New Sows Settling in

[Babaroosie]

Hi,

I just brought home a couple of sows today - they are quite young, about 16 weeks old I think - and they seem to be keeping apart from each other and chittering with their teeth when in proximity. They've chased each other around a few times as well. I'm assuming that this is typical dominance behaviour seeing as they are in a new environment, however I just wanted to double check at which point I should interfere to try and stop the bond from irrevocably failing (if things go that way). I was intending not to separate them at all unless things get violent - but is it too late at that point? If things don't improve in three days or so should I separate them for short periods to give them a bit of space? I'm leaving them well alone for today in any case to get them settled without some giant coming in and ruining everything for them. They currently have access to one tier of a 120x50 cage, but am debating giving them both tiers to stop any space disputes. Am just a bit worried about them being so small and using the ramp. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

I just brought home a couple of sows today - they are quite young, about 16 weeks old I think - and they seem to be keeping apart from each other and chittering with their teeth when in proximity. They've chased each other around a few times as well. I'm assuming that this is typical dominance behaviour seeing as they are in a new environment, however I just wanted to double check at which point I should interfere to try and stop the bond from irrevocably failing (if things go that way). I was intending not to separate them at all unless things get violent - but is it too late at that point? If things don't improve in three days or so should I separate them for short periods to give them a bit of space? I'm leaving them well alone for today in any case to get them settled without some giant coming in and ruining everything for them. They currently have access to one tier of a 120x50 cage, but am debating giving them both tiers to stop any space disputes. Am just a bit worried about them being so small and using the ramp. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi!

If tension remains high, please separate/divide the bonding pen for the night and try again tomorrow. If things are not settling down between them and grudge match continues or becomes more marked, then your sows have made up their mind that they do not suit. It does happen not all that rarely.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Babaroosie]

Thanks for the advice! I'm staying with them and keeping an eye on them for the minute. They seem to be settling down a bit more now, and are not at each other constantly although they still occasionally display some aggression. I'm hoping they'll calm down a bit more over the next few hours and be okay for the night, but if it seems unlikely I'll keep them somewhat separate whilst I sleep.