Effie distressed by Milan trying to mount her when in season

[Sian25]

Hi guys, it's been a while but I'm back with another issue. What do all you piggy owners with male and female pairings do when the sow comes into season? It didn't used to really be an issue for us as Milan didn't used to try and mount Effie so we didn't notice her seasons.

However, over time it's gotten worse and poor Effie is starting to sound very distressed when Milan tries to mount her each season. A lot of the time it seems to be that we wake up in the morning to her making a loud racket and I feel awful that she could have been trying to get away from him for some time. They have a large cage with loads of hidies but Milan has turned into a very motivated boy. I tried putting grids down the centre of the cage to separate for a while but Milan managed to open it and get through (I just used the standard c&c connectors). I then thought about cable tieing but then got worried that Milan would try to climb over the grid as I've heard similar from males trying to get to in season sows. Sometimes it's okay as I can let them out for a run separately while I'm home to supervise but other times I have to go to work and feel awful leaving her sounding so upset with him. So the only other option I can think of is buy a new cage with a lid to separate safely while I can't supervise. Unless anyone has any ideas?

P.S. for those who don't know, Milan is neutered

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys, it's been a while but I'm back with another issue. What do all you piggy owners with male and female pairings do when the sow comes into season? It didn't used to really be an issue for us as Milan didn't used to try and mount Effie so we didn't notice her seasons.

However, over time it's gotten worse and poor Effie is starting to sound very distressed when Milan tries to mount her each season. A lot of the time it seems to be that we wake up in the morning to her making a loud racket and I feel awful that she could have been trying to get away from him for some time. They have a large cage with loads of hidies but Milan has turned into a very motivated boy. I tried putting grids down the centre of the cage to separate for a while but Milan managed to open it and get through (I just used the standard c&c connectors). I then thought about cable tieing but then got worried that Milan would try to climb over the grid as I've heard similar from males trying to get to in season sows. Sometimes it's okay as I can let them out for a run separately while I'm home to supervise but other times I have to go to work and feel awful leaving her sounding so upset with him. So the only other option I can think of is buy a new cage with a lid to separate safely while I can't supervise. Unless anyone has any ideas?

P.S. for those who don't know, Milan is neutered

Hi! It is quite normal for sows to make a racket; they have this particular whine which means "I am not ready to mate - yet". Boars usually just hear the the 'yet'. However, you will generally notice that the sows won't just go away; they will stick with the boar they are going to mate with in the relatively short slot right at the end of the season. The whining and the racket is just the wind-up. It is actually a good sign that Effie is interacting with Milo and is actively seeking him out for mating. Please don't interfere!

If you want to have a look how a really wild season looks like: When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[VickiA]

I’d just leave well alone and let them to get on with it.

 

[Sian25]

Thank you @Wiebke so Effie isn't distressed? I just thought she seemed as though she wanted to get away from him pestering her and sounded upset with him.

Unfortunately the videos on the thread you linked say that they are unavailable.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you @Wiebke so Effie isn't distressed? I just thought she seemed as though she wanted to get away from him pestering her and sounded upset with him.

Unfortunately the videos on the thread you linked say that they are unavailable.

No thanks to facebook stopping to support that particular video format.

No, Effie is not upset; she is just not quite ready for mating yet. She only sounds like she is! Sow in season can be full of drama.