A Tale Of 2 Pigs: Throwaway Potbellied Pigs Land In Paradise

TAMPA, FL — While potbellied pigs can make intelligent, affectionate pets, they're not for everyone.

Every year Tampa Bay rescue organizations take in potbellied pigs after their owners discover they're more work to care for than they anticipated when they first brought home that adorable, tiny piglet.

According to National Geographic, since 1998 the number of mini pigs in the United States and Canada has risen from about 200,000 to as many as a million. And all too often, they end up with rescue groups after they've grown to between 80 and 150 pounds, repeatedly raided the refrigerator looking for food, chewed up dad's favorite easy chair or dug up the family flower garden while rooting around.

However, two abandoned potbellied pigs rescued by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay not only found the perfect homes, they found new best friends.

Turbo was born sick and fragile to Romeo and Juliet who were rescued by the Humane Society after they were dumped in a local park a couple of years ago.

Rescue workers weren't sure Turbo would survive, but the vet techs nursed him around the clock. Today, Turbo is no longer tiny and fragile. Fortunately, the Humane Society was able to place him with a family who understand the unique needs of potbellied pigs. Additionally, Turbo now has the perfect piggy partner to wallow with.

"Just look at him now, living his best life with his piggy partner, Buttercup," said Humane Society of Tampa Bay Executive Director Sherry Silk. "We can't tell you happy how this makes us."

Although he hadn't grown nearly as large as Turbo, Archie was also surrendered to the Humane Society.

His story also has a happy ending. He was not only adopted by a family with a yard that offers plenty of room for a pig to roam, but he and his new canine sibling have become best friends.

"It warms our hearts to see a former throwaway transformed into a loved, thriving family members," Silk said.

Archie plays with his new canine sibling.

Before taking on a potbellied pig, here are some things the North American Pet Pig Association wants you to know:

1. Keeping farm animals within city limits is against the law in many municipalities. Check beforehand to make sure it's legal in your city.

2. Terms like micro and teacup in reference to potbellied pigs are misleading. It may look tiny as a baby but, according to the American Mini Pig Association, a standard mini pig can range from 50 to 150 pounds when it's full-grown, the size of a St. Bernard.

3. While potbellied pigs can be house-trained, they're not always house-friendly. They are naturally curious and intelligent, so they're able to open cabinets and refrigerators, consuming anything edible inside. Some owners have been forced to put child locks on cabinets and refrigerators to keep them out. They are also easily bored and have been known to tear apart couches to keep busy.

4. Pigs don't sweat and are prone to insect bites, parasites and sunburn if left outdoors in hot temperatures. That's why they wallow in a shallow mud pit, which cools them off and acts as an insect repellent and sunscreen. Mud pits also condition the skin since pigs are prone to dry, flaky skin.

5. Pigs needs lots of fresh water and should be fed at least two or three times per day.

6. While pigs are clean animals and typically do not have a body odor, it’s important to know that pig manure is very smelly. In other words, expect a few complaints from the next-door neighbors. Pigs can also be very vocal, another aspect that your neighbors might not appreciate.

For more information, visit the North American Pet Pig Association's website.