Domineering

[Tiamolly123]

My oldest pig Tia is about 6 & 1/2 & is in a C&T cage, with 5yr old Rosie 5yr old Chester. Rosie is domineering Tia. She’s not allowed in the hay until Rosie has finished eating, & she gets turfed out of her hides by Rosie, also Rosie keeps mounting her. Tia has gotten very subdued & I really feel for her. I thought of separating the cage in half & getting Tia an older playmate to go in the other side with her. I do tell Rosie off if I catch her picking on Tia, but half of me says perhaps I shouldn’t interfere, as it is probably normal. Can anyone give advice to a very unhappy piggy Mum.

 

[weepweeps]

Hello. Have they lived together for long? And is this a new behaviour from Rosie. I think sometimes ovarian cysts can cause hormonal changes which can make them more aggressive. I’d maybe get her checked out at the vets first to see if there’s something wrong. Then if she’s fine and she just doesn’t like Tia anymore then you could separate. Also it could just be normal dominance behaviour but if Tia is really unhappy then it might be best to separate her. Is Tias weight ok? Or is she losing weight by not being allowed to eat.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Has the hierarchy changed and Rosie is taking over from Tia?
I cannot answer your question re. the exact cause of weight loss. A trial separation with a cage divider is the best way of working out whether Tia is indeed feeling bullied or not.
Please follow the advice in this link here: Bonds In Trouble

In any case, I would have Rosie checked for ovarian cysts. I've had several 5 year olds spayed because of cyst problems but there are alternative less invasive treatments.
More information on ovarian cysts and treatment options in this guide here: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Tiamolly123]

Hello. Have they lived together for long? And is this a new behaviour from Rosie. I think sometimes ovarian cysts can cause hormonal changes which can make them more aggressive. I’d maybe get her checked out at the vets first to see if there’s something wrong. Then if she’s fine and she just doesn’t like Tia anymore then you could separate. Also it could just be normal dominance behaviour but if Tia is really unhappy then it might be best to separate her. Is Tias weight ok? Or is she losing weight by not being allowed to eat.

We watch them eating, & push Tia into the food if I see Rosie push her away from the food.

 

[Tiamolly123]

Hi!

Has the hierarchy changed and Rosie is taking over from Tia?
I cannot answer your question re. the exact cause of weight loss. A trial separation with a cage divider is the best way of working out whether Tia is indeed feeling bullied or not.
Please follow the advice in this link here: Bonds In Trouble

In any case, I would have Rosie checked for ovarian cysts. I've had several 5 year olds spayed because of cyst problems but there are alternative less invasive treatments.
More information on ovarian cysts and treatment options in this guide here: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian

 

[Tiamolly123]

Yes it seems as though Rosie has put poor Tia, at the bottom of the list.
If I give Tia a trial separation would she be lonely, how long do I try it for. If she’s happy away from Rosie should I get a friend for her.
Weight is stable.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes it seems as though Rosie has put poor Tia, at the bottom of the list.
If I give Tia a trial separation would she be lonely, how long do I try it for. If she’s happy away from Rosie should I get a friend for her.
Weight is stable.

If Tia is the previous head sow that has been de-throned, then this can happen while the new leader is still rather insecure in herself.

The practial details for a trial separation are in the guide link I have added but any piggy that perks up noticeably when away from their group is obviously not happy being with them. Tia won't need new company as long as she has her own space with interaction through the bars with her old mates if she is happier that way.
Please read the Bonds in Trouble guidelink re. re-intros etc.

 

[Tiamolly123]

Tia is standing up for herself now, & getting quite cross with Rosie. Rosie is not always pushing herself on Tia, all the time now, so hopefully things will quieten down now