Is she in heat

[Piggymum2025]

Hi everyone.

Well, my partner and I had quite a stressful evening last night. Mushroom was rumbling and running around really close to Chicken’s behind and nipping her for hours. This is obviously very stressful for Chicken because she makes distressed noises and tries to run away. I know this is normal behaviour but should we separate them when she’s like this? Is she in heat? Mushroom seems better this morning if not a bit sweaty from all the chasing. Has anyone got any experience of this? I know you should leave them to but it’s really hard to hear Chicken upset and trying to get away from her sister. If we separate them Mushroom gets really upset desperately trying to get to Chicken. What should we do? It’s like a love hate relationship when she’s in heat. Thank you x The pic is Mushroom x

 

[Lady Kelly]

Please don't misinterpret the sounds as distress. Chicken is not upset but rather the squeals are squeals of submission. It's her way of saying "ok ok you're the boss". If it's a strong season it should die down today or tomorrow again

 

[Piggymum2025]

Thank you for your reply. I think Mushroom may also be nipping Chicken and we hear her squeak but maybe it’s something else. It is very difficult just to just listen and watch without wanting to separate them. We separated them last night for just a minute and Mushroom desperately was trying to get to Chicken and wheeking. When/if this happens again, should we ever separate them? And if so, for how long? Should we just leave them to sort it out? I just don’t want Chicken to be bullied by Mushroom - constantly chasing her around and trying to hump her etc.

Thank you

 

[Lady Kelly]

Thank you for your reply. I think Mushroom may also be nipping Chicken and we hear her squeak but maybe it’s something else. It is very difficult just to just listen and watch without wanting to separate them. We separated them last night for just a minute and Mushroom desperately was trying to get to Chicken and wheeking. When/if this happens again, should we ever separate them? And if so, for how long? Should we just leave them to sort it out? I just don’t want Chicken to be bullied by Mushroom - constantly chasing her around and trying to hump her etc.

Thank you

I would have a very thorough check over of chicken and possibly switch to weighing her daily. If you find any bite marks or if she is losing weight (bearing in mind that weight will fluctuate 20-40g just between full and empty bladder/stomach) then I would separate as that would indicate issues of fighting or bullying

 

[Piggymum2025]

Thanks for the advice. Why would Chicken lose weight? They are both still eating together - for example I put some hay in last night and they were both sat together eating it x

 

[Piggymum2025]

It just seems that whatever Chicken does, Mushroom rumbles and sways side to side, then chases her x

 

[Lady Kelly]

Thanks for the advice. Why would Chicken lose weight? They are both still eating together - for example I put some hay in last night and they were both sat together eating it x

It would more be if she was stopping chicken from eating and chasing her away from the food. How old are your girls? It is likely just a strong season but if this continues for more than a couple of days then perhaps consider a wellbeing check with the vet for Mushroom

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone.

Well, my partner and I had quite a stressful evening last night. Mushroom was rumbling and running around really close to Chicken’s behind and nipping her for hours. This is obviously very stressful for Chicken because she makes distressed noises and tries to run away. I know this is normal behaviour but should we separate them when she’s like this? Is she in heat? Mushroom seems better this morning if not a bit sweaty from all the chasing. Has anyone got any experience of this? I know you should leave them to but it’s really hard to hear Chicken upset and trying to get away from her sister. If we separate them Mushroom gets really upset desperately trying to get to Chicken. What should we do? It’s like a love hate relationship when she’s in heat. Thank you x The pic is Mushroom xView attachment 120763

Hi!

It very much sounds like a strong season. In adult sows this can be also connected with an ovarian cyst if the behaviour doesn't settle down again after a day or two.

You may find these two guides here helpful:
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[Piggymum2025]

They are both about 14 months old. Mushroom has shown behaviour like this before but seems particularly bad this time.

Could it be that I didn't put their guindad fleece liners in for a day or two and they became upset (change of environment)? They had other hiding places but they have always had the fleece pockets in go into. I put them back in last night. They seemed a lot better this morning and were eating side by side for the few minutes I was watching them so hopefully they will have settled when I get home. Is there anything else I can do to help them during these times? What is actually happening when they are in heat? I sit true they go into heat every 16 days or so?

 

[Wiebke]

They are both about 14 months old. Mushroom has shown behaviour like this before but seems particularly bad this time.

Could it be that I didn't put their guindad fleece liners in for a day or two and they became upset (change of environment)? They had other hiding places but they have always had the fleece pockets in go into. I put them back in last night. They seemed a lot better this morning and were eating side by side for the few minutes I was watching them so hopefully they will have settled when I get home. Is there anything else I can do to help them during these times? What is actually happening when they are in heat? I sit true they go into heat every 16 days or so?

Hi!

You can find most of your answers in the links in my last post. I would strongly recommend that you take the time to read them so you can understand better what is going on and what to look out for - for you own greater peace of mind!

Your girls are coming to the end of their teenage months now, which can be characterised by stonger seasons due to hormone spikes, just as teenage boars experience. Since they rarely lead to fall-outs, they are much less known. Sows can experience a sudden strong season at any age, though. In adulthood, these are mostly caused by growing ovarian cysts, though.