Is this normal? Strong season for sows

[cashewandpeppa]

We’re on day FOUR of what seems to be the strongest season possible for Peppa. Can I get some opinions on the video below? Peppa lifted Cashew’s chin and nibbled - never seen this before. Usually just chin raises.

Peppa has been rumble strutting for four days straight now. She’ll rumble and mount Cashew every few minutes. She sparked Cashew’s season, too, we think - now Cashew wants to mount back (this began today for Cashew).

Context: Peppa and Cashew are 5 months old. They both got x-rays today. I was worried about ovarian cysts. No health issues though. Healthy lungs, GIs, bladders, skin, etc.

 

[cashewandpeppa]

@Wiebke @Siikibam @VickiA

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s 5am here in the uk so most of us are asleep still.
Somebody will be along soon to answer your questions on sow specific behaviour

 

[cashewandpeppa]

It’s 5am here in the uk so most of us are asleep still.
Somebody will be along soon to answer your questions on sow specific behaviour

No problem! I appreciate any response whenever they come. I know the time difference is large.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I've only ever seen a strong season for a day or two but that's not to say that this isn't just a strong season. Hopefully one of the members you have tagged will be along shortly to give their advice. Have you been monitoring weights at all? Has there been any change recently?

 

[Wiebke]

We’re on day FOUR of what seems to be the strongest season possible for Peppa. Can I get some opinions on the video below? Peppa lifted Cashew’s chin and nibbled - never seen this before. Usually just chin raises.

Peppa has been rumble strutting for four days straight now. She’ll rumble and mount Cashew every few minutes. She sparked Cashew’s season, too, we think - now Cashew wants to mount back (this began today for Cashew).

Context: Peppa and Cashew are 5 months old. They both got x-rays today. I was worried about ovarian cysts. No health issues though. Healthy lungs, GIs, bladders, skin, etc.

Hi!

Ovarian cysts typically only affect adult sows from about 18 months onward.

What you are you dealing with currently is an all time teenage hormone high in the weeks around 6 months. It is more commonly seen in boars but occasionally it can affect sows badly, too. All you can do it sit is out as long as it doesn't impact on the relationship and is not causing a fall-out. It can last for days or even weeks but eventually things will settle down a bit more although your hromonal girl is more likely to experience stronger seasons throughout her life and may develop hormonal ovarian cysts later on but this later link is only empiric and not proven.

If it continues to be really bad and is threatening your girl's bond you may want to consider a spaying op. 6 months is generally the age for spaying sows in those few rescues that have a spaying policy (there is currently none in the UK but one in New Zealand and several in the USA). You want a vet you can trust and want to discuss this with them, though, as it is a major operation.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[Shelley anne]

My girl Lola has strong seasons too. She has just turned a year old now. I saw her do exactly the same thing to Bindy a couple of times, nibbling her chin like that. I don't think it was an unfriendly gesture because Bindy seemed to like it but the rumble strutting, humping and carry on can upset Bindy from time to time. I am keeping an eye on things and if I see too much of it for too long I may have to consider a desexing but am anxious about the risks so wont if I don't have to. It all really depends on how well Bindy is coping with her behavior. It settles down again though and they are friends again so fingers crossed time will improve things and lola will learn to control her behavour. Hopefully the same with your girl.

 

[cashewandpeppa]

I've only ever seen a strong season for a day or two but that's not to say that this isn't just a strong season. Hopefully one of the members you have tagged will be along shortly to give their advice. Have you been monitoring weights at all? Has there been any change recently?

That’s why I was concerned. Since it’s day five, I have no idea what is going on. Or why Peppa chose to do this all of a sudden.

I weigh weekly, but they also just went to the vet yesterday and got physicals, x-rays, and fecal tests. Weight gain still happening. I wanted to make sure Cashew wasn’t sick, leading to Peppa picking on her a lot - or oppositely, Peppa feeling grumpy due to being sick and lashing out.

 

[cashewandpeppa]

My girl Lola has strong seasons too. She has just turned a year old now. I saw her do exactly the same thing to Bindy a couple of times, nibbling her chin like that. I don't think it was an unfriendly gesture because Bindy seemed to like it but the rumble strutting, humping and carry on can upset Bindy from time to time. I am keeping an eye on things and if I see too much of it for too long I may have to consider a desexing but am anxious about the risks so wont if I don't have to. It all really depends on how well Bindy is coping with her behavior. It settles down again though and they are friends again so fingers crossed time will improve things and lola will learn to control her behavour. Hopefully the same with your girl.

Cashew is also annoyed by it sometimes. They have a great bond, but I’m afraid the rumbling constantly will make Cashew agitated enough to retaliate. It’s like Peppa will not leave her alone. She’s so grumpy.

How long do your Lola’s last?

 

[cashewandpeppa]

Hi!

Ovarian cysts typically only affect adult sows from about 18 months onward.

What you are you dealing with currently is an all time teenage hormone high in the weeks around 6 months. It is more commonly seen in boars but occasionally it can affect sows badly, too. All you can do it sit is out as long as it doesn't impact on the relationship and is not causing a fall-out. It can last for days or even weeks but eventually things will settle down a bit more although your hromonal girl is more likely to experience stronger seasons throughout her life and may develop hormonal ovarian cysts later on but this later link is only empiric and not proven.

If it continues to be really bad and is threatening your girl's bond you may want to consider a spaying op. 6 months is generally the age for spaying sows in those few rescues that have a spaying policy (there is currently none in the UK but one in New Zealand and several in the USA). You want a vet you can trust and want to discuss this with them, though, as it is a major operation.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

It definitely doesn’t seem fun for either of them. But there’s no fighting. Five days straight of Peppa being constantly grumpy and of Cashew being the victim of the rumbling. Peppa’s even rumbling while she’s a few feet away from Cashew now

I guess the first day or two were pretty mild in comparison to now. It’s definitely stronger now

 

[Shelley anne]

Cashew is also annoyed by it sometimes. They have a great bond, but I’m afraid the rumbling constantly will make Cashew agitated enough to retaliate. It’s like Peppa will not leave her alone. She’s so grumpy.

How long do your Lola’s last?

Normally a couple of days but has been a bit longer,three days. But she does carry on big time, chasing, humping and rumbling. Bindy sometimes screams back and obviously isn't happy with her at the time. Lola today is fine again and they are getting on well like nothing happened.

 

[cashewandpeppa]

Still happening for Peppa! Today is day 6. Cashew is less bothered now. She ignores it and continues to eat or sleep haha. But Peppa is still really grumpy.

 

[Merab]

I can’t add any advice but hope you survive this episode.
Well done on getting a vet check so promptly though. Glad to hear that nothing wrong was found