Beans Has Became Very Aggressive

[Beans&Toast]

So I'm having issues with Beans just now and I'm not sure what's causing it, there are maybe 2 things going on, which is why I wasn't sure where to put this thread. (Sorry if it's in the wrong one I thought maybe behaviour and bonding too?)


Beans has became very aggressive with Maple since Friday, she won't let her move or go anywhere without trying to mount her or back her into a corner, which is obviously stressing Maple.

Beans has quite severe arthritis in her back legs/hips, for which she's on medication but I think it needs upped or changed because she's been struggling a bit lately. I have a feeling this may be the reason she's being so aggressive with Maple, because perhaps she's in pain (I'll do a separate thread for that).

But my second thought was that maybe Maple is in season, and it's making Beans a bit... mad. Beans has been spayed though so I don't know if that makes sense, can she still go a bit funny even though she's been spayed? Or could it be a combination of the two?


I'm at the point tonight where I think I have to put a divider in the cage for a day or so because poor Maple cannot get a seconds peace without being chased/mounted or backed into a corner.


Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[piggieminder]

Sending you hugs. I am so sorry you are going through this it's very stressful for you. I can't offer any advice, you've already covered a season or pain which is what I would have suggested. I didn't want to read your post and run.

 

[Wiebke]

So I'm having issues with Beans just now and I'm not sure what's causing it, there are maybe 2 things going on, which is why I wasn't sure where to put this thread. (Sorry if it's in the wrong one I thought maybe behaviour and bonding too?)


Beans has became very aggressive with Maple since Friday, she won't let her move or go anywhere without trying to mount her or back her into a corner, which is obviously stressing Maple.

Beans has quite severe arthritis in her back legs/hips, for which she's on medication but I think it needs upped or changed because she's been struggling a bit lately. I have a feeling this may be the reason she's being so aggressive with Maple, because perhaps she's in pain (I'll do a separate thread for that).

But my second thought was that maybe Maple is in season, and it's making Beans a bit... mad. Beans has been spayed though so I don't know if that makes sense, can she still go a bit funny even though she's been spayed? Or could it be a combination of the two?


I'm at the point tonight where I think I have to put a divider in the cage for a day or so because poor Maple cannot get a seconds peace without being chased/mounted or backed into a corner.


Any thoughts would be appreciated

Seeing my Hafren, yes, spayed sows can be a bit mad and rumblestrut and mount with the best. it is however generally dominance related. It can well be that there is a takeover bid for the leadership under way if Beans is not feeling up to scratch.

You can try a divider for a day or two if things are truly excessive and not dying down in a day or so.

 

[Janice C]

I’m sorry to hear you are having another problem with Beans. I feel that it could be the level of pain though that’s making her so ill natured. Just think how you feel if you’ve a pain somewhere - intolerant with others, shrewish tongue and just can’t be bothered socialising. Or is that just me?
Sounds like poor Maple is just trying to keep out of her way so maybe a little time out would help both?
Sorry I can’t be more help. Love to you and both stresses piggies. x

 

[Beans&Toast]

Seeing my Hafren, yes, spayed sows can be a bit mad and rumblestrut and mount with the best. it is however generally dominance related. It can well be that there is a takeover bid for the leadership under way if Beans is not feeling up to scratch.

You can try a divider for a day or two if things are truly excessive and not dying down in a day or so.

Thank you. From what I'm seeing, Maple isn't showing any behaviour that she's trying to take over or dominate Beans, she's just this tiny little thing who is quite happy going with the flow. But Beans is showing excessive dominance right now... i just thought maybe as it's only been for 4 days that it's because Maple is in season. I've put a divider in, Maple is happier that she can get some peace but Beans hasn't taken to kindly to it.

This might be a stupid idea, but could it be that Beans knows she's not in top health anymore and maybe she feels threatened that her top spot will be taken?

