This is a special “click.” Not all clicks are a sign of anger. Chomping of the mouth is usually accompanied by a foamy white discharge from the mouth.
- A long, low grunt vocalization can be a warning of anger (before acting on it).
- Charging. The Pot-Bellied Pig is not necessarily going to bite. Charging is a warning sign like a growling dog. If a pig charges, discontinue the test. The pig is showing signs of fear.
To help you avoid a charge, the signs of a pig contemplating a charge are:
- Tense body
- Pig appears to be thinking
- Tail is straight
- Head is down, with eyes looking up
- Side stepping- this is an indication that a pig is NOT happy. Chomping usually accompanies this behavior as well and typically leads to charging.
Signs of Relaxation
- Sniffs the floor
- Shuts eyes
- Rubs a person’s legs like a cat
- Gentle wagging of the tail like a dog (wagging on both sides)
- Teeth grinding
- Holds snout into the air to see better (the pig is exploring and is relaxed)
- Flops on side
From National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/petpigproblems
Important definitions regarding behaviors typically seen with pigs
- Conflict: occurs when an individual is motivated to perform 2 opposing behaviors at the same time.
- Frustration: occurs when an individual is motivated to perform a particular behavior but is somehow prevented from doing so.
- Displacement behavior: is a normal behavior shown at an inappropriate time or out of context for the situation. Displacement behaviors often occur when an animal is experiencing conflict or frustration.
- Fear: is the emotion experienced when something is perceived as dangerous. Fear should result in the body preparing itself for appropriate action to avoid the fear-eliciting stimulus (fight or flight). Normally, fear should be an adaptive behavior allowing an animal to escape harm and live to reproduce its genetic material. However, animals can perceive danger when none is present, and, if unable to habituate, fear can become maladaptive. An animal existing in these circumstances would likely experience poor mental health and poor welfare. If the situation persisted without the animal learning to cope, the animal’s subsequent stress response could be considered maladaptive and could ultimately lead to physical and or mental illness.
- Anxiety: is the anticipation of danger from unknown or imagined sources. The key word here is imagined. Caretakers must keep in mind that the danger is in the eye of the beholder. It is irrelevant if the danger is real or not; if the animal perceives something as threatening, it will respond with feelings of anxiety. The physiologic reaction is similar to that experienced when feeling fear and, in the long term, can be just as damaging.
- Stress: is any pressure or stress placed on a system or anything that threatens homeostasis. When the body’s homeostasis is threated, the body’s stress response system is activated in an attempt to regain homeostasis. If the animal is unable to respond either physiologically or behaviorally in a way that helps return its systems to homeostasis, then the stress response system may ultimately become dysregulated, leading to actual physical illness
Keeping the Exotic Pet Mentally Healthy
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/Keeping_the_Exotic_Pet_Mentally_Healthy.
http://www.9sites.org/pigcare/behavior.htm, http://www.kimmela.org/2016/07/14/new-scientific-white-paper-concludes-that-pigs-are-behaviorally-cognitively-and-emotionally-complex-individuals
To read more about the Someone Project, click the link below to read the published study:
http://www.kimmela.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Someone-Project_PIGS_WhitePaper.pdf
This is a sign of a happy pig! (Thanks Nicole Cox for the photo)
Nesting
Some pigs will do things that you will initially find odd such as building a nest. Pigs will take household items and put the items in their mouth and carry it off to add to their "nesting" spot. This may or may not be their normal sleeping area. They may make their hoarder pile somewhere else. BUT, if you are missing an item of clothing, your purse, maybe one sock from the laundry, or mail you left within your pigs reach, you may want to check your pigs nesting pile. There are also times when a pig is attempting to nest, but instead your pig looks like he/she is getting ready to charge like a bull by using the legs to slide it backwards like a bull would do before charging. This is normal "nesting" behavior as well. If there are no blankets or straw available, you may want to add some so your pigs desire to best can be satisifed.
Some pigs will do things that you will initially find odd such as building a nest. Pigs will take household items and put the items in their mouth and carry it off to add to their "nesting" spot. This may or may not be their normal sleeping area. They may make their hoarder pile somewhere else. BUT, if you are missing an item of clothing, your purse, maybe one sock from the laundry, or mail you left within your pigs reach, you may want to check your pigs nesting pile. There are also times when a pig is attempting to nest, but instead your pig looks like he/she is getting ready to charge like a bull by using the legs to slide it backwards like a bull would do before charging. This is normal "nesting" behavior as well. If there are no blankets or straw available, you may want to add some so your pigs desire to best can be satisifed.
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This is Charlotte who is currently being fostered by a great family in Ohio. Notice the envelopes she is taking to her sleeping quarters. Most pigs will take objects, sometimes items in the house, sometimes yard debris or leaves and attempt to make their home cozier.
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This particular pig was collecting Fedex mailers to add to her nest. This is the final outcome from the video posted before this picture.
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Zoomies!
Some pigs, usually younger pigs, will get the "zoomies". Your pig will be laying down and jump up running several laps or just running super fast. Again, this is normal as they get bursts of energy and your pig should settle down fairly quickly. We do warn you, pigs are much quicker than you may think. If you haven't trained your pig to come to you, we do not suggest letting your pig run free in a yard or area that doesn't have a fence. Your pig will run away, especially if your pig doesn't know you well. Have a word that your pig learns is "the word" that he/she needs to come home. Some use "treat" or "come eat" each time they give their pig something extra and doing this helps you to teach your pig manners, respect and obedience. This can also be your safe word to make sure your pig will come running home each time you say it.
Some pigs, usually younger pigs, will get the "zoomies". Your pig will be laying down and jump up running several laps or just running super fast. Again, this is normal as they get bursts of energy and your pig should settle down fairly quickly. We do warn you, pigs are much quicker than you may think. If you haven't trained your pig to come to you, we do not suggest letting your pig run free in a yard or area that doesn't have a fence. Your pig will run away, especially if your pig doesn't know you well. Have a word that your pig learns is "the word" that he/she needs to come home. Some use "treat" or "come eat" each time they give their pig something extra and doing this helps you to teach your pig manners, respect and obedience. This can also be your safe word to make sure your pig will come running home each time you say it.
Thanks to Ceri Noel Bronkhorst for sharing her "zoomie" video with us for the website.