Now that you’ve made the decision to adopt a new teacup pig into your loving home, you’ll need to get everything ready for them. Like all new pets, pigs will need some time to get acquainted with their surroundings and get used to their brand new home. Make sure you prepare for the arrival of your teacup pig by pig proofing your home. This will ensure the safety of your pig as well as protect your house and things from your adventurous new family member.
Having a young teacup pig around the house is much like having a two-year-old child running around. So think of pig proofing your home as baby proofing, the precautionary measures and methods are pretty much the same. However piggies have a natural curiosity and are much stronger than a human toddler, so you have to be that much more careful with them around. Keep outlets covered, avoid having sharp corners exposed, and keep dangerous objects out of reach.
Your new teacup piggy is like a living vacuum cleaner, and they will eat almost anything. It is extremely important to not leave things around on low tables or the floor. Even non-food items will look absolutely delicious for a pig. String, jewelry, rubber bands, balloons, paper, accessories and small toys all pose very real threats to a piggies tummy. They can act as choking hazards, cause digestion problems, or even puncture your pets mouth or stomach. A good rule of thumb is that if its not pig food and it can fit through a paper towel roll, you should keep it out of reach. This is equally true of household cleaners and trash bins. Pigs are smart, curious and determined to get into everything, especially the places you don’t want them to go. If toxic chemicals and cleaners are kept in low cabinets or under the sink, make sure they are locked up with childproof devices. The same goes for garbage and recycling cans. Pigs are notorious for rooting through trash, so to prevent a huge mess, keep your waste bins safely out of the way.
Your brand new family member can get into trouble almost anywhere in the house. They can jump, climb, and sneak their way into surprising places. Don’t underestimate how adventurous and and rambunctious your teacup pig will be. Invest in sturdy gates and fences to keep piggy out of all the things you want to keep them out of and safely in the spaces they are allowed to roam. Be aware that your new pig can injure themselves. They are so small that they can be seriously hurt by pulling objects down onto themselves or by falling, even from seemingly low heights. This means that stairs, tables, furniture, and beds can all pose a danger if you are not closely monitoring piggies movements. They are amazingly innovative and may find ways of climbing up objects even when they don’t know how to safely come down. Keep your teacup pig away from these falling hazards when you are not in the room.
Because of your pigs intense natural curiosity, they do have a knack for finding trouble. Take adequate precautions around the house to make sure piggy can ramble around and have fun safely. Avoid leaving hot items unattended to prevent burns. Do not leave candles or open flames within reach of your inquisitive new pet. Heated stoves, hair curlers or straighteners, and clothing irons may seriously hurt your teacup piggy if they come into contact with them. Standing water can also spell trouble for little piggies. They are so tiny and generally don’t have strong swimming skills, so even a shallow pool can be dangerous. Tubs, sinks, pools, and spas should all be watched extremely carefully whenever your young piggy is around.
Welcoming the new addition to the family into your home can be exciting and fun. Having a teacup pig as a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience. Be sure you take your role as a responsible piggy parent seriously. Young pigs, like young children, need almost constant supervision and clear boundaries. You can begin to train them right away so that they will learn the rules and feel more comfortable at home. When training pigs, using positive reinforcement often yields the best results. If piggy is getting into things they shouldn’t be, use treats and toys to lure them back to their designated area. Head pats and praise can go a long way in teaching your teacup pig the right behaviors.