Pig Characteristics and Traits - Reading Their Behavior Will Help You To Take Care of Pigs

Pigs are a great source of meat, but they are
likewise great pets. Discovering what pig
characteristics are will help you immensely to
take care of these intelligent animals. Although
traits may change according to breed, several
genetic characteristics are present among pigs.

Pigs are one of the most social and intelligent
farm animals. The reason why pig farmers create
strong pens and fences is that pigs can escape
from even a relatively good fence. They are
recognized to work in pairs and sometimes, more
intelligent swine even open other pens to let
other pigs escape. They can also learn new
behaviors as proven by experiments and research.
They can move a screen cursor and remember
drawings and scribbles they already knew.
Scientists believe they are smarter than
primates and even three-year old children.

If you intend to raise pigs for meat, you need
to know one of the distinct pig characteristics
is their cleanliness. Contrary to other people's
belief, pigs are generally clean animals. This is
shown by their choice of toilet far away from
their food and water troughs and their shelter.
They will also not rest or lay near the manure.
They use mud to close up their sensitive skin
from the insect bites and sun.

Pigs, like other animals, have sweat glands only
on their snouts. That is why they love to be near
the water or mud especially in hot weather.

Pigs are near-sighted. They use their sense of
smell and hearing to guide them where to go.
They also use their snouts to look for food.
They are like dogs which sniff things they want
to find.

Pigs generally can survive for 10-15 years if
well taken care for. They will keep on growing
until they are four to five years old. However,
some breeds, like the potbelly pig, do not share
these general pig characteristics. They normally
weigh only 60 to 300 pounds, counting on what
type of diet they are fed. Micro-mini pigs or
teacup pigs weigh 29 to 65 pounds, and are
specially bred to be small.

Pigs are independent animals. Unlike dogs, they
do not care for much attention. They are more
like plants that only need to be fed, watered,
and taken out of the sun. Of course, spending
time with your pig will make it more attached to
you, but not like dogs, they will not look for
loving companionship.

Pigs can jump. They do jump, only slightly low
and only if they are trying to reach for
something or are startled. They will also jump
if you train them to.

Pigs are highly trainable animals. Because they
have good sense of smell, you can train them to
retrieve or hunt something for you. Just make
sure you have treats of food as a source of
motivation.

With these pig characteristics, maybe you are
getting really excited about getting a pig as a
pet. However, also remember that pigs require a
lot of space since they can grow really big.
They also tend to be destructive when they are
exploring. Certain people think that pigs are
too bright to be kept as pets. Whatever people
and scientists say, the decision is always up to
you.

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So keep these points in mind. You will find that
learning more about pig characteristics does not
need to be difficult when you're learning from
someone who have experienced. Learn more tips on
how to raise pigs here:
http://www.howtoraisepigs.com

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