Birth - 2-3 inches tall - 6 oz. to 8 oz.
1 year - 12" tall - 60 - 70 pounds
3 years - 14" tall - 80 - 90 pounds
3 years - 16" tall - 100 - 125 pounds - this is the average size of a potbellied pig in the United States.
Should you hear of pigs significantly out of this range, ask the breeder for 5 references of pet owners who have their pigs over the age of 3 years. Call these people and ask the height of their pig and approximate weight. (Note that people of good intent tend to under-estimate a potbelly's weight)
Excerpts from The Complete Guide for the Care and Training of Pet Potbellied Pigs
What Will My Pig’s Size Be?
Potbellied pigs continue to grow until they are at least three years old. Some people believe that they continue to grow until they are five. Personally, I think that by the time the pet pig is about three, it can be considered fully-grown. Usually by two years, it is skeletally fully-grown. The last year or so potbellies put on their mature weight. This may be the reason people believe potbellies continue to grow after three years. As a pig puts on weight it looks bigger and in fact is somewhat taller and longer due to the increased fat and muscle layers. With proper nutrition and feeding, it can be assumed the pig is fully grown by three years of age.
Piglets are born weighing between four to eight ounces. They grow very quickly in the beginning. If they were in the wild, they would need to keep up with the herd. In fact, as the piglet gets older it will seem to grow in spurts. By the time they reach one year their rate of growth slows down considerably.
There are several factors that determine the size of a potbellied pig, the most important being genetics. Many people are misled by misinformation about the size of a mature potbellied pig, which can be supplied to them by unscrupulous breeders. Some people are told the mature weight of potbelly pigs will be only 20 to 30 pounds. Unfortunately, a few breeders continue to use terms like tiny, tiny, micro-mini, teacup, dwarf and even a personal name to describe their pigs, claiming they have a new "breed or type" of potbelly. All potbellies are considered miniature when compare to the average domestic hog. Some breeds of commercial hogs can easily weigh over 1,000 pounds. You can see how the potbellied pig weighing an average of 80 to 120 pounds can be called miniature.
On the other hand, some people believe all potbellies grow to the 175 to 200 pound range. Both of these size beliefs are wrong. To my knowledge, there are no normal, mature 30-pound potbellies. Moreover, not all pet pigs grow to be 175 or more pounds. Today there is a broad range in size for the mature, healthy, purebred potbellied pig - from 60 pounds to 175 pounds, from 13 inches to 28 inches tall. The normal mature weight of a purebred potbelly is somewhere between 70 and 150 pounds, with the average currently being 90 to 125 pounds. These same pigs will be 14 to 24 inches tall, with the average height being 16 inches tall. It should be noted that the weight of the pet pig is very deceiving because of their very dense bodies. Of course, there are few potbellied pigs that are smaller and a few that are bigger than the sizes related above.
Another myth about a pig’s size is that a pet owner can control how large the pig will be by controlling its diet. This is only partially true. It is possible to make a genetically predisposed pig of 90 pounds weigh 150 pounds by over feeding it, but it is impossible to make a genetically predisposed pig of 150 pounds weigh only 90 pounds. Underfeeding (stunting) a pet pig will only produce weak bones, poor skin, hair and hooves. Stunting can actually cause conformation changes, hocking in the back legs and curvature of bones, along with temperament and behavior problems. In worse cases, stunting can even cause death. Actually there is no way to make certain a potbelly stays small, except by being sure the pig’s parents are well fed and are genetically small. And even that provides the pet owner no guarantees. Within any given litter of piglets there can be a range of sizes. At maturity any of the piglets can be from one to 2 inches taller and 5 to 10 pounds heavier than its littermate.
On the other hand, the responsible breeder is available not only to her own clients, but to all those people in need of assistance. It really does not make any difference to her if she did or did not place one of her pigs in that questioning pet home. She truly loves her potbellies so much that, in her heart of hearts, she wants only the best for her pigs and the families who adopt them. She spends hundreds of hours each month taking care of her wonderful pigs and offering help to anyone who asks. She gives her clients the support and knowledge from her years of experience. In addition, if she is not sure of the answer, she is pleased and happy to help them find the information they need. One key issue in identifying a responsible breeder is she never, ever misrepresents her pigs. She tells people the truth about her pigs’ size, their temperaments, and the care and maintenance they need. In most cases, it is misinformation and lack of knowledge that produces a negative experience for potbellies and their pet owners.
An experienced breeder is an excellent source for a well-bred, healthy potbellied pig. Responsible breeders are dedicated to carefully selecting the right parents for each litter of piglets, so that each baby pig will be both physically and mentally healthy. By adopting a piglet directly from a breeder, the prospective pig owner is able to interact with the piglet’s mom and dad. In general, the prospective pet owner can see for himself what the future holds when he takes the piglet home. If the prospective pet owner is unable to come to the breeder’s home then he can ask for a list of references from his chosen breeder. With their client’s permission, all reputable breeders are more then willing to provide the names of other pet owners who have adopted their pigs.
When a pet owner adopts a piglet, he becomes a member of the breeder’s extended family. Feeling comfortable and being in good communication with the breeder is critical. Reputable breeders expect a call if a pig is in crisis, no matter what the age. Due to the breeder’s extensive experience in the care of pet pigs, the pet owner can expect to obtain information from her that will help him to understand and cope with any problems that might arise. The breeder’s support is especially helpful for the first time pig owner. No matter what, the conscientious breeder will be there to assist you.
In seeking out breeders who are knowledgeable about pet pigs, it is wise for the prospective pet owner to talk to as many qualified breeders as possible. Make sure to feel very comfortable with how she cares for her pigs and her knowledge about pig behavior. Should the prospective pet owner be lucky enough to visit the breeder, be sure the premises are clean and all the pigs are well cared for. The adult pigs should appear healthy and have good temperaments. The piglets should be clean, well fed, lively, and without visible signs of illness, such as runny nose or eyes, or lameness.
It is wise to make out a list of questions for the breeder prior to talking to her. Include questions about genetic problems as well as guarantees offered. The prospective pet owner should feel good about the breeder and believe that she is honest, straightforward and not evasive.
When asking questions of breeders, the prospective pet owner should hear basically the same information from each reputable breeder asked. If a breeder is encountered who gives information that does not seem to be the same the information heard from other breeders, then do not get a pig from that breeder.
A responsible breeder will ask many questions of the prospective pig owner as well. These questions assure the breeder that the piglet is going to the proper home. In short, be certain the breeder is someone who is concerned about the welfare of all of her pigs.
Sometimes the chosen breeder does not currently have piglets available. It is much better to have your name put on that breeder’s piglet waiting list, than it is to purchase a piglet from a breeder in whom you are not satisfied. A healthy pig will be a part of your family for many years to come; therefore, the delay of a few months should make little or no difference in choosing your breeder.
After selecting your pet pig, your breeder will give you oral and written information about the care, training and feeding of your new pet. The breeder will include a vaccination schedule for the pig, as well as some type of health and genetic defect guarantees. You will receive a piglet litter paper, which is used to permanently register your pig. Most communities require that the potbelly pig be registered.
Upon the arrival of the piglet, immediately take your pig to a veterinarian who is familiar with the care of potbellied pigs so that the pig can be examined for any physical problems. Remember, all agreements should be in writing and be signed and dated by both the breeder and the buyer.
Choosing the right pig, and most importantly the right breeder can help ensure many years of pleasure for you, your family, and your newest addition, your pig.
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