What do small poops mean?

[HumanWithFurryPotats]

My 5 year old piggy has been pooping tiny pellets, and I don’t know why. She is eating and drinking ok, and I don’t see any signs of sickness, so why the small poops?

 

[gmsong]

are they bullet shaped? Pictures please

 

[Freela]

Generally, smaller poops mean less food intake, even if it looks like your pig has been eating. Do you weigh her regularly? If not, take a baseline weight now and then again tomorrow to look for weight loss. At that point she should see a vet to rule out any issues that aren't obvious, like dental issues that are reducing her food intake, or an infection that you can't see signs of yet because pigs are good at hiding illnesses.

 

[Wiebke]

My 5 year old piggy has been pooping tiny pellets, and I don’t know why. She is eating and drinking ok, and I don’t see any signs of sickness, so why the small poops?

Smaller poos are generally the sign of reduced food intake, especially when they are also thinner. In many cases, there is a pain/discomfort issue somewhere but sudden weather changes or dental problems can also play a role. The poo output is generally running 1-2 days behind the food intake.

Please keep in mind that hay is making over 80% of the daily food intake and that you cannot control that by watching your piggy eating its 10% veg and 5% pellets.
Switch from weighing once weekly to weighing daily at the same time and see your vet as soon as your piggy has lost more than 50g/2 oz.
Please read more about weight monitoring in this guide here. It is an important health monitoring tool:
Weight - Monitoring and Management

Step in with offering top up feed if needed but do not fully syringe feed as long as your piggy is still eating mostly on its own. Just offer extra in a bowl or by spoon. More tips in this illustrated guide here:
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide