Congratulations on your decision to purchase a potbellied pig! Such a decision is one that has probably been a long time in the making, with all the pros and cons of potbellied pig ownership deserving of some serious thought. Nevertheless, your carefully thought out decision is likely to reward you down the line, as potbellied pigs are quite simply some of the most interesting, unique, and downright fun pets to have around the home.
Of course your satisfaction as a potbellied pig owner is largely dependent on the health and well being of your pet, and one of the best ways to ensure that is by purchasing only healthy and high quality breeds from a reputable breeder. It is important to realize that there is quite a lot of care and detail involved in breeding potbellied pigs properly, and not every supposedly “professional” breeder is up to the task.
The breeding of potbellied pigs can be quite a lucrative source of income and unfortunately, many people who shouldn’t be allowed near any type of animal are now trying out their hand at potbellied pig breeding with disastrous results.
As a potential potbellied pig owner, you will want to stay clear of such “breeders” as much as possible. Here then are some of the more important things to keep in mind when choosing a potbellied pig breeder.
In North America, a good place to begin your search for a breeder is the North American Potbellied Pig Association or NAPPA. This is by far the most reliable listing for certified breeders available, and you can be sure that a breeder that is listed here will conform closely to the code of ethics of the NAPPA, and will have a qualified veterinarian on hand to ensure the health and well being of each and every potbellied pig in their care.
You may also find it helpful to drop in at any local pig shows in your area or join a club in order to get tips on which breeders come highly recommended by other pig owners. Such information can come in handy for people that live in an area where there are few sources of information on the breeding of potbellied pigs.
After you have narrowed down your list to a few select breeders, a visit to their premises may be in order. This will give you a good idea as to what type of living conditions the pigs are subjected to. What you will want to see are clean stalls and food and water troughs, and potbellied pigs that are obviously well cared for.
Now would also be a good time to interview your potential breeders and ask them detailed questions about their manner of caring for their potbellied pigs. What you will want to see in a breeder is a genuine concern and love for potbellied pigs, as well as abundant amounts of passion in his work. Such is the mark of a good potbellied pig breeder, and this will go a long way in ensuring the quality and good health of your future pet.
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