Sunday, August 2, 2009

Are there any mini potbellied pig breeders in MA?

Are there any mini potbellied pig breeders in MA?
Answers:
There's a great alternative to buying a potbellied pig from a breeder, and that's adopting one from the MSPCA! The MSPCA at Nevins Farm has a gorgeous potbellied pig named Peggy Sue available for adoption. Her details can be seen at http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/disp... . Nevins Farm is in Methuen, Massachusetts. The phone number is 978-687-7453.
Bozema is correct about potbellied pigs frequently growing to much larger than expected and then being abandoned. Although potbellied pigs can make wonderful companions, they require a lot of attention. Once fully grown, they weigh as much as a human, and they can do considerable damage to furniture, carpet, and other belongings. Finding a veterinarian for a potbellied pig can be a nightmare, especially if you live in a city. Another problem is zoning laws; many cities and towns have laws prohibiting residents from keeping "farm" animals, and define potbellied pigs as farm animals even though their guardians consider them pets. In short, keeping a potbellied pig is a huge challenge. Before you buy or adopt one, you may want to check out the following articles:
Thinking About A Pig?
http://www.pigpalssanctuary.com/thinking...
Health Care Articles
http://www.pigpalssanctuary.com/health/h...
There's considerable debate among "pig people" as to whether potbellied pigs should spend most of their time indoors (like dogs and cats), or divide their time between outdoors and in a barn. Whichever option feels right to you, it might be a good idea to plan ahead for the individual pig you adopt being one who would do better in the opposite setting. What I mean is, if you're planning on an outdoor pig, make sure your home is sufficiently pig-proofed that you CAN bring her inside, and if you plan on an indoor pig, think about whether your yard and any barn-type structures are appropriate for pigs.
There is no such thing as a mini potbellied big. Vietnamese pot bellied pigs can get to 100 or even 200 lbs when fully grown - there isn't a smaller version. They are very challenging demanding pets. Do your research before you proceed. Where I live, there is only one vet in the whole county that treats them. I have an aquaintance that does pig rescue and they all show up because they got bigger than the owners thought. They almost never find new homes.

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