Hey guys - we have acquired two young pot-bellied pigs (they arrived just before Thanksgiving). We are raising them for meat (apologies in advance to those who feel this type of pig should only be a pet). I know virtually NOTHING about raising pigs aside from what I've gleaned from the Internet.
Okay, so my husband's aunt (who gave us the pigs) said to feed them one cup each of pig feed in the morning and then greens and/or kitchen scraps in the evening. I cannot fathom that this is enough food. I'm guessing they weigh about 50-75lbs a piece. Yesterday, my husband went to feed them at night, and he likes to sit with them while they eat to get them accustomed to him (he'll hand feed them treats during the day as well). Yesterday, when he put the food in, one of the pigs bit his fist, his elbow, his jeans and his shoe. He said they acted like they were STARVING. He has decided that until we work this out, we're keeping the kids away from them (I agree totally).
Do any of you know what, how much and how often we should be feeding these guys? They say not to overfeed them or their bellies will drag the ground, but at the same time, I don't want them suffering from hunger and being aggressive as a result. Ideas?
Pot Belly Pigs
Pigs are very feed-efficient. Regular domestic pigs, optimally fed, can gain one pound for every three pounds of feed given. We have also had potbellies. I think one cup AM and PM would be about right - along with any amount of greens or hay, something to keep them busy between meals. Pigs can also be quite aggressive. You don't mention the gender of yours, if male, they should be castrated. Also don't name them if you're planning to eat them.
They are both unspayed girls. Bacon and Porkchop is what we've dubbed them. They're pretty ugly, so I'm not too worried. The cows though - that's a tough one. We've called all of them "Norman" to keep it impersonal, but jeesh, they're cute.
I have a pot belly piggy named Daisymae who is 11 years old. I buy 50 pound bag of 14 % unsweeten horsefeed for her because I was told her poop will not stink up the yard. She does get fresh veggies or fruits and NO leftovers from the table. I do feed her approx 3 cups of feed a day along with fresh veggies from the garden and fruits like apples and grapes,etc.
That's great information, guys. I think I need to step up their food - Moodene, do you think that food scraps from the table will be a problem for a pig that's not a pet?
We feed our "real" pigs food scraps. I just think they may be too fattening for pot bellies if there are many leftovers.
I was told not to give her any type of meat or meat by products because it makes the poop stink..The pot belly piggy rescue place here in Texas feed theirs on 14 % unsweeten horsefeed..lol..to keep them from getting too fat. I just dont feed Daisymae any food table scraps..lol..never have..