Dominance changing?

[Softandshy]

I have three sows living in a 14 square foot cage. There is plenty of room and lots of hideys. They were all rescued three years ago and introduced successfully as babies. There was harmony under one leader, Sugar Loaf, however, recently Shelby, the number two pig, has been launching herself at Sugar. The attacks are brief but furious with Sugar pushed into one corner of the cage and trembling. Today Sugar decided to respond aggressively instead and there was a big fight. I stopped it by separating them. Could they be fighting for dominance after three years together? What could have prompted the attacks? How do I know if I can reintroduce them? Thanks for responding.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

It would be worth getting them both health checked at the vets, it could be that Sugar Loaf is a bit poorly and is being picked on for dominance or Shelby could have ovarian cysts causing her to be a bit agressive or super dominant. I’d imagine after living peacefully for all those years that it’s likely health related in some way.

Hope your girls are okay

 

[Wiebke]

I have three sows living in a 14 square foot cage. There is plenty of room and lots of hideys. They were all rescued three years ago and introduced successfully as babies. There was harmony under one leader, Sugar Loaf, however, recently Shelby, the number two pig, has been launching herself at Sugar. The attacks are brief but furious with Sugar pushed into one corner of the cage and trembling. Today Sugar decided to respond aggressively instead and there was a big fight. I stopped it by separating them. Could they be fighting for dominance after three years together? What could have prompted the attacks? How do I know if I can reintroduce them? Thanks for responding.

Hi!

Please have your girls vet checked. Shelby may have ovarian cysts or Sugar Loaf an underlying health problem. Either can cause changes in behaviour and the hierarchy.
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Softandshy]

Thank you so much for your responses. I will set up a vet appointment for each of them.