Introducing 2 Year Old Sow To 2 Month Old Sow: Part 2

[juniper89]

So, I finally introduced Rosalind (2 years old) to Juniper (9 weeks old). I put them together for a few hours, under my supervision. As expected, Rosalind is dominant. If Juniper gets to close to her while she is eating or drinking, she will run her off. At first, it looked like she was nipping, but it doesn't seem like that at all, she just snaps around and nudges (like a light headbutt). When they are alarmed, like when I move around the room, they huddle together. But as soon as Rosalind calms down, she nudges Juniper away. I'm really not sure what this means. Every now and again, Juniper will stand up to her, especially when Rosalind tries to take Juniper's food. But it usually ends with Rosalind waiting a few minutes, and then nudging Juniper away. Sometimes Rosalind won't wait and nudge Juniper away immediately. There hasn't been any mounting so far as I can tell. Rosalind won't allow Juniper to sniff her bum. They've been together for several days now, and I'm really not sure what any of this means. Right now they are eating hay together, and Rosalind will allow Juniper to be around her, but it's only a matter of time before she nudges her off, lol.

Any idea what the deal is here?

 

[Janice C]

So, I finally introduced Rosalind (2 years old) to Juniper (9 weeks old). I put them together for a few hours, under my supervision. As expected, Rosalind is dominant. If Juniper gets to close to her while she is eating or drinking, she will run her off. At first, it looked like she was nipping, but it doesn't seem like that at all, she just snaps around and nudges (like a light headbutt). When they are alarmed, like when I move around the room, they huddle together. But as soon as Rosalind calms down, she nudges Juniper away. I'm really not sure what this means. Every now and again, Juniper will stand up to her, especially when Rosalind tries to take Juniper's food. But it usually ends with Rosalind waiting a few minutes, and then nudging Juniper away. Sometimes Rosalind won't wait and nudge Juniper away immediately. There hasn't been any mounting so far as I can tell. Rosalind won't allow Juniper to sniff her bum. They've been together for several days now, and I'm really not sure what any of this means. Right now they are eating hay together, and Rosalind will allow Juniper to be around her, but it's only a matter of time before she nudges her off, lol.

Any idea what the deal is here?

Early Days As Yet! They seem to be tolerating each others company Most Of The Time! Will take time for the little one to establish herself and decide who is going to be the dominant one!

 

[Wiebke]

So, I finally introduced Rosalind (2 years old) to Juniper (9 weeks old). I put them together for a few hours, under my supervision. As expected, Rosalind is dominant. If Juniper gets to close to her while she is eating or drinking, she will run her off. At first, it looked like she was nipping, but it doesn't seem like that at all, she just snaps around and nudges (like a light headbutt). When they are alarmed, like when I move around the room, they huddle together. But as soon as Rosalind calms down, she nudges Juniper away. I'm really not sure what this means. Every now and again, Juniper will stand up to her, especially when Rosalind tries to take Juniper's food. But it usually ends with Rosalind waiting a few minutes, and then nudging Juniper away. Sometimes Rosalind won't wait and nudge Juniper away immediately. There hasn't been any mounting so far as I can tell. Rosalind won't allow Juniper to sniff her bum. They've been together for several days now, and I'm really not sure what any of this means. Right now they are eating hay together, and Rosalind will allow Juniper to be around her, but it's only a matter of time before she nudges her off, lol.

Any idea what the deal is here?

Hi! Your girls have accepted each other and are now in the dominance phase where they are establishing a working group with a hierarchy. Please do not separate and let them get on with the bonding.

Please take the time to read our very detailed bonding guide, which discusses all stages in detail.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[juniper89]

Thanks @Wiebke !

I've been reading through that guide. I guess I'm having a lot of trouble trying to see where my two are in terms of their unique bonding dynamic. I haven't interfered with them, as I'm eager to see where they end up and how long it will take them.

Here is a video of the girls after I restocked their hayrack with fresh hay.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks @Wiebke !

I've been reading through that guide. I guess I'm having a lot of trouble trying to see where my two are in terms of their unique bonding dynamic. I haven't interfered with them, as I'm eager to see where they end up and how long it will take them.

Here is a video of the girls after I restocked their hayrack with fresh hay.

Sorry, I can't see your video. Please check whether it is on a public setting.

The dominance phase is generally taking around 2 weeks, but it is aften shorter with a baby. Youngsters are usually very firmly put at the bottom of the heap (even by their mums!), but as they have no way of challenging the hierarchy, the dominance phase is usually shorter. It sounds pretty smooth to me, so I would not worry if I were you!

 

[Merab]

Glad things are working well.
My girls took a while fully to sort out pecking order.
Sometimes I think they’re still sorting it after nearly 3 years together.