5/20/2002

Hotline - Information for Shelters or Rescue Groups That Receive Pigs

This section is intended to aid humane society and shelter personnel in caring for a pig, should one of these sensitive creatures end up in your custody.  It is basic information and should be used only as a starting point to keeping the pig comfortable while he is with you.  If you have questions or need more detailed information, please contact PIGS, RR1 Box 604, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 or phone/fax: 304-262-0080

1.  Pigs come in all colors and shapes.  The average weight we are seeing at the Sanctuary is between 125 and 150 pounds.  We've seen starved pigs at 39 pounds and we've seen overweight pigs at 300 plus pounds.  A large potbellied pig does not necessarily mean the pig is a cross breed or a domestic pig.

2.  Pigs do not like change.  Your premises, however comfortable, are foreign to the pig and he may be frightened.   Approach a pig with caution.  Keep a small piece of plywood (or a snow shovel) between you and the pig until you see if the animal is friendly.   Pigs show dominance by swiping their heads and/or charging, sometimes with a loud bark.  Talk soothingly to the pig and offer a treat: an apple, a piece of melon, raisins, etc. NEVER yell and never strike a pig.  If the pig refuses to be won over, back out of the pen and try again later.  Go slow!  A stressed out pig can die of a heart attack.

3.  Pigs need a constant supply of water.  Many times, especially in hot weather, pigs will upset their water dishes and roll around in the water.  They are trying to cool off.  Pigs do not sweat, can sunburn and suffer heat stroke.  If outside in the summer, the pig should have shade and a child's wading pool.  Check the water dish often.

4.  In the winter, especially if it is below freezing, provide the pig with blankets and, if possible, a heat lamp.   These animals are tropical creatures and many of them were once pampered house pets.  A sudden change in the temperature and living quarters can result in pneumonia.  A comfortable temperature for a pig in the winter is between 60 and 70 degrees.

5.  Pigs should not be housed on concrete.   If concrete is the only available surface, provide the animal with straw and/or blankets for a bed.  If possible, cover the entire concrete area with straw.  This is will add support for their legs.  Clean the area daily.  (If you think you are going to be housing the pig indefinitely, try to have the same person feed, water, and clean the pig's pen.  The pig will form a bond with this person and won't be as frightened or alarmed.)

6.  Pigs should be fed a quality pig food.  Purina makes a potbellied pig food called Mazuri.   It is specifically for potbellied pigs.  The rule of thumb in feeding for adult pigs is a cup of food in the morning and a cup of food in the evening.   If you have a pregnant female, free feeding her is okay.  Piglets can also be free fed until they are between four and five months old.  If you do not know the age of the pig(s), stick to the rule to thumb.

7.  Males and females should be separated.   Piglets can breed at a very young age: males become sexually active at about 8 weeks of age; a female will go into her first heat cycle at around 3 months of age).  If you have no experience with sexing pigs, please note this one basic fact: when a female urinates, it comes out of the back (under the tail).  When a male urinates, he will stand on all fours and the urine will come from the middle of his stomach (where his penis is located).  If you are unsure of the sex of the pig, please call us.  We'll do our best to sex the animal for you.

8.  If you receive an abused pig or a pig in distress, please contact your veterinarian immediately.  If your veterinarian has had no experience with pigs, have him/her call us immediately.

9.  If you have pigs and do not know what to do with them, please call us. We are here to help and may be able to assist you in placing your pigs in appropriate homes. PIGS, a sanctuary, does not adopt pigs out as full time house pets and we rarely adopt pigs to families with young children and dogs.

Please remember: pigs are sensitive, intelligent creatures worthy of your respect and compassion.  Treat them with kindness, be consistent in your every day care of the pigs, and your shelter will have no problems in housing this latest throw-away animal.