Miniature Pot Belly pigs – adorable and fun micro pigs pets

What is a Pot Belly pig? With the growing popularity of these funny and cute micro piglets, many people choose them as pets. There are different breeds and the common feature of all breeds is that they are small.

Pot Belly Pigs, also known as Pot bellied pigs, Vietnamese or Chinese pot bellied pigs are one of the micro pig breeds. They grow up to 20″ tall (50 cm) and reach a weight from 35 to 60 pounds (15 to 25 kg). Their appearance is characterized with small black spots, short legs, short snout, and round appearance.

 

What is important to know about Pot Belly pigs?

 

It is true that micro pigs are exceptionally charming and funny. However, most often people confuse pot bellied pigs and teacup pigs. Despite that they have many similarities, there are some differences which you should know.

The biggest difference between a teacup pig and a pot belly pig is the size. While pot bellied pigs can reach 35 and 60 pounds (15 to 25 kg) when fully grown, the teacup breed usually weights about 25 pounds (11 kg) and is about 14 to 15″ tall (35 – 38 cm).

Another major difference, which is a result from the different size, is the amount of food that your piglet will need. True, pigs would enjoy food all day long, but you need to monitor the amount your pet gets. Obviously, the pot belly variety will need more food, but you still need to be careful so that your pet does not become overweight.

Pigs, in general, are known as intelligent animals, and even the micro breeds are not an exception. They are curious, sociable, sensitive and playful. Pot belly pigs may be stubborn and independent while teacup piglets are not known to challenge human authority or at least, not so often. Anyway, both breeds need to be trained so that they will behave correctly. The piglets can be bored and even destructive, so make sure it has enough of activities.

 

How to feed your pot belly pigs?

 

As we mentioned, pigs would love to eat all day long and will be looking for food. They are smart and may learn how to open the refrigerator and the pantry cabinets just because they know food is stored there. It is in their nature to dig with their snouts and you should not be surprised if you see overturned baskets in the pantry or the waste scattered on the floor.

Even micro pigs can be overfed and pot belly pigs are not an exception so you have to avoid any food containing a lot of salt, fat foods, dog or cat food, and do not feed them with table scraps. Here is a short list of food which is safe for mini piglets.

Vegetables:

• summer and winter squash
• Bamboo shoots
• Beets
• Bell Peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cabbage and red cabbage
• Mushrooms
• Parsnips
• Spinach
• Spring Baby Lettuce
• Alfalfa
• Lentils
• Kidney Beans
• Chick Peas
• Fruits without pits, etc.