Pickle and Sprout Potbellied Pigs

by Robert Hudson

Max loves his Pickle and Sprout Potbellied Pigs. “I became obsessed with pigs by seeing them on the internet – they seemed very cute, funny, loveable – and just different than the normal dog or cat. I did research on the best reviewed breeders since I was not aware of any adoption opportunities in the area, and found a breeder I really liked and felt comfortable with. Since that was almost a decade ago, there are a lot more pig adoption opportunities popping up all over the place.”

So what is the attraction? “They are just so unique. Their personalities are super special, and they do things daily to make me smile and laugh. It’s just fun having a “different” pet – if you put in the effort to learn about them, it’s so worth it!”

The Potbellied Pig

Is there really such a thing as a miniature pig? “People say there is no such thing as a mini pig, and that bothers me. Mini pigs DO exist – but they get 100-200 lbs, compared to 600+ lb farm pigs. Pigs that stay PIGLETS (ie – 10 or 20 lbs) absolutely do not exist. Just study up on pigs that are older and don’t just look at the baby pigs – so you know what you’re getting yourself into. However, if you get a pig that is socialized and meant to be a house pet, they can be very lovable, fun, and certainly one-of-a-kind!” Max told me in earnest.

A pig typically hits its full size around three to five years of age. The lifespan is usually around 15 years. Potbellied pigs are native to Southeast Asia and since the 1980s have been imported into the United States.

Personality

“They LOVE to get the “zoomies” where they run around, spin out on the carpet, etc. They also chase each other, jump on the bed/couch, etc. Pigs have a lot of energy when they’re younger. When they’re older, they do a lot of sleeping and eating! The faces they make with their buck teeth and how it always looks like they’re smiling provides a good laugh!”  

He continued, “They LOVE to cuddle if they feel comfortable with you. In fact, they’ll get all up in your business to make themselves comfy! They will cuddle with each other too, but they also get in brotherly arguments. With other people, it just depends. Sprout is more “shy” – you have to approach him slowly and then he loves the attention. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. Pickle is a little more defensive of his surroundings with new people. He loves belly rubs and getting pet, but he can also be more territorial than Sprout. 

Pickle and Sprout Potbellied Pigs- the particulars

Sprout just turned 4 in November. Pickle will be 7 in February.

Training

“They were VERY easy to train. They like to return to the same spot to go to the bathroom. HOWEVER, that also means if they make an accident ANYWHERE else, they’ll want to return there! ” Both of Max’s pigs are trained to use a litter box. “They love a routine, they are super quick to learn tricks and how to use a litter box, etc. They are also stubborn and like to get their way!” Max explained.

Health

According to Max, “Mine have not had many issues since they mostly stay inside. However, there are a lot of accidents with pigs outside that either get hypothermia, eat something bad outside (poisonous), get attacked by other animals, etc. They are sensitive to certain surgeries (ie – anesthesia), so you have to trust your vet. They also get dippity pig syndrome which can be scary. If they ever DON’T want to eat, that means there is something seriously wrong with them – they never say no to food (unless it’s a random vegetable they really hate!).  Do they grow tusks? Yes! They have to get trimmed by the vet. “

Diet

Pigs will never stop eating if food is within their reach. So I was curious how Max knew how much to feed them. “They get a food formulated for pigs that is similar to dog food (kibble) – but formulated with more of what pigs need. They eat breakfast and dinner, with snacks in between. I learned portions from the breeder, but also you just have to watch them and see if they are growing properly and don’t look too thin.”

Stop by and visit Pickle and Sprout on social media. You may also ask them a question here in the comments below

FB: www.facebook.com/picklepig

IG: @pickle.the.pig

TikTok: @pickle.the.pig

YouTube: youtube.com/maxdinatale