[trebor]

should I get pot bellies in Orkney.any advice welcome.

[HappyHippy]

Hi,
I'm not sure if you're contemplating them for the friendship or the freezer 
From what I understand pot bellied pigs are kept PURELY as pets, and fairly high maintenance at that. I've not had them myself - maybe someone else here has who'll be better placed to give advice. But I believe they're very inclinded to become overweight, which would obviously lead to health problems, also I think eye problems are quite common due to the wrinkles on their faces and I think (but again, may be wrong) that they require a specialist feed. They also live for up to 30 years, so it's definately a long term commitment.
As they're normally kept as house pets I don't know how they'd fare if you were intending keeping them outside, but I'd imagine a good, well insultated arc and plenty of straw would keep them warm enough in all but the coldest of weather.
You'd obviously still need a CPH holding number and have to conform to all legislation and I also remember something about needing a licence if you're going to 'walk' them.
To be honest - it's a lot of hassle for a pet, I'd probably go for a dog instead. And if it's meat you're looking for it's the wrong choice - I think you'd be better of with a native 'rare' breed, as they'd be better suited to the environment and give MUCH better meat.
Here's a handy website http://www.potbelliedpigs.co.uk/
But good luck whatever you decide and keep us posted.

[trebor]

Thanks Hippy, I am looking to have them as pets.My partner is allergic to cat and dog hair so having these might suffice. I have 3 hens at the moment and have always liked pot bellied pigs.I am in the process of obtaining documentation. thanks for the helpful advice and link.

Hi,
I'm not sure if you're contemplating them for the friendship or the freezer 
From what I understand pot bellied pigs are kept PURELY as pets, and fairly high maintenance at that. I've not had them myself - maybe someone else here has who'll be better placed to give advice. But I believe they're very inclinded to become overweight, which would obviously lead to health problems, also I think eye problems are quite common due to the wrinkles on their faces and I think (but again, may be wrong) that they require a specialist feed. They also live for up to 30 years, so it's definately a long term commitment.
As they're normally kept as house pets I don't know how they'd fare if you were intending keeping them outside, but I'd imagine a good, well insultated arc and plenty of straw would keep them warm enough in all but the coldest of weather.
You'd obviously still need a CPH holding number and have to conform to all legislation and I also remember something about needing a licence if you're going to 'walk' them.
To be honest - it's a lot of hassle for a pet, I'd probably go for a dog instead. And if it's meat you're looking for it's the wrong choice - I think you'd be better of with a native 'rare' breed, as they'd be better suited to the environment and give MUCH better meat.
Here's a handy website http://www.potbelliedpigs.co.uk/
But good luck whatever you decide and keep us posted.

[HappyHippy]

Hi Trebor,
Pigs do shed a fair bit of skin (or mine did anyway) which might affect your partner in the same way as cat & dog hair, especially if they're going to be inside.
I don't want you to think I'm trying to put you off - I LOVE PIGS & think everyone should have one  but, you'd need to get 2 to keep each other company and that could amount to a fair bit of dust/skin, not to mention a fair bit of pig by the time they're fully grown !
Before you take the plunge and get them I'd strongly suggest you take your partner to spend a bit of time 'up close' with them just to check they're okay.
But obviously, if you're keeping them outside you wouldn't have the same worries about the allergies.

[Hilarysmum]

Trebor have you considered mangalitsa pigs?  They are that little bit different, although very hairy, they dont shed as much as other pigs.  They dont grow too big, and in my experience (albeit a bit limited) they are extremely dog like.  All pigs can be house trained, although being an outdoor animal they do need access to somewhere to root and be a pig. 

If your OH likes grooming they love being brushed.  If you get a licence they are very ammenable to being walked.  And they are certainly different. 

[ukag0972]

What about Kune Kune pigs. I have some and they are absolutely adorable as pets. Ive just had the local school kids come visit us and the 4 week old piglets were eating apples from their hands.  They stay out all year round too and I dont believe them to be high maintence, a good shed with straw is enough for them.
I too am allergic to cats and dogs and I personally feel that when you spend time with these animals you become immune, but its probably not the case all the time. Its not as though she'd be cuddling them!!
I do have two boys left if you're interested, which will be castrated tomorrow, to be used as pets