staying busy while outside

Question
Hello,
I was hoping you would have some suggestions for keeping our pig
entertained while he is in his pen outside. He has a large area with a litter
box, a bed, and water. He gets bored and starts screaming. What are some
ways to keep him busy and quiet? I have read that busy balls encourage
obesity. Is a rooting box a better solution? If you have any ideas please let me
know.
Thanks!

Answer
Busy Balls can become a problem, if they're used excessively and filled with piggy pellets. If the calories from a busy ball are ignored, piggy can quickly become quite fat. But, if the calories from a busy ball are counted as part of piggy's daily diet, they won't cause a problem. Plain air popped corn is usually a good choice for busy balls.

Rooting boxes are better than busy balls, because they allow pigs to indulge their natural urge to dig and root. Rubber balls are a quieter choice than river rocks. Plain potting soil (without any plant food additives) works great, too - but makes a huge mess. Encourage piggy to play in the rooting box by sprinkling a few bits of plain popped corn in the box.

Piglets often enjoy playing with toys made for human infants, particularly toys that make noise when pushed or pressed.