A pet pig, like any other pet, requires the right care and attention. Even though pigs are fundamentally different to dogs or cats, they need a species-appropriate and clean shelter and personal hygiene to stay healthy and feel safe.

Dwelling

For a pig's proper housing, which serves as protection from the weather and as a place to sleep, you need stable material, preferably wood, and a fenced run. A pig has little hair and is therefore just as sensitive to strong temperature fluctuations as an unclothed human.
The housing should allow the pig to sleep in a warm, dry and, above all, clean place. Although pigs like to roll around in the mud, they usually do this in summer to stay cool.

Pigs are much less dirty than they are rumoured to be. They need separate places to sleep, eat, play and use the toilet.

The pig's house should offer enough space for the pig to turn around freely and lie down to sleep. The floor should be covered with plenty of dry straw. The straw absorbs moisture and odours and keeps the pig warm on cold days. Outside the house, in the run, the pig should have the opportunity to roll around in the mud.

The house should be made of sturdy material, as pigs can easily knock over thin walls and dig under the fence. Before installing the fence, you should dig a trench about half a metre deep and bury the fence in the ground.

Feeding

A domestic pig needs grain feed and protein for its diet. Pigs like to eat maize, wheat, barley and sorghum, which should make up three quarters of their diet. The remaining quarter should consist of protein-rich food, for example dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, whey and milk powder.
The pig gets one meal a day.

Like any other pet, pigs need fresh water every day, free from insects and dirt particles. In winter, it helps to cover the water with a thin layer of straw so that it does not freeze over so quickly. The best solution is an automatic drinking trough, which is installed inside the stable.

A young pig weighing less than 60 kilograms needs special feed.

Care and welfare

Pigs love to be scratched on the belly or back. This is why they are often seen scratching themselves on walls or fences. However, care should be taken to ensure that the scratching does not become excessive, as this may indicate a skin disease.

A pig also needs toys so that it doesn't get bored in captivity. Toys for domestic pigs include buckets, balls or chew toys. They are very playful and need a selection of toys.

Most domestic pigs do not like having their feet touched. If the hooves need to be trimmed, you should first scratch the pig's belly extensively so that it relaxes.