That’s why we recommend that pigs have a friend! However, forming a strong bond doesn’t always happen overnight. Just like people, pigs need time and space to get to know each other. It’s perfectly normal if they don’t become best friends right away.

It’s also important to remember that pigs are hierarchical animals. When a new pig is introduced, both animals must establish their position in the herd. This process often involves posturing and, occasionally, some scuffles. With patience and the right approach, most pigs can learn to coexist peacefully, and even enjoy each other’s company!

Here are some friendly tips on what to do and what to avoid when introducing pigs to one another:

Do: Give your pig time to adjust.
Before introducing your pigs, allow the new arrival to adjust to their environment. Moving to a new home can be overwhelming, so give them a few days to feel safe and comfortable before meeting a new friend.

Do: Have them meet through a fence for two weeks.
Being able to be nose-to-nose with their new companions will tremendously help them to bond and work through the hierarchy, without the added danger of being in the same space (which could cause fighting).

Do: Swap blankets.
During the two weeks that your pigs meet through a fence or barrier, exchange their blankets. This will help them get accustomed to each other’s scent. (Only provide blankets if you are certain they will not shred them!)

Do: Trim their tusks before introducing a new pig.
Long or sharp tusks can cause serious injuries during altercations. Make sure tusks are trimmed before any direct contact occurs.

Do: Have pig boards or sorting boards on hand.
If things get too heated during introductions, use pig boards to safely separate the animals. These boards help redirect the pigs calmly without physical contact.

Don’t: Introduce pigs on a hot day.
Pigs can’t sweat, so they’re highly prone to heat stress. Choose a cooler day for introductions and monitor them closely for signs of overheating or exhaustion.

Don’t: Introduce them again on the same day after a conflict.
If you need to intervene due to fighting or stress, wait at least a day before trying again. Successful introductions often take multiple attempts.

Don’t: Force the relationship.
Not all pigs are compatible. If you’ve given them time and space and it still isn’t working, it may be time to consider alternative living arrangements. Forcing a relationship can cause chronic stress and injury.

Don’t: Conduct introductions in a confined space.
Choose a neutral, spacious area for introductions, which neither pig considers their territory. Make sure there are no tight corners where a pig could get trapped or cornered.

This guidance should help you be more prepared for success with introducing new pig friends to each other. If you run into any problems or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice! You can contact us at farm@lollypop.org

Resources:
Hess, T. ( 2024, November 13). Conducting Pig Introductions At Your Animal Sanctuary. The Open Sanctuary Project. https://opensanctuary.org/conducting-pig-introductions-at-your-animal-sanctuary/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-10

(2023, January 23). Pig Introductions. Ross Mill Farm. https://rossmillfarm.com/2023/01/pig-introductions/

The post Introductions: A Guide to introducing potbelly pigs appeared first on Lollypop Farm.

Pigs are smart, social, full of personality, and deserving of loving homes! Whether you’re ready for a pasture pal or a snuggle buddy with a snout, now’s the perfect time to bring home a piggy friend… or two!

All pigs adopted in August will have their adoption fee 50% off. PLUS, thanks to our friends and loyal supporters at Tractor Supply in Macedon and our amazing partners at Farmer Boy AG, all piggies will go home with their very own enrichment toy!

The post August is Adopt-a-Pig Month appeared first on Lollypop Farm.

That’s why providing enrichment and mental stimulation is essential to your pig’s health and happiness. Let’s take a look at some fun, easy ways to meet your pig’s natural needs!

Rooting: A Natural Behavior
One of the most common natural behaviors pigs display is rooting—using their strong snouts to dig through soil in search of insects, roots, or other treats. The best way to support this behavior is by giving your pig access to a safe outdoor space where they can root and explore freely. But even if that’s not possible, there are plenty of creative indoor options:

• Rooting Boxes and Pools: Fill a kiddie pool or cardboard box with straw or blankets, then hide small pieces of fruits and veggies inside for your pig to discover.

• Snuffle Mats: These enrichment tools, often designed for dogs, work great for pigs too. Hide plain Cheerios or animal crackers among the fabric folds. Want to get crafty? Try making your own snuffle mat with this DIY guide.

