Q&A for How to Care for a Pet Pig

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  • Question
    What do you feed a baby pig?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    It depends on the age of the piglet. Consult with your veterinarian or feed store based on how old the baby is and when you should switch to solid food.
  • Question
    Can you have a pig as a pet?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, pigs are a popular choice as pet and some even live in their owners' houses.
  • Question
    What do you feed a pet pig?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Pigs need a varied diet filled with formulated pig food, hay, vegetables and they can have a small amount of fruits as a treat (limit due to the high sugar content).
  • Question
    Do pet pigs need water? If so, how much?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, pet pigs should have constant access to a large amount of water. Place a large trough in your pig's outdoor pen so they won't run out during the day. If you have an indoor pig, use a 20-gallon bucket.
  • Question
    Is there another bedding you can use, other than hay?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    If you don't have any hay to use for your pig's bedding, try using newspaper, old towels, old sleeping bags, or blankets.
  • Question
    How do I prevent flies from hanging around my pigpen?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Be diligent about removing manure from the pen on a daily basis. You can also place commercial fly traps around the pens, or use fly spray on the pigs.
  • Question
    How long do pigs live?
    Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011.
    Licensed Veterinary Technician
    Expert Answer
    Pigs can live 14-20+ years. You can make sure your pig lives a long and happy life by giving it proper care, like a good diet and lots of exercise.
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