Behaviour issues

[Daisy&DelilahsMum]

Hi everyone, still I’m feeling like a very new PigMum, Daisy and Delilah surprise me every day. Today especially. Is there anyone who could educate me on the following displayed behaviours please? Both are rumbling at each other, a lot, this morning, also pecking. The little one is trying to mount her sister. I think I understand this, it’s all about dominance. Also the bigger girl is rumbling and crouching low with her hind quarters shimmying. the little ones response is to rumble, quiver and open and contract her bottom, but there is no pooping and the bigger sister then reversed her butt and squirted pee in the little ones direction. It was truly fascinating, learning about possible behaviours, however I would like some clarity in my interpretation of these incidents. in addition I do not want any of these behaviours to escalate into a fight. my interpretation is that they are testing each other out for who is going to be dominant in their territory (a 5x2 c&c plus 2x1 loft). I almost thought I had boys instead of girls this morning, observing their behaviour.

 

[SarahO]

Hi! Were your girls together when you got them? It all sounds normal to me. I have 2 boys Cookie & Bailey, when cookie (my eldest pig) was introduced to Bailey. That happened a lot. It’s definitely about who wants to be in charge. Bailed peed in Cookies face when he had enough which was funny to see Cookies face in shock that it happened! have Something like a clean light weight towel or something like that, and if you feel that they might fight, throw the towel carefully over them, it will make them stop…..

 

[Siikibam]

It may be that they are in season. All sounds normal otherwise. It shouldn’t escalate. Peeing on companion piggies is hilarious! I only heard it being mentioned until I saw one of my girls do it

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone, still I’m feeling like a very new PigMum, Daisy and Delilah surprise me every day. Today especially. Is there anyone who could educate me on the following displayed behaviours please? Both are rumbling at each other, a lot, this morning, also pecking. The little one is trying to mount her sister. I think I understand this, it’s all about dominance. Also the bigger girl is rumbling and crouching low with her hind quarters shimmying. the little ones response is to rumble, quiver and open and contract her bottom, but there is no pooping and the bigger sister then reversed her butt and squirted pee in the little ones direction. It was truly fascinating, learning about possible behaviours, however I would like some clarity in my interpretation of these incidents. in addition I do not want any of these behaviours to escalate into a fight. my interpretation is that they are testing each other out for who is going to be dominant in their territory (a 5x2 c&c plus 2x1 loft). I almost thought I had boys instead of girls this morning, observing their behaviour.

Hi!

Your sows are likely experiencing a strong season. Things should calm down again by tomorrow. if you have never witnessed it, it can take you by surprise.

You should find these two links helpful. The first contains information on specific sow behaviours and illnesses and the second features several videos of how a strong season can look and sound like.
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[Daisy&DelilahsMum]

Hi! Were your girls together when you got them? It all sounds normal to me. I have 2 boys Cookie & Bailey, when cookie (my eldest pig) was introduced to Bailey. That happened a lot. It’s definitely about who wants to be in charge. Bailed peed in Cookies face when he had enough which was funny to see Cookies face in shock that it happened! have Something like a clean light weight towel or something like that, and if you feel that they might fight, throw the towel carefully over them, it will make them stop…..

Thank you for your response, it is much appreciated. Yes I’ve certainly witnessed similar behaviour in boys and only recently heard about one femail exhibiting very male behaviour. My girls are half sisters, born one month apart to different mothers. Up until now, they have been ok together, apart from some minor snatching of food from the other. Today’s behaviour is new to me. the pee jetting was a real eye opener. I think she might be in season, being the elder. The little one seemed to be trying to emulate her behaviour, but could not succeed.

 

[Daisy&DelilahsMum]

It may be that they are in season. All sounds normal otherwise. It shouldn’t escalate. Peeing on companion piggies is hilarious! I only heard it being mentioned until I saw one of my girls do it

Thank you for your sensible advice. I believe the eldest of the half sisters is in season, thus the commotion. Also the reaction from her little sister.

Hi!

Your sows are likely experiencing a strong season. Things should calm down again by tomorrow. if you have never witnessed it, it can take you by surprise.

You should find these two links helpful. The first contains information on specific sow behaviours and illnesses and the second features several videos of how a strong season can look and sound like.
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

really appreciate the links, thank you, and for your soothing advice. Lots to learn.

 

[Daisy&DelilahsMum]

Thank you for your sensible advice. I believe the eldest of the half sisters is in season, thus the commotion. Also the reaction from her little sister.

really appreciate the links, thank you, and for your soothing advice. Lots to learn.

One more thing, and I might be imagining it, I believe that in the last 24 hours I have detected a different odour around the cage area. It bothered me so I took their liners to wash, thinking it might be that, however I now believe that I have at least one in season, by the behaviour changes, and for some reason I could detect an odour change also due to that.