Pet Pigs – Do you love your pig as much as your dog?
Pet Pigs – Do you love your pig as much as your dog?
Pigs As Pets
Most Americans’ list of common house pets would not include pot bellied pigs. But since the early 1990s, pot bellied pigs have made a significant push as great house pets. Not only are pot bellied pigs odor-free, compassionate animals, they have been tested as being more intelligent than many breeds of dogs. Their intelligence is so high that one of the most challenging requirements for keeping a pet pig is keeping it from boredom.
Pot bellied pigs have such high brain power, that they require constant attention to keep them occupied.
Pigs As Pets
This also makes them a joy to have as part of a family. As herd animals, pigs will work to establish a family order. This attribute creates a sense of loyalty much like that of many breeds of dog. This sense of society can also cause them to behave in a protective manner, so it is important to be cautious when introducing pet pigs to new guests in the house.
Pigs have endearing qualities beyond their intelligence. Pigs are actually quite clean and even hypo-allergenic, in contradiction to their muddy public image. Pigs do require an environment in which they can root. Rooting is a very natural behavior for pigs and if they are not given an environment for rooting, they will root up carpet or other flooring. But because of pigs’ high level of intelligence, they are quite easily trained. In fact, many pig owners have trained their pigs to use a litter box from a pet supplies store in indoor environments.
Though they are not yet legal in the United States, tea cup pigs have been making a surge as popular pets in the United Kingdom. Their diminutive size makes them great pets around any home.
For more information on pigs as pets, visit the Austin Veterinary Clinics website.
Look at some Pigs at the Petting Zoos
Petting zoos allow your child to get up close and personal with various types of animals inlcuding pigs.
What petting zoo is complete without a pig to pet! Pigs also make great pets if you have the space.
This is often a small part of a larger zoo and many of the younger children really enjoy it. There are a variety of different pets there including miniature horses, goats, pigs, deer, and lambs. There many be pony rides offered as well at some of the different locations.
For many children a petting zoo can be their first real experience with animals other than family pets. Make sure that your child knows what to expect from the animals so they won’t be frightened.
Pigs are not scary but small children may be overwhelmed by their size.
Some of the animals may be making noise to gain attention so let them know that is simply how the animals communicate. This can make the trip to the petting zoo even more fun for them.
It is a good idea to have your child finish all of their food and drinks before entering the petting zoo. Many animals are very curious about these items and they may help themselves to something in your child’s hand. Food should never be given to the animals unless it is approved by the petting zoo. In some instances you can buy crackers or other treats to feed to the goats. Those that are hungry will come forward and those that have had their fill will ignore the person offering it.
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Some parents are very afraid of the germs that their child may get from a petting zoo. There have been some reports of E. coli outbreaks that have come from them. Yet these are isolated instances where the petting zoo hasn’t really been well cared for. If you are at a zoo setting then there are certain requirements in place for the quality care of all the animals they have on display.
These animals are well cared for and very clean and safe for your child to interact with. Most petting zoos also have hand washing stations with soap and water for them to clean up with afterwards. This is a something you should encourage your child to do at the end of the time they are in the petting zoo. You can also carry your own hand sanitizer gel with you for them to use.
Pets like pigs – brought to you by Stated Income Mortgage Loans
- See more at our Animals Category
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