Helpful How-To’s: Owning Pigs as Pets - Part one

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Hello and welcome to a celebration of our beloved Pumpkin the Ossabaw Island hog, who filled our lives at Dalby Farm in Scituate MA with joy for 19 amazing years. As we routinely reflected on his legacy over the Summer, many visitors asked our family about the experience of owning pigs as pets.  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Are pigs good pets? Pigs are intelligent, affectionate, and can form deep bonds with their humans. They bring a unique personality and are cherished members to any farm family

it’s important to create a safe, spacious environment for them to roam and explore. An outdoor pen with access to shade and shelter is ideal, as Ossabaw Island hogs love to root around and dig.

Next, What do pigs eat? Regular access to fresh grass, fruits, and vegetables is crucial for their diet, alongside a high-quality hog feed to ensure they receive balanced nutrition.  If your pig is anything like our pig, you’re going to notice that they’re; gonna snack all day long on things they dig up in their yard. They are omnivores so bugs seeds roots plants, it’s all fair game.

Do pigs get along with other pets? Every pig has its own personality, and many can coexist peacefully with dogs, cats, which literally lead them to ending up in many peoples homes… But here we are talking about Ossabaw Island Hogs- and they have tusks once they’re mature so we would never recommend acquiring one of these guys if you want a pig in your house. We suggest keeping them outside where they’ll be happy, and preferably with a litter sibling to keep them company,

How do you care for a pig? Here comes the part nobody wants to hear. Owning pigs is as much of a responsibility as it is a reward. There’s a lot you need to consider before you go down the path of owning a pig:

-Social interaction is just one example; these hogs are social animals and thrive on companionship, whether from humans or other pets.  It is irresponsible unethical it’s cruel, it’s a number of things to go and get a pig and then leave it to fend for itself for an extended period of time. I really mean that.     

-Also Regular veterinary check-ups will help monitor their health, as Ossabaw hogs can be prone to certain conditions if not cared for properly.

Remember - This is a SMART animal! Training them with positive reinforcement can enhance your bond and make them more manageable as they can be quite   curious and strong-willed.

Finally, Are pigs legal as pets? This varies by location, so it’s important to check local regulations before bringing one home.

As we honor our dear friend, remember that pigs are not just pets; they are smart animals becoming your family. They deserve love, care and respect when you bring them into your life. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.. please subscribe to our channel to see what’s been happening at Dalby!