Lots Of Teeth Chattering

[kerry]

The girls are out in the run again today but separated and there is a lot of teeth chattering and jumping going on on either side of the division.

Its making me more hesitant to bond them all together after the weekend when they have a health and sex and pregnancy check at the vets.

I want them to all be happy and live as a quad but I dont want to take the chance of any of them being bitten and upset. Nervous

 

[helen105281]

That does sound a bit worrying, but they would need to sort out their hierarchy when they all meet properly so you may find it is only initial chattering. Have you had a look at the sow behaviour sticky so you know what to expect?

 

[kerry]

That does sound a bit worrying, but they would need to sort out their hierarchy when they all meet properly so you may find it is only initial chattering. Have you had a look at the sow behaviour sticky so you know what to expect?

Yes ive read all of the stickies and will re read again on Saturday. Theyve all gone back to eating grass and sunbathing now, it only lasted a few minutes and they are back to ignoring each other.

They've all had a good groom of themselves so that must mean that they are comfortable and relaxed in the presence of another.

I think us piggie mums worry too much about them!

 

[helen105281]

Yes I think we do.

 

[Wiebke]

We are all rather apprehensive when it comes to bonding girls, as you can never tell before. However, I would share your qualms under the circumstances; what you ideally want is friendly mutual interest, not an exchange of hostilities. That is NOT an encouraging sign! Once piggies have made up their mind that they don't like another one (and that can sometimes be as instantly as strong dislike we humans can have - it just needs one wrong signal or one signal being taken amiss), they rarely change their mind.

I would strongly recommend to plan for separate groups. Sadly, not all sows are as obliging to merge with others. I have ended up with a separate group, too, when things didn't go to plan depsite looking OK on paper. If I were you, I'd try the top girls on your lap and see how that goes before committing to a full group bonding. Have an oven glove at the ready!