Hamlet, a pot belly pig, came to live at the ranch in the spring of 2003. His companion was an ill, elderly woman, and she made sure Hamlet would be cared for after her death.
Providing a pot belly pig with the proper living enclosure and medical attention or trying to find a good home for a pig is difficult. Having pot belly pigs as companion animals was once a big fad, and many people bought them. Then the caretakers discovered how much work was involved in caring for the pigs, and consequently, many animal shelters noticed a large increase in the number of relinquished pigs. As a result, many pigs were put down. The ranch already had two other pot belly pigs who had been given up by their companions. Hamlet joined the group.
When Hamlet first arrived, ranch staff welcomed him with open arms and tried to make him feel at home. He was given his own enclosure to provide time for adjustment away from his home environment and to enable staff to closely monitor him. At first, he did not wander away from his shelter. To observors it appeared that he felt sad and listless without his human friend, and a skin condition made him lose some of his hair. (Pigs have hair, not fur!). With nuturing and attention from staff, he slowly began to interact and become more comfortable.
Hamlet was fed a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and pig chow. Dr. Collins, one of the ranch veterinarians, looked after his skin condition. As Hamlet's black hair started to grow in and he spent more time out of his shelter, it became time to move him to the group enclosure. Hamlet instantly made friends with the other pigs, Olivia and Mr. Pud. Now, all live happily in their grassy enclosure where they take long, leisurely naps in the afternoon and grunt excitedly for breakfast and dinner!
A rooting box, an area filled with some dirt, rocks, and buried treats, helps stimulate the pigs' natural rooting behavior. Hamlet enjoys rooting around in the box and looks for the special treats of popcorn, Cheerios, and pig chow.
A "busy ball," a hard plastic ball with special cavities for treats, also help the pigs get exercise and simulate natural behaviors. As the pigs push the ball around, the treats fall out. Hamlet grasped the concept right away, delighted to push it around the enclosure and munch on the "fruits" of his labor.
While Hamlet has adjusted well to his new companions and life at the ranch, he may always miss his human friend. Exotic animals do not make good pets. They require a significant investment of time, expense and dedicated commitment. Shelters are overrun with animals, such as pot belly pigs, rodents, birds, iguanas and other reptiles, animials once purchased for pets but then relinquished. If you are looking to welcome a pet into your family, consider adopting a cat or dog from your local humane society.
Related Links
- Read about the less-fortunate emus, Bebu and Kemu, who were left to fend for themselves after their caretaker passed away.
