Excessive Mounting

[Phoebe-PP]

Hello all,

I’m after some advice about my three guinea pigs.

Wilbur has joined my two girls 6 days ago after his 6 week wait post op. After the initial sorting out the hierarchy all was well until today he has been a nightmare. Constantly chasing and mounting one of my girls all day. It really is incessant. She allows him too but I’m worried as he’s not letting her relax or eat. I took him out for some floor tome on his own for 10-15 mins hoping he’d be calmer after a break but he’s back to it. Poor Primrose is being very tolerant but I worry it’s not good for her. She seems really exhausted, pancaking in the middle of the cage and which is unusual for her as she usually only sleeps under cover.

He trying it with the baby Tessie but she squeals then he leaves her alone.

Is this normal behaviour that will pass? At what point do I step in because it’s quite stressful to watch!

Thank you in advance!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is she in season? He will be more keen if she is.
if she is ok with it, then I wouldn’t be concerned. She would put him in his place if she didn’t want him to

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Phoebe-PP]

Is she in season? He will be more keen if she is.
if she is ok with it, then I wouldn’t be concerned. She would put him in his place if she didn’t want him to

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

I’m not sure to be honest! Her seasons have never been particularly noticeable, she’s generally a very relaxed pig! If it is her being in season, how long would you expect this behaviour to last?

 

[Claire W]

I agree. If she’s in season, he will be more persistent. I wouldn’t worry if she is allowing him to chase and mount her. Things should settle down in a day or two

 

[Wiebke]

I’m not sure to be honest! Her seasons have never been particularly noticeable, she’s generally a very relaxed pig! If it is her being in season, how long would you expect this behaviour to last?

Hi

If it is a sow with a strong season, then it should be over within a day or two.
If it continues with an adult sow for weeks on end, then please see a vet for hormonal ovarian cysts.

More information on seasons and ovarian cysts in these guides here:
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[Phoebe-PP]

Thanks for the advice! Yesterday was a much calmer day and everyone’s back to being friends! This is the first time I’ve bonded a boar to sows and it’s a bit of a learning curve

 

[Claire W]

I’m glad things have calmed down. It’s even more fun when you have two sows in season at the same time