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Should I breed my potbelly pig?
by Kathleen
From The Pig Pen
You may begin to think about breeding your pig. Please don't take
this responsibility lightly.
Remember: there are already too many unwanted pigs. Since you are a
pig lover, let's try to help rather than hinder this unfortunate
situation. You MUST make sure you have a home for each and every
piglet BEFORE the litter is even conceived.
Remember: that it is highly unlikely you can recoup your investment,
much less profit, by breeding pigs. Once you have paid the stud
fees, provided for mandatory veterinary care, housed the piglets and
their mother properly, and accounted for enormous investment of time
with the piglets and their new owners, very few people come out
ahead by selling piglets. Today, only breeders who have spent years
developing their reputation and a market for their piglets can hope
to make a profit.
Remember: that breeding pigs has its emotional costs, as well. Ask
any breeder what it is like to see a sow through a difficult birth
or Cesarean section, or to witness the death of a beloved pet sow or
her piglets. It is not unusual for some member of the litter to have
a medical emergency before the litter leaves home. Death plays as
large a role as life when it comes to breeding pigs.
Remember: that if you decide to go forward and become a breeder
yourself, you should strive to produce each new litter as an
improvement over the last. You should consider carefully with whom
your pig breeds. Try to find a good tempered boar who is not closely
related to your pig and whose bloodlines will strengthen your own
pig's weaknesses and emphasize her good qualities. Since most boars
are owned by breeders and not kept as pets, the breeder is a
valuable resource to you and can help you make the appropriate
choice of mate for your pig.
Should I have my pig spayed or neutered?
It is highly unlikely that you have a boar (intact male pig) as a
pet, but should this be the case, it is strongly suggested that you
neuter your boar immediately. Also, it is strongly suggested that
you spay your female pig. By having only spayed and neutered pet
pigs you will avoid some potentially undesirable behavior and
provide both birth control and preventative health care.
Spay/Neuter for Health
Possibly the best reason to have your female spayed while she is
young is for the health benefits. There is less stress and the risk
of complications lessen when a young gilt (an intact female pig) has
this surgery prior to her attaining her mature weight. It is
recommended that your gilt be spayed prior to 6 months of age. The
best time is as early as four to six weeks. This should be done by
the breeder. When the uterus and both ovaries are removed, you have
eliminated the possibility of your pig's regular heat cycle, which
occurs every 21 days. Your pet will no longer be looking for the
nearest boar, and the potential infections, cancers, and other
problems involving the reproductive organs are eliminated.
As mentioned earlier, prior to bringing your boar home, he should
have been neutered by the breeder. Boars are fertile by the time
they are approximately 12 weeks of age, and being very amorous
animals, they are extremely hard to keep as pets. When you see that
your boar is neutered by the time he is 6 weeks old, you are
assuring that he will enjoy a life free from the cancers,
infections, and other problems involving his reproductive organs.
Spay/Neuter for Happiness
A spayed/neutered pet pig has a more consistent and happier
personality. She won't embarrass you at important dinner parties by
seeking romance with your company's legs. Most importantly, she
won't contribute to the population of homeless pigs, something we
should all be ashamed of.
Let's face it. Spaying and neutering pigs who are not intended for
breeding is the simple and RESPONSIBLE thing to do. It is hoped you
will make sure to have this procedure performed by your
veterinarian, so you can enjoy a happier, healthier pet.
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