Interview with Valerie E. Jagneaux

Positives of PIGS as pets?
There are quite a few positive aspects of owning a pet pig. Pigs don’t shed and are considered good pets for people plagued by allergies. Pigs are extremely intelligent and easily motivated. They’re responsive and naturally very clean. Pigs can be exceptionally affectionate and loyal and there are a number of well documented cases of pet pigs saving human lives.

Negatives of PIGS as pets?
There are some negative aspects of owning a pig as a pet as well. It is not true that miniature pigs make good house pets unless they are provided with ample outdoor space in whic to root and run and just generally “be a pig”. If this is not provided, house pigs can become extremely territorial and aggressive. This is because pigs are, by nature, hierarchical animals used to interacting with other pigs. If they are deprived of this they will begin to look at their human families as a substitute “herd”. When this happens they begin to establish their position… and their humans’ positions… on the totem pole. An informed pig owner will know that is problem can be avoided by not trying to keep a pig exclusively as a house pet and even better, by providing at least one other pig for the pet pig to interact with.

Anecdotes/stories about your PIG pet?
I am currently owned by 21 pet pigs, both potbellied pigs and American feral pigs. With so many, it’s hard to single out an episode to share. There was a time when I only had 3 pigs and they stayed mostly inside. They were home alone while I was at work. One day when I came home I heard a strange noise even before I opened the door. It turned out to be my vacuum cleaner merrily spinning away! The pigs had managed to turn the vacuum cleaner on but, because they were really frightened of the vacuum… none of them would go near it to turn it back off! All three were huddled in a corner of the livingroom just hoping the thing would “go away”! Another time I decided to treat the pigs with a cheese pizza all their own. They couldn’t believe their luck! When Winston got his first slice he just ran all around the pen with a whole slice of pizza in his mouth looking for a “safe” place to eat it. It was quite a picture!

Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
No. The personal odor of a pet pig is completely non-offensive and can even be pleasant. I have one that smells like maple syrup! The only exception to this is an unneutered male pig. The natural odor of the boar is very offensive but completely absent if he is neutered.

What is their average lifespan?
Because of the relatively short time potbellied pigs have been in this country their exact lifespan is not known. It appears that the normal lifespan might be somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

Do they enjoy interaction?
Not only do pigs enjoy interaction but they MUST have it to be happy and well adjusted. Pigs get very lonely if they are left to their own devices too much.

What is their general personality, disposition, and attitude?
Pigs have good different personalities just like people. As a rule though, pigs are inquisitive and happy. When they are young they can be playful and will sometimes just burst into a run “barking” as they go! When they get older they sleep a lot but usually prefer to do so lying at the feet of their pet human or in amongst a herd of pigs.

Are they sweet and petable, or mischievous and playful?
Again, individual characteristics of pigs vary. I consider all of my pigs to be sweet but there are 2 in my herd that I’ve owned since birth and even though they are now 6 years old, they will not allow themselves to be handled or petted at all. On the other hand, in the same herd is a pig I acquired as a rescue when he was 18 months old. He’s an affection hog so to speak. Whenever I go into the pen he will glue himself to my leg waiting to be petted, talked to and “belly rubbed”. Another of the pigs will wait until I’m relatively alone in the pen then come up, greet me, get a belly rub then wanders away in his own pursuits.

As mentioned above, pigs can be playful when young but as adults spend a lot of time sleeping or looking for food. It IS true that they are roving appetites! Pigs are very, very mischievous! In an outdoor setting they will push and prod at their enclosures looking for a way out because as you know, the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence. Most pigs seem to have a “thing” about paper and if they find some they will joyfully tear it to shreds… doesn’t matter whether it was yesterday’s newspaper or this week’s paycheck! Makes them happy either way!

How destructive are they for an average household?
If a pig is kept as a housepet and left alone most of the time he can become unbelievably destructive! I had a pig root through the wall, tear up the carpet and rip off a folding closet door once! This is usually avoidable however by providing a companion pig and plenty of outdoor time for them.

Do they climb or tear up furniture?
Pigs can jump and will get on furniture if the mood strikes them. I have never had one damage any furniture however. They are not prone to chewing like a dog and don’t claw like a cat.

Are there any problems associated with their hooves?
They have pointy little hooves that can leave bruises if they step on you but that’s about all.

How messy are their droppings?
A healthy pig has incredibly inoffensive droppings that present in the same form as rabbit droppings only bigger. Unless he’s eaten something “strange” there is little or no odor.

Can they be litter box trained?
Yes, using pine shavings. Never use clay litter with a pig. They will eat it and it can result in a gastric emergency and even death.

Can they be trained?
Pigs are very high on the ladder of intelligence in animals. They are outsmarted by apes/monkeys and dolphins only. They are capable of learning huge numbers of “tricks” and behaviors and some can understand and obey complex sets of instructions.

How are they with other pets, larger and smaller?
Pigs are great with cats and chickens and rabbits but interaction with dogs should be supervised as the pig is natural prey for dogs and they both know it.

What size cage do they need?
Pigs shouldn’t be caged per se. They should be provided with an outdoor pen of at least 16’ by 16’ with shade and shelter from the elements.

What do you feed them?
There are a number of chows available for pet pigs and these are available at local feed stores. In addition, they should be given greens and fruits to round out their diets.

What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
Pigs require vaccination once a year. The local vet will be familiar with the range of products available.

At what age would it be best to get one?
There is no “best age” for acquiring a pig for a pet however they should never be taken from the mother before 8 weeks of age. Piglets and adults adapt equally well in most cases.

Other Consideration for owners of PIGS?
Anyone considering adopting or purchasing a pig for a pet must be sure to check the local zoning ordinances prior to bringing the pig home. Many communities are zoned against pigs and swine and unfortunately, they lump pet potbellied pigs into this category. The prospective pig owner should make sure he has enough land to give the pig andequate outside area and should understand that the personalities and attributes of pigs are not at all like those of a cat or dog. The prospective owner should thoroughly familiarize himself with the care and qualities of pigs as pets long before seeking one out.