Post by Karen R Quinn on Jul 23, 2009 9:50:34 GMT -7
While pigs have held a place of high status in Chinese and Eastern Asian cultures for centuries, there is a certain stigma attached to the pig in America. Where did all the ridiculous sayings related to pigs originate? "Sweat like a hog." (Pigs are incapable of sweating.) "Dirty as a pig." (Pigs are very clean, and if given the opportunity, will only use one corner of their pen as a toilette.) "Stink like a pig." (Pigs have absolutely no odor.) Now, I can relate to the saying "Eat like a pig." Pigs really smack their lips and chew with their mouths open...in other words, they are totally food possessed.
A pig as a household pet is really nothing new. I’m always amazed at how many people I meet who had a childhood experience with a runt pig raised in the house. Pigs are very sociable, adaptable, hearty, clean, and intelligent. Their personality and appearance simply beckon many of us to become personally involved. Some pig enthusiasts own elaborate pig paraphernalia collections, while others make a pig or two or three a part of their families and lives. Outlined below is pig-related information that will assist you in making an educated decision about becoming a pig parent.
Behavioral Characteristics: Pig are social by nature. In their natural habitat they live in a group and a pecking order is established and maintained by body and verbal pig language. If a pig is irritated, she may throw her head in a side swiping motion, or she may scream loudly. (A contented pig walks around making quiet, satisfied noises that are very pleasing.) The important thing to remember is that you need to establish yourself at the top of the social hierarchy in your home or your pig will determine that she is "top pig" and dictate the rules of the roost. There is nothing worse than a pushy pig! Because pigs are social creatures, they may become bored and restless when they are expected to spend inordinate amounts of time alone without either human or other animal interactions. Hence, you need to be creative in providing a pet pig with entertaining distractions. You may even decide to adopt a pair o’ pigs to ensure that you never have a bored or lonely pet.
Communicative: Pigs have very advanced communication skills. Examples of vocal communication include the "grunting" a mother pig emits while feeding her young; "barking" that warns of impending danger; and "squealing" in anticipation of eating or indicating displeasure or pain. Some individual sounds are: "Aroo" that means "You aren’t getting me what I want fast enough." "Ha ha ha," a quiet, hot panting that indicates acquaintanceship, a sociable "hello." And a filth noise (similar to the sound that your Uncle Ernie makes when trying to cough something up) means piggy is really P.O.'ed.
A happy pig seldom displays body postures, as most are related to maintaining one’s station on the social ladder. However, a spoiled, challenged, or unhappy pig may change her ear set, throw her head, face off, or click her jaws in response to an unpleasant situation or another animal invading her territory.
Curious: Pigs are curious by nature. They spend hours rooting in the ground (if given the opportunity) or snurddling about your home with their nose to the carpet or floor seeking out any stray tidbits of food. Their inquisitive nature can be advantageous when it comes time to train, as pigs will maintain a high level of attention when stimulated with new ideas and, of course, the primary motivator...FOOD!
Intelligent: Man rates the pig as the fifth most intelligent animal with man ranking first, followed by monkeys, dolphins, whales and pigs. They function by instinct, intuition and memory. While they have no innate sense of right or wrong and have no conscience, they learn quickly and don’t forget what they master. You need to stay one step ahead of your pig or she will train you to do exactly what suits her fancy. Pigs are much like children. They find your weak spot and manipulate until they get their way. If you give a pig an inch, she will most certainly take many miles. However, it is this very intelligence that appeals to many who fancy pigs. You can indeed nurture a very rewarding and interactive relationship with a pig, as a pig will treat you like an equal if given the opportunity. Never underestimate the ability of a pig.
Affectionate: Pigs are affectionate animals. They love companionship and body closeness. Many pig owners actually allow their pig to share the bed and maintain that a porcine sleeping partner is not only warm and cuddly, but doesn’t wiggle, squirm, or hog the bed.
Size: The potbellied pig is a very sturdy animal with short legs, a slightly swayed back, a pendulous belly, a short tail ending with a flowing switch, short, erect ears, and a snout that varies from short and stubby to long and elegant. A potbellied pig continues to grow for at least two to three years. Current belief is that the average purebred (not crossbred), healthy, mature, three year old potbellied pig can weigh from 60 to 175 pounds and measure from 13 to 26 inches in height, with the length being proportional to the height. Certainly, there are a few potbellies who will be smaller or larger than this normal range.
The weight of a pig is deceiving because they are so hard-bodied. A pig who measures 14" tall by 24" long and weighs 60 lbs. takes up very little space (about half the dimensions of an ottoman) and is a manageable size for a house pet and travel companion. Compare this size pig to a 100 lb. German Shepherd who is taller and longer than a coffee table, with an extension (the tail) that is capable of knocking everything off the coffee table. Granted, pigs are not as agile as the traditional dog or cat pet. A pig may need a ramp to assist in stair climbing and getting in and out of a car, but this is a simple task to accomplish.
Senses: The potbellied pig has a keen sense of smell. Reports are that a pig can smell odors that are twenty-five feet under the ground. They are used to unearth such culinary delicacies as truffles for our eating pleasure, as well as sniff out drugs for law enforcement purposes. While a pig has excellent hearing capability, she does not see very well.
Life Expectancy: Potbellied pigs have only been in the United States since 1986 so it is difficult to determine an average life span. Estimates in this regard are between fifteen and thirty years. I would tend to go with the fifteen year prediction. If a pet pig is allowed to exercise regularly, is not overfed, and is examined and vaccinated annually by a veterinarian, she should live to a ripe old age. Both adult size and longevity are directly related to how the pig is cared for. Of course, genetics also plays an important role, but management is of utmost importance.