Female bullying

[SingingPigMom]

Hello All, I have two young sows, Lettie and Lucy, both about a year old. They are bonded, have a large cage, never have drawn blood and generally do all right. However, the smaller of the two, Lucy, has been chasing Lettie relentlessly lately: all around the cage in circles, with Lettie shrieking and occasionally lying down to try to rest between bouts. If Lettie takes refuge in a hut Lucy ousts her soon after-- much shrieking. This happens for hours. Lettie doesn't fight back or spray urine, usually. However, when they are in heat (not at the same time), Lettie holds her own against Lucy's attention. Both of them have strong seasons and seems to have fun during them (lots of popcorning) yuck/hahaha. Sometimes, I'll take Lucy out to give Lettie a break and she eats and drinks and rests. When I put Lucy back in, the chasing is worse as if to remind Lettie she's the submissive one and did not win, but then subsides. What in the world? Unfortunately it doesn't do much for my feelings about Lucy. I know it's just dominance stuff, but I hate bullying and I'm tired of all of the dramatic noise. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[dannif_piggies]

The only advice I have is to make sure there is two of everything is seperate parts of the cage, I.e hay stations, water bottles, pelette bowls, hideys etc, that way each pig has somewhere they can go if the other is stopping them from eating for example. Hopefully it's just them figuring out dominance, but just keep an eye of if any blood is drawn. Best of luck! Hopefully it will start to subside soon

 

[SingingPigMom]

Thank you! Ultimately, the bullied girl is able to eat. (Probably too much, she's a bit thick.) They have two bowls, water bottles, hideys, but no matter where Lettie has retreated to, Lucy goes and finds her to harrass. Sigh. Thanks for your support, though!

 

[dannif_piggies]

Thank you! Ultimately, the bullied girl is able to eat. (Probably too much, she's a bit thick.) They have two bowls, water bottles, hideys, but no matter where Lettie has retreated to, Lucy goes and finds her to harrass. Sigh. Thanks for your support, though!

Wondering what size your cage is? Potentially they just need more distance/space to get away from one another?