From novice to experts:
The Prescott Pigs Essential Care Guide
This guide is intended to share what we have learned from knowing nothing about pigs to caring for our amazing pig family.
This was Cameron’s first-time feeding Buffy and Pinky! 🥰🐷
What do you feed pigs?
And, what do you NOT feed pigs?
Feeding pot belly pigs is actually quite easy! It requires a balanced diet that includes high-quality commercial pig feed specifically formulated for pot belly pigs, which provides essential nutrients. We feed the Prescott Pigs Kruse's Perfection Brand Super Mini Pig Feed. Each pig gets 1.5 cups in the morning and 1.5 cups in the early evening.
You will also supplement their diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, such as leafy greens, carrots, apples, and berries. For The Prescott Pigs morning feeding, they each get 1 apple cut up mixed in with their pig feed. Their evening feedings include a can of mixed vegetables and a can of garbanzo beans. They also get any leftovers that are safe for them to eat.
Hay is an important part of a pig’s diet. It provides essential fiber, which helps with digestion. Hay contains vitamins and minerals that contribute to a pig’s overall health. Pigs also enjoy rooting! Hay allows them to engage in natural foraging behavior. Finally, hay can also help with dental health. How much hay you feed them depends on their overall diet, but a good rule of thumb is 10-15% of their total diet. We give The Prescott Pigs a portion of hay every morning with their pellets and apples.
As with humans, treats are good in moderation, and you will want to avoid feeding them sugary or starchy foods. We give The Prescott Pigs treats including peanuts, cashews, pretzels, goldfish, and pig treats. We scatter them around their yard to encourage their rooting behavior.
Pigs eat surprisingly small portions, so monitor their weight to prevent obesity. It's important to feed them in measured portions twice a day to maintain a healthy weight and avoid overfeeding. Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Do not feed pigs whole apples, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide and when consumed in large quantities they become toxic. Chocolate is toxic to pigs and can cause serious health issues. The skin and pit of avocados contain persin, which is also toxic to pigs. Do not feed your pigs raw meat or eggs, these can carry bacteria and parasites that can make your pigs sick. Please do not feed your pigs rotten or spoiled food, always make sure their food is free from mold and spoilage. Onions and garlic can also cause gastrointestinal issues, so be careful with any leftovers you may treat them with!
For your own pigs, you should regularly consult with a veterinarian to adjust their diet based on their age, weight, and health needs.
This was Buffy’s first time getting his hooves trimmed. He was such a good boy!! 🤩🐷
Tusk and Hoof Care
Pot belly pigs require regular tusk and hoof care to maintain their health and well-being. Here’s a general guideline, but always work with your veterinarian to determine the best care for your pigs!
Tusks:
Frequency: Tusks should be trimmed approximately once a year. However, the frequency may vary depending on the pig's age, diet, and overall health. Monitor your pig’s tusks for growth, feel inside their mouths to ensure they are not being “poked” by their tusks.
Procedure: Tusk trimming is usually performed by a veterinarian and may require sedation or anesthesia to ensure the pig's comfort and safety.
Hooves:
Frequency: Hooves should be trimmed at least once a year, but more frequent trimming may be necessary if the pig's hooves grow quickly or if they develop any issues.
Procedure: Hoof trimming can be done by a veterinarian or an experienced pig owner. It may require sedation or the use of a sling device to keep the pig calm and still.
Regular tusk and hoof care is essential to prevent discomfort, infections, and other health problems.
This is one of Buffy & Pinky’s “huts”. They love cuddling together in their hut! 🐷😍
Providing shelter for pot belly pigs involves ensuring they have a safe, comfortable, and clean environment.
Space: Pigs need at least 50 square feet per pig. The space should include a sleeping area, a feeding area, and a separate “potty” area. Buffy and Pinky have quite a large backyard, which we named “Piggy Town” in our book. They love to explore the yard and find different areas to sunbathe.
Shelter: Provide a large pen like a doghouse for sleeping and protection from the elements. Ensure the shelter is safe from predators and other animals as well. We hung small area rugs over the opening of the door of Buffy and Pinky’s shelter, which also helps with heat/cold.
Fencing: This is super important! Pigs are smart and our pigs are mischievous! If not secured, they will escape.
Bedding: You can use straw or hay for bedding. We placed a soft rug over artificial turf on the floor of Buffy and Pinky’s shelter. We also provide them lots of blankets, they love to cuddle in the blankets, especially in the cold days and nights of winter!