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Question
I just bought a PBP, which I was told she was micro, I know now theres not such a thing, the girl was very wishy washy on her age, so I really dont know what I have... Dolly is black with a white star on her head and white feet, I got her the pig pellets but she seems so hungry. She was covered in flakes and we have been bathing her, she seems really happy except the terrified squeals when we pick her up. I thought it would get better but she seems so afraid of moving, I want to leash train her and walk outside but Im afraid shes going to have a stroke. I mean this pig is scared. What can I do to make her feel secure in my arms? She goes in the litter box perfectly, but she roots and it goes everywhere... Is there a better option? I have a 3lb Yorkie and they lick each others faces and they dont puff up or get angry they seem to like each other, is that ok? I really love her and want to do whats right, I just feel out of my element, and advice you have is appreciated. Also, she is sleeping in a huge dog crate, is that ok or neccesary? I wanted her safe while I was asleep. Thanks again

Answer
Pigs are very food oriented creatures. Piglets 15 lb and under should get 1/2 cup pot-bellied pig pellets per day. Piglets over 15 lb should get 1 cup for each 15 lb of body weight. It's best to divide this into at least two meals, and supplement it with fresh veggies and training treats.

The flakiness could be from a poor diet or mange. You can use any human skin lotion on your pig. If the flakiness does not subside in a couple of weeks with a good diet and lotion, piggy will need to see a vet. The vet can do a skin scraping to check for mange, and prescribe medication.

In nature, piglets are NEVER lifted, except when they are caught by a predator and about to become dinner. So it's natural for piglets to hate being lifted, they need to learn to like being cuddled.

Start by making a "safe space" for piggy to be alone, with a bed and litter box. It should be pretty small, like a laundry room or closet. Sit on the floor and talk quietly to piggy. Let piggy approach you and explore.

Lifting Piggy lessons start by teaching piggy to trust you for food. All food must come from your hand or the dish in your hand, no eating from a dish on the floor. Hold the food or dish, and let piggy climb in your lap to eat. Do this at every meal. After a few meals, piggy will feel comfortable being held while eating. The next step is to stand on your knees, holding piggy while piggy eats, then finally standing up and holding piggy while piggy eats. Be sure to support the whole spine when you're holding piggy.

A dog crate is fine for sleeping. Young pigs, under 1 year, should have access to a litterbox all night long.

Pigs root. It's just part of being a pig. Give piggy a place to root, like a box filled with rubber balls or a pile of old blankets.

Pigs need time outside. If you do not have a fenced area, harness training should be a priority. Use the kind of harness that buckles from underneath, not the kind that piggy must stick his head through. Pig harnesses are available at Ross Mill Farm  www.pigplacementnetwork.com , pigstuff.com and pigs4ever.com

I highly recommend the book Pot-Bellied Pig Behavior and Training by Priscilla Valentine. Pris really understood how pigs think and why they do the things they do. Her book is in between printings and may be hard to find. Two excellent dvds are "There's a Pig in the House" and "Amazing Pig Tricks" from Top Hogs www.tophogs.com