micro pig peeing and food

Question
I have a 4 month old micro pig, I have only had him about a month. I have an area for him in my room and he was doing a good job going potty in his litter box. He just recently started going pee while he is drinking water. How can I stop this? He also goes potty in my room if I let him out of his area but I feel bad if he doesn't have a big area to rome around once in a while. Should I not let him out at all unless I am holding him or until he is fully potty trained?

I am also wondering if I am feeding him properly. I have been giving him a little over 1/4 a cup twice a day of Mazuri mini pig youth. I was only giving him 1/4 a cup twice a day but it didn't seem to be enough, he was getting crabby when I only gave him that much. I also give him a couple carrots and slice of apple a day too. I heard flinestone vitamins are ok to give them too, is this right? If so should I just give him half of a tablet a day or the full flinestone tablet. He started eating his poop today, which is why I am wondering about the vitamins.

He is a great little loving pig and I love him as a pet. I just want to make sure I am giving him all of his needs and doing things properly. Thanks!

Answer
Pigs learn quickly but unlearn very slowly. Your pig has already learned that he can have accidents. It will take a lot of time and effort to help him unlearn, but he can do it.

Little pigs have to pee often. And, they often don't know they have to go until the very last second. They don't have time to dash to the litter box! So, they stop and drop a tiny, quick pee that often goes unnoticed.

The trick is to take piggy to the potty box so frequently that piggy can't make an accident anywhere else, and to keep doing this until piggy is about 8 or 9 months old.

Start by cleaning every accident spot with any quality product designed to remove pet urine odors. Pigs have an incredible sense of smell, and the odor will remind him that he had an accident there.

Keep him confined in his safe space when you can not be with him. He needs a litter box, a bed, and fresh water at all times. Dehydrated pigs often pee while drinking water. Once they start doing this, it becomes a bad habit. If piggy has constant access to water and consistent potty training, this should stop on it's own.

A good litter box is big enough for piggy to turn around it, and has at least one very low side for piggy to step in easily. The bottom should be non-slip so piggy can feel secure.

Make sure piggy goes potty every time you take him to the box, even if it's just a few drops.

Take piggy to the potty box as soon as he wakes up in the morning and again right after breakfast. Keep him confined to his safe space or on a harness and lead at your side. The full bedroom is too big, he will be tempted to ignore the box. When he wears a harness, it's easier for you to learn his body language and take him to potty.

Make him potty before letting him out of his safe space, and take him to the potty at least once every hour when he is out of his space and with you. If he naps while he's out with you, take him to potty the instant he wakes up. Take him to potty before and after lunch and dinner and before bed. Remember if he is away from his litter box for an hour it's time to take him back to it so he can go potty before he has the urge to make an accident.

The general rule of thumb is 1/2 cup of mini-pig pellets per 15 lb of piglet, divided into two meals and supplemented with veggies, fruits, grazing time and training treats. But, this is only a starting point, piggy may need more.

It's important to choose a good quality mini-pig food. Hog chow is a poor choice. Look at the ingredient list for recognizable ingredients, like oats, alfalfa, or mixed grains. Avoid foods that contain birdseed or "animal products".

It's ok to let him have more veggies. Veggies have lots of nutrients and fiber and will help piggy feel full. Carrot slices are great training treats.

It's also Ok to give piggy a vitamin. Piglets obtain vitamins and nutrients directly from dirt as they snurdle around outside. If you live someplace warm, giving piggy more outdoor time is better than a vitamin tablet.