Social Enrichment
Pigs are naturally social beings who thrive with companionship. You can promote their social side with enrichment:

• Mirrors: Install a mirror in their space so they can see themselves and their pig friends.

• One-on-One Time: Strengthen your bond by brushing, giving belly rubs, sharing snack time, or simply relaxing together.

Switching Up Their Space
Like us, pigs can get bored of the same routine and surroundings. Try changing up their environment to keep things interesting:

• Create a Mud Wallow: Install a mirror in their space so they can see themselves and their pig friends.

• Add Logs or Stumps: Ensure any wood added to their enclosure is non-toxic. Here’s a helpful list.

• Install a Livestock Brush: These large brushes can be mounted securely and offer pigs a way to scratch and groom themselves.

• Leaf Piles: Let them dig and snuffle through piles of safe leaves. (see the list above)

• New Blankets: Rotate out their old blankets for new ones to keep things fresh.

Scent Enrichment
Pigs don’t just use their noses for rooting — they also have a fantastic sense of smell! Tap into their natural curiosity with scent-based enrichment:

• Scented Toys: Spritz a jolly ball with vanilla extract or other pig-safe scents.

• Scatter Feeding: Toss food around their enclosure to turn mealtime into a scavenger hunt.

• Seasoned Hay or Food: Sprinkle in herbs like oregano, basil, or cinnamon to make meals more interesting and fragrant.

Mental Stimulation
Pigs are incredibly intelligent, and they thrive when given the chance to think and problem-solve. Here are a few ways to keep those clever brains engaged:

• Food Puzzles: Stuff a large Kong toy with Cheerios or other healthy treats.

• DIY Treat Dispensers: Drill small holes in a capped PVC pipe just large enough for bits of grain to fall through when rolled.

• Clicker Training: Pigs love to learn! Clicker training can help teach them useful skills like walking on a leash or responding to cues — and it’s a great bonding experience. Click here to learn more.

By offering a variety of enrichment activities tailored to your potbelly pig’s natural behaviors, you’ll help them live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. A little creativity and attention go a long way toward making your pig feel loved and mentally stimulated every day.

Sources:
Barnes, A. (2023, January 10). Creating an enriching life for pigs. The Open Sanctuary Project. https://opensanctuary.org/how-to-conduct-a-pig-health-examination/.

Barnes, A. (2024, December 11). Things that are toxic to pigs. The Open Sanctuary Project. https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/clicker-training-smart-pig

Del Prete, C. L. (2016, August 31). Clicker training a smart pig. Best Friends Animal Society – Save Them All. https://lafeber.com/vet/routine-care-mini-pig/.

Mini Pig Enrichment Ideas & Inspiration. Mini Pig Info. https://www.minipiginfo.com/mini-pig-enrichment.html

Perry, K. (2024, August 8). Do farm animals really need enrichment? yes, and here’s why. Farm Sanctuary. https://www.farmsanctuary.org/news-stories/farm-animal-enrichment/#:~:text=Examples%20include%20grooming%20pads%2C%20scented,and%20can%20improve%20mental%20health.

The post Keeping Your Potbelly Pig Happy with Enrichment appeared first on Lollypop Farm.

• Vaccinations Potbelly pigs should be vaccinated once a year with rabies and a combo shot (ER-BAC Lepto5).

• De-Worming Potbelly pigs should be dewormed at least once a year, or as directed by a veterinarian. The most common dewormer for potbelly pigs is Ivomec 1% Injectable.

• Tusk trimming When you adopt a male potbelly pig, be aware that they can develop long tusks. These tusks should be trimmed by your veterinarian at least once a year. If they are not trimmed, they can injure other pigs or grow at an uncomfortable angle.

• Hoof trimming Potbelly pigs require regular hoof trims, depending on their living conditions. If they spend most of their time outdoors, they naturally wear down their hooves and may only need a trim once a year. However, on average, potbelly pigs should have their hooves trimmed at least twice a year. For potbelly pigs with mulefoot (fused hooves), hoof trims will be necessary approximately every two months.

