feeding/potty training

Question
QUESTION: Hello. My pig is 10 weeks old. He squeals very loud, when he sees me, when I bring him outside, when someone picks him up, etc.  I can't figure out exactly why he is squealing. Will you shed some light as to why pigs squeal?  Thank you

ANSWER: Pigs are very vocal creatures! They make all kinds of sounds, from high pitched squeaks, to snorts and grunts, to panting "ha-has", to loud screams and deep, guttural "horror movie" noises.

In the wild, pigs are prey animals. The only time a piglet is lifted up is when a predator picks him up to eat him! Your piglet needs to overcome this natural fear. Tell your piglet what you're going to do before you do it, for example "touch piggy" or "lift piggy". Sit on the floor and let piggy climb into your lap. Feed piggy his meals while he's in your lap and being held. When he's comfortable with this (it won't take long), start feeding him while you hold him. Pretty soon he'll learn that it's ok for you to pick him up and hold him.

When he sees you and squeals, he's saying "hello". His squeals when you take him outdoors mean he's excited about playing outside.

Listen to his vocalizations and notice where he is and what's happening when he makes them. Pretty soon you'll be able to translate all his sounds.

I recommend harness training and teaching a few simple tricks. Harness training is important if he ever needs to see a vet. The tricks themselves are not important, but the interaction between the pig and the person really helps them both understand each other and communicate better.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I read to feed my pig 1 to 2 cups of food a day.  What are your thoughts?
Secondly-my piglet is potty trained indoors. I am trying to train him to potty outside. He will only poop outside, but still pees inside.  I am gone most of the day. What do you suggest to do to break him of the indoor peeing? Is letting him out at 6am, then again at 5pm too long for him to wait?

Answer
Feeding pigs is more of an art than a science. A lot depends on the particular pig and activity level. The general rule of thumb is 1/2 cup of pot-bellied pig food per 15 lb of piglet, and 1 cup per 50 lb of adult pig. Active pigs living outdoors in cold climates will need more food. Sedate, indoor pigs might need less. Most people supplement this with fresh veggies, some fruits, and time outside to gaze or plain rolled oats. Some people use other, less expensive feeds made for horses or farm pigs, so they may need to feed more or less.

Younger pigs, under 2 years, need to pee every couple of hours. Older adults can hold it for as long as 12 hours, but it isn't good for them. Pigs are prone to urinary crystals, which can cause blockages and infection. Frequent urination and drinking plenty of water help prevent crystal formation. Eventually your pig may be able hold it all day without using the litter box, but it may not be healthy, especially if he's a male pig.