AboutPriscilla Valentine Expertise Behavior, health, aggression issues our specialty , litterbox or house training problems, finding a healthy baby pigs to buy, finding a book on potbellies,
Aggression and biting, overweight problems, medical problems, history of the breed, hoof and tusk trimming, parasite control, zoning, proper diet, veterinarians in your area, socializing babies, proper
housing, training tricks and obedience, proper behavior, birthing, training tricks.
Experience We are professional trainers/breeders and have had house pigs for over a decade, we also wrote "Potbellied Pig Training and Behavior" book. We do most of our vetting and specialize in consultation. We are Valentines Performing Pigs.
Former Board of Directors of NCOPP (2 terms)Publications we have written for include PPRSI , Potbellied Pig Journal, NAPPA, NCOPP, SCAMPP, National Geographic, Exotic Animal Magazine. Education/Credentials include a BA in English and Psychology at Central WA University
Awards and Honors, World Pig Trick Champion (NCOPP)
World Pig Obedience Champion (NCOPP)
4 Permanent Potbellied Pig Champions (NAPPA and NCOPP)
Expert: Priscilla Valentine Date: 5/22/2008 Subject: New Baby Piggy Born 4/30/08
Question QUESTION: The baby female piggy I am getting was born on April 30th.
I am being told that she is ready to come home now.
I thought it was going to be a few more weeks yet, however was told that I can give her Milk Replacer and she will be okay. I was told that she will be given a wormer, and some type of vaccination, and then she will be making arrangements for the flight.
I am a little concerned as she will be riding a plane from Florida to get here. I imagine this can be traumatic. Does all of this sound okay? Is there anything special that I am going to need to do because she is so young? She did not give me the exact date as to when she is shipping yet, but said as soon as she can get all of that done. Any thoughts?? Any ideas of what I should do when she gets home? I can also send the pics that the breeder has sent me of her and her parents. Thanks in Advance!!
ANSWER: Baby potbellied pigs should not be taken from their moms until at least 6 weeks. Reputable breeders ship at 8 weeks, airlines will not ship baby animals under that age (for good reason).
NEVER ACCEPT A BABY PIG THAT NEEDS MILK.
Pigs should only be on solid food before coming to new parents.
I suspect your common sense is what provoked this letter.
Taking a baby piglet away from the sow too early can and will have many adverse effects.
Among these are stress....leaving the littermates and mom too early can cause life threatening diarreha, anorexia,and fear. Pet pigs that are weaned too early and raised without littermates have been known later on to be aggressive. It is just unacceptable in the potbellied pig world.
We suggest that you wait until the pig is 7- 8 weeks old.
Good for you for questioning the care of your baby in the first place!
Good luck,
Priscilla Valentine
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for answering my question.
I am really worried now.
She told me that this was only a litter of two piggy's, should that be a concern? Or is it normal for a pig to only have two babies at a time?
I was also told that she always removes her babies from their mommy's at 4 weeks. If the baby is too young to be on a plane, how would she even be able to ship her out?
Answer I think you can answer these questions yourself.
But, ask the breeder for referances.
I have no idea who the breeder is, but they should have both credentials and references from people who bought pigs.
You should ask, we are talking about a 15 year committment!
If they are selling pigs based on size, this could be a red flag.
NO ONE can guarantee size.
Are the male pigs neutered?
Are you aware the females must be spayed to be good pets?
Are you aware some towns do not allow pigs?
Are you aware the pig could be over 100#?
A good breeder will give you the upside AND the downside.
Priscilla
