Re bonding post surgery

[DawnyD]

Hi all

After Nibbles surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago we have today tried to re bond her back with her herd. She was top dog and has discovered to her shock that Malty is now leader!

Ive checked out all tge asvice for bonding and they are currently in a neutral space with food no furniture etc.

So far they all ate together no probs, then Malty has challenged/chinned off/chased/nipped/bum sniffed Nibbles. Nibbles stood up for herself at first but after a few chases and maybe nipping action (no cuts or scratches so guessing display behaviour rather than actual nipping) Nibbles laid down looking very defeated. Another chase and now they are all exhausted and resting /sleeping.... nibbles far away from other two.

Is this how it should go? What should i expect next? Its been an hour so far....

Btw the third piggie seems not bothered by the whole thing - not getting involved!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all

After Nibbles surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago we have today tried to re bond her back with her herd. She was top dog and has discovered to her shock that Malty is now leader!

Ive checked out all tge asvice for bonding and they are currently in a neutral space with food no furniture etc.

So far they all ate together no probs, then Malty has challenged/chinned off/chased/nipped/bum sniffed Nibbles. Nibbles stood up for herself at first but after a few chases and maybe nipping action (no cuts or scratches so guessing display behaviour rather than actual nipping) Nibbles laid down looking very defeated. Another chase and now they are all exhausted and resting /sleeping.... nibbles far away from other two.

Is this how it should go? What should i expect next? Its been an hour so far....

Btw the third piggie seems not bothered by the whole thing - not getting involved!

Hi!

Unfortunately separating the top pig of a group can have major consequences.

As long as the dominance behaviour is within acceptable bounds, then you have to sit by and accept what is happening. the dominance phase takes on average two weeks, especially after a coup when the new leader has to make sure that her new status remains unchallenged.

 

[DawnyD]

Hi!

Unfortunately separating the top pig of a group can have major consequences.

As long as the dominance behaviour is within acceptable bounds, then you have to sit by and accept what is happening. the dominance phase takes on average two weeks, especially after a coup when the new leader has to make sure that her new status remains unchallenged.

Thank you for your reply. Its calm then out of nowhere theres a squabble then all calm again. No blood or injory yet so would you say just keep them all together and let them get on with it?

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your reply. Its calm then out of nowhere theres a squabble then all calm again. No blood or injory yet so would you say just keep them all together and let them get on with it?

Yes!

 

[Chris24]

We had the same problem a few years ago when our top sow Peaches went in for surgery. When we put her back in the cage there was a whole lot of teeth chattering, nipping and chasing from her cage mate Twirl who became top pig for a short while.

In our case it all worked out well and Peaches soon re-established dominance within a few days. A lot of the time with sows it's all show and bluster and proper fights are less likely to break out compared to boars.

Fingers crossed for you that they settle down!

 

[DawnyD]

Thank you for your reply - good to know its mostly display! Isnt nature funny - Malty has never shown any interest in being dominant - its like shes possessed - a completely different personality in the same piggie body! Its calmed down but tension still in the air! If looks could kill!