 

[Beans&Toast]

I’m sorry to hear you are having another problem with Beans. I feel that it could be the level of pain though that’s making her so ill natured. Just think how you feel if you’ve a pain somewhere - intolerant with others, shrewish tongue and just can’t be bothered socialising. Or is that just me?
Sounds like poor Maple is just trying to keep out of her way so maybe a little time out would help both?
Sorry I can’t be more help. Love to you and both stresses piggies. x

Yeah it makes sense that if she's not feeling great then she'd be more moody/aggressive. I too get like that! I'm going to keep track of the days that Beans is acting like this and see if there's a pattern to it. Maple loves being with Beans but she's stressed just now due to how intense the chasing is, she needs a wee break x

 

[Janice C]

Not a stupid thought! I’ve heard of other animals becoming defensive as they get older and could lose their place in the hierarchy of a group. x

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. From what I'm seeing, Maple isn't showing any behaviour that she's trying to take over or dominate Beans, she's just this tiny little thing who is quite happy going with the flow. But Beans is showing excessive dominance right now... i just thought maybe as it's only been for 4 days that it's because Maple is in season. I've put a divider in, Maple is happier that she can get some peace but Beans hasn't taken to kindly to it.

This might be a stupid idea, but could it be that Beans knows she's not in top health anymore and maybe she feels threatened that her top spot will be taken?

Her ill health is likely to play a part. Sows also can have testosterone spikes. If his has been going on for days, I would put a divider in.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Not a stupid thought! I’ve heard of other animals becoming defensive as they get older and could lose their place in the hierarchy of a group. x

But if it is becuase of that.... does that mean they're never going to get on again, is Beans going to act like this forever more?

 

[Wiebke]

But if it is becuase of that.... does that mean they're never going to get on again, is Beans going to act like this forever more?

It is impossible to say. You have to decide if and when Maple has had enough and weigh up the pros and cons. Only you can make that decision. Some situations are just not black and white.

 

[Beans&Toast]

It is impossible to say. You have to decide if and when Maple has had enough and weigh up the pros and cons. Only you can make that decision. Some situations are just not black and white.

They were getting on so well up until now, cuddling into each other every night

What's the best way to get to the bottom of it whether it's Beans feeling threatened due to old age/I'll health, or she's feeling off due to pain..

 

[Wiebke]

They were getting on so well up until now, cuddling into each other every night

What's the best way to get to the bottom of it whether it's Beans feeling threatened due to old age/I'll health, or she's feeling off due to pain..

Have you got painkiller and can up the dose?

 

[Beans&Toast]

Have you got painkiller and can up the dose?

She's on 0.4ml Loxicom split into 2 doses a day and she's on 5mg Tramadol daily too. My vet isn't keen on upping either one of them he's said he'd rather look into something else, an injection of Cartrophen. I'm not sure how I feel about that though

 

[Wiebke]

She's on 0.4ml Loxicom split into 2 doses a day and she's on 5mg Tramadol daily too. My vet isn't keen on upping either one of them he's said he'd rather look into something else, an injection of Cartrophen. I'm not sure how I feel about that though

She is on a lot of painkiller already.

I would see how a few hours of out-time go. They should not break the bond. See how Maple is reacting. If she is perking up noticeably as soon as she is away from Beans, you know that it is really getting to her.

 

[Beans&Toast]

She is on a lot of painkiller already.

I would see how a few hours of out-time go. They should not break the bond. See how Maple is reacting. If she is perking up noticeably as soon as she is away from Beans, you know that it is really getting to her.

She's already perked up. She always follows Beans and wants to cuddle into her but the past couple of days have been very intense for her so she needed a break. Beans however isn't taking it well, She's going mad trying to look for Maple.

I'm going to leave it until tomorrow evening and see how it goes when I take the divider away. Or is that too long apart?

 

[Wiebke]

She's already perked up. She always follows Beans and wants to cuddle into her but the past couple of days have been very intense for her so she needed a break. Beans however isn't taking it well, She's going mad trying to look for Maple.

I'm going to leave it until tomorrow evening and see how it goes when I take the divider away. Or is that too long apart?

You can try to give them cuddles together on your lap tomorrow morning and see how they are.

 

[Beans&Toast]

You can try to give them cuddles together on your lap tomorrow morning and see how they are.

Thank you, I don't know where I'd be without this forum!
I'm hoping they're back to normal tomorrow, If not I'll be back for more advice

 

[Wiebke]

It is one of these things that you have to play entirely by ear. But Maple's reaction is showing you clearly that the bond is very much under stress already.

 

[Beans&Toast]

It is one of these things that you have to play entirely by ear. But Maple's reaction is showing you clearly that the bond is very much under stress already.

It has only been the last few days. They've been getting on well. Are you thinking maybe Maple won't want to go back with Beans?

 

[VickiA]

Try not to over think it in human terms. Older sows can be unpredictable. There’s no black or white and no rule book. You just have to give it a go as Wiebke has suggested.