• Physical Exams It’s essential to have your veterinarian perform a physical examination on your potbelly pig at least twice a year. This allows the veterinarian to become familiar with your pig’s baseline health, which is helpful if your pig becomes ill or exhibits unusual behavior.

• Sunscreen Light-colored pigs require sunscreen when exposed to the sun during the summer months. Use baby-safe sunscreen and apply it to their backs, bellies, ears, and shoulders. In some cases, even darker-colored potbelly pigs may need sunscreen if they experience prolonged sun exposure.

• Skincare Some potbelly pigs are prone to dry skin. To help moisturize their skin, you can apply coconut oil; however, be cautious not to do this if your pigs will be exposed to sunlight. Additionally, you can enhance their diet with a skin and coat supplement and brush them occasionally.

Finding the Right Veterinarian
Finding a veterinarian for potbelly pig owners can be challenging. Pigs are prey animals by nature, which affects their behavior during veterinary and husbandry care. When handled or restrained, they tend to scream and squeal. Additionally, their strength and reluctance to remain still make them difficult to restrain. For these reasons, many veterinarians opt not to treat pigs.

If you’re fortunate enough to find a veterinarian who is willing to work with pet potbellied pigs, it’s essential to maintain a relationship with them. Regular exams, even when your pig appears healthy, ensure that your vet is familiar with your pig and makes it more likely they’ll be available when emergencies arise. Due to a growing veterinary shortage, having an established relationship is more important than ever.

Considering Adoption?
If you are interested in adopting potbellied pigs from Lollypop Farm, we can assist you in finding a veterinarian if you don’t already have one! Fill out our application here if you are interested in one of our farm yard friends!

Sources:
Griffler, M. & Hess, T. “How to Conduct a Pig Health Check.” Open Sanctuary Project. (2023, June 15). https://opensanctuary.org/how-to-conduct-a-pig-health-examination/.

Griffler, M. “The Importance of Sun Protection for Pigs.” Open Sanctuary Project. (2018, December 26). https://opensanctuary.org/the-importance-of-sun-protection-for-pigs/.

Mozzachio, K. “Routine Veterinary Care of the Miniature Pig.” (2019, April 7). LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/routine-care-mini-pig/.

The post How to Keep Your Pet Pig Healthy appeared first on Lollypop Farm.

Unfortunately, there are often myths perpetuated by breeders and the media that convince pig lovers that their new friend will stay below 50 pounds. These myths lead to poor health for the pigs, and sadly, increase the numbers of homeless pigs that end up in shelters like Lollypop Farm. Check out our pig facts below, and try the diagram to see if a pig would fit well with your lifestyle!

1. “Teacup” or “mini pigs” are really just baby potbellied pigs or mixes. Sadly, some pig breeders share misinformation instructing owners to underfeed their pigs. While this keeps the pigs small, it leads to health issues that can be extremely harmful.

2. Pigs require a large amount of space to roam, snuffle, dig, and root around. In fact, these are some of their favorite pig activities! Pigs love using their snouts for rooting and foraging.

3. Pig skin is very sensitive to the sun and they can get sunburns just like people. Since they can’t sweat, pigs like to wallow in the mud to stay cool and protect their skin. At Lollypop Farm, we actually put sunscreen on some pigs to protect their pink skin!

4. A healthy potbellied pig can grow to weigh 80 – 180 pounds. Many pigs brought to Lollypop Farm are surrendered because they grew too big for the home they were living in.

5. A healthy potbellied pig can live to be between 12 – 15 years old.

6. Pigs are fast runners! They can also be good swimmers in shallow water.

7. Pigs love being with other pigs. When they sleep, pigs like to cuddle close together to keep each other warm.

Have you always wanted a pet potbellied pig? Check out the diagram below to see if a pig would be the perfect pet for you, or if your lifestyle just doesn’t fit the needs of a potbellied pal. For more information about adopting a potbellied pig, contact our Farm Manager, Joanna Dychton, at farm@lollypop.org or 585-223-1330 ext. 266.

Meet pigs available for adoption: www.lollypop.org/adopt/horses-farm-animals

Learn more about the big issue with little pigs: www.lollypop.org/big-issue-little-pigs

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