Pet Pig Husbandry and Nutrition Flashcards
What made mini pigs famous?
Actors that treated them like accessories
What breed of potbelly pig is:
-Most popular
-16-20inch in height
-50-100lbs
-Black, white and silver
Vietnamese’s Pot-Belly
What breed of potbelly pig is:
-12-16in high
-15-60lb
-Gentle disposition
-light boned and long legs
-spotted
-Dr. Clarks Favorite
Juliana (painted mini) pig
What breed of potbelly pig is:
-14-22 inch
-20-40lbs
-straight back
-common in petting zoos
African Pygmy or Guinea Hog
What breed of potbelly pig is:
-From New Zealand
-Hairy
-Wattles
-Colorful
-Recommended for kids
Kune Kune Pig
What breed of potbelly pig is:
-Common in Europe
-Similar care as dog
-30-65lbs
-12-16 inch
Teacup Pigs (Runts)
What is a concern when helping an owner with a “Tea Cup” Pig?
Need to know how pig its parents are…need to be feeding appropriately - not right to starve and stunt growth
What is a common reason that pbp become abandoned? It increases with maturity because the animal is used to establishing dominance.
Temperament
How much should you feed a pot belly pig?
Depends on size
-Commercial diet best (3% BW growth, 1-2% maintenance
-Roughage is good for them too (hay, grass, veggies and greens)
What are your general pellet guidelines?
1/4 cup 2 x day 25lbbs
1/2 cup 2x day 50lbs
1 cup 2x day >50lbs
Adjust to pregnancy and lactation
What is the number one problem in pbp?
Obesity
How can you help owners learn to assess their pigs weight?
Teach them to BCS
1- thin
3- ideal
5- thick
How can you help their pig lose weight?
-Decrease high fat and sugary snacks
-Add fiber (pumpkin and Metamucil)
-Add water to food
-Feeding toys
-Exercise
How often should a pig be exercised?
Daily
When should you harness train your pig?
As young as possible
What is the comfortable temperature range for adult pigs?
65-75F (85 = stressful)
How do you keep pigs cool?
Water
Fan
Wet skin - evaporative cooling
Shade
Cool surface
What should be included in pig housing?
-Area to sleep in
-Regions (poor and eat)
-Flooring to cut nails
-Substrate to root up or enrichment
Is rooting normal pig behavior?
Yes
What can you recommend if a client is complaining about the pig rooting up their floors?
Enrichment
- toys, chains, ropes, rooting box, balls
-Can put in nose ring to prevent behavior - not right though
How big should an outdoor enclosure be and what should be included in it?
8 x 15
-Away element
-Good bedding
-Fenced in
Should you ever leave the pig alone with a dog?
NO
