Ear Biting

[AdamFrench]

I'm looking for a bit of advice please..

Our two sows were bonded a couple of months ago following the loss of both their companions. One very dominant and the other quite placid and this has been clear since they were bonded. No major issues other than ensuring the hierarchy is still settled. We did notice the dominant pig licking the others ears, the little one was happy enough for her to do it, no pain and no running away, no dramas. However, this afternoon we heard lots of squealing from their room and rushed up.

After checking Belle she has what looks like a bite injury on her ear, it has broke the skin but no running blood, very minor. She's then straight back to eating. We watched them a while and they were ok-ish, no fighting but lots of dominance behaviour going on, chinning etc.

After going back downstairs, the squealing started again. No injuries this time but obviously something going on.

There has always been a bit conflict between them but they do eat and sleep together as well, Belle doesn't seem subdued or depressed over it at all, but why now all of a sudden? Could they just be arguing today but will be ok or will they need separating?

 

[Wiebke]

I'm looking for a bit of advice please..

Our two sows were bonded a couple of months ago following the loss of both their companions. One very dominant and the other quite placid and this has been clear since they were bonded. No major issues other than ensuring the hierarchy is still settled. We did notice the dominant pig licking the others ears, the little one was happy enough for her to do it, no pain and no running away, no dramas. However, this afternoon we heard lots of squealing from their room and rushed up.

After checking Belle she has what looks like a bite injury on her ear, it has broke the skin but no running blood, very minor. She's then straight back to eating. We watched them a while and they were ok-ish, no fighting but lots of dominance behaviour going on, chinning etc.

After going back downstairs, the squealing started again. No injuries this time but obviously something going on.

There has always been a bit conflict between them but they do eat and sleep together as well, Belle doesn't seem subdued or depressed over it at all, but why now all of a sudden? Could they just be arguing today but will be ok or will they need separating?

Ear licking is the mildest and friendliest form of dominance. it can sometimes go a bit overboard and go into ear nibbling. Hopefully your sows will settle down again. If the dominance behaviours continue for a few weeks on a daily basis instead of just for a day or two when one of the sows is experiencing a strong season, I would have the problematic girl checked for hormonal issues.
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[AdamFrench]

Thanks for the quick response!

We will definitely keep an eye

 

[Freela]

Ear licking is normal pig behavior, but sometimes it can get out of hand. I've never actually seen my pigs progress past licking/nibbling, but have had several pigs who came to me with nips out of their ears already, enough that I think it happens a lot! Keep an eye on them, but it's not aggressive in the same way that a fight would be aggressive. Also, a loud squeal from a submissive pig does not necessarily mean the pig is hurt or terrified- it's a way of showing submission. With sows, one could be in heat and being more aggressive as a result and hopefully things will settle down in a few days.

 

[AdamFrench]

Ear licking is normal pig behavior, but sometimes it can get out of hand. I've never actually seen my pigs progress past licking/nibbling, but have had several pigs who came to me with nips out of their ears already, enough that I think it happens a lot! Keep an eye on them, but it's not aggressive in the same way that a fight would be aggressive. Also, a loud squeal from a submissive pig does not necessarily mean the pig is hurt or terrified- it's a way of showing submission. With sows, one could be in heat and being more aggressive as a result and hopefully things will settle down in a few days.

I'm not sure what it is, where just keeping an eye at the moment. We heard lots of squealing again last night and then the little one was thrown out of one hidey but it didn't dampen her spirit at all just continued eating and jumping around. They're obviously going through something because there's lots of chinning and low level chattering going on. Not certain what has brought it on but it's been a couple of days. I mean they do still eat side by side and rest near one another but then with no explanation the dominance dance goes again.

 

[Freela]

I'm not sure what it is, where just keeping an eye at the moment. We heard lots of squealing again last night and then the little one was thrown out of one hidey but it didn't dampen her spirit at all just continued eating and jumping around. They're obviously going through something because there's lots of chinning and low level chattering going on. Not certain what has brought it on but it's been a couple of days. I mean they do still eat side by side and rest near one another but then with no explanation the dominance dance goes again.

I suspect the dominant pig might be having a hormone surge, which can really increase dominance behavior for a few days. Mine are always worse in the spring! I hope things settle down for you soon!