We take the care of our pigs very seriously and have a responsibilty to our animals to ensure that any person wishing to own one of our animals is made aware of it's basic needs and how to care for it correctly.

The welfare of pigs is considered within a framework that was developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council known as the 5 FIVE FREEDOMS.

THE 5 FREEDOMS ARE

1. FREEDOM FROM HUNGER & THIRST - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2. FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3. FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE - by prevention or by rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. FREEDOM TO EXPRESS MOST NORMAL BEHAVIOUR - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind.

5. FREEDOM FROM FEAR & DISTRESS - by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

In acknowledging these freedoms, those people who care for livestock should demonstrate:-

Caring and responsible towards the animal

Considerate handling and transport

Maintenance of good health is one of the most basic requirements in the welfare of your pig. 

Take care not to overfeed your pig and feed once a day, preferably in the morning with non-fattening sow pellets which can be bought from most good agricultural merchants for around £ 5 per 25kg bag.  An adult pig will need approximately half a dog dish per day.  Treats can be given, i.e: fruit, plain digestive biscuits, bread etc but no meat or meat derivatives  or scraps from your plate must be given.  You should adjust feeding as necessary so that your pig doesn't become too fat or too thin.  Fresh water must be available at all times, an automatic water feeder is an ideal solution but if this is not possible then make sure their water container is not able to be tipped up, a horse feed bucket inside an old tyre to keep it upright is just as good.  An adult pig will drink between 2 and 5 litres of water per day and will drink 80% more if the water is clean and fresh.

A pig arc or plastic calfing hutch is ideal accomodation although a door or heavy duty flap will have to be fitted in winter.  A small garden shed, stable or barn can be just as good.  Whatever method you use make sure it is draught free, full of fresh bedding straw and be warm in winter and cool in summer.  Straw is excellent in satisfying your pigs behavioural and physical needs and it will provide your pig(s) with a fibrous material which he can eat and also root and play with as well as providing warmth.  Pigs have a very limited ability to sweat and are susceptible to heat stress so make sure that their accomodation doesn't become overheated in hot weather.  Make sure that your pig(s) have access to shade outside and even make a wallow in the earth for your pig to roll in and cool down.  If you are using a pig arc or calfing hutch make sure that it's site is chosen carefully avoiding land which is prone to flooding and making sure that they are securley fixed to the ground in case of windy weather and placed so that the doorway can be adjusted to allow for changing weather conditions.

Make sure that your pigs accomodation has no sharp edges or protusions that are likely to cause injury and that internal surfaces be made of materials that can be easily cleaned.  If you are going to paint or treat these surfaces make sure that you use products which are safe to use with animals.

The pot-bellied pig is a grazing animal and will need access to grass on a daily basis during the drier months, this also gives your pig the opportunity to investigate and play.  Every effort should be made to ensure your pig(s) has time to settle into his new home and to feel safe.  The fencing surrounding your pigs paddock area should be secure, pig or sheep netting works well, electric fencing is not needed.  Your pig should be able to come and go freely from his home into his paddock area and after only a few days of settling in he will run back into his safe home should anything scare him.

Once your new arrival is in his new home give him time on his own to adjust to the new surroundings and noises, keep other pets and children away for the time being.  Check on him regularly and after he has had time to settle in and sniff about, introduce him slowly and quietly to the members of your household.  He will probably be eating out of your hand within a couple of days!  Above all, spend time just getting to know your pig(s), sit in with him and talk to him, he will be climbing on you and playing games in no time at all.  Footballs are great for your pig to play with and he will also love to scratch against a post, tree trunk and even you and don't forget the belly rubbing - they LOVE IT!!

You should take action immediately and consult your vet without delay if your pig is injured or becomes ill,  If your pig goes off his food it is a sure sign that all is not well.  Your vet should also be consulted for advice on vaccinating and worming your pig.

And most of all, don't forget we're always on hand to help you out at all times!