Rumble Strutting In Sows

[Chessles]

hi, I have 2 sows. I don't know how old they are but I know they have been a pair for at least eighteen months. I have had them for around 8 weeks. I have noticed they rumble at each other quite a lot. Is this normal for girls? I was under the impression it was a boy thing...

 

[Wiebke]

hi, I have 2 sows. I don't know how old they are but I know they have been a pair for at least eighteen months. I have had them for around 8 weeks. I have noticed they rumble at each other quite a lot. Is this normal for girls? I was under the impression it was a boy thing...

No, rumbling is also a sow thing, espcially when they are in season.
Older sows (from about 18 months onwards) can also develop hormonal issues/ovarian cysts, which often manifest in sows being pretty constantly in season. The cysts causing this behaviour are often rather small. However, you can have them checked by a piggy savvy vet. There is now hormone therapy (cholrulon injections) possible as an alternative to a full spaying operation if things get worse.

 

[Chessles]

Excellent, thank you! I'll keep my eye on them and get them checked out if it doesn't stop soon

 

[Freela]

No, girls do it too. It's dominance behavior and also can be a product of hormones and more noticeable when one of them is in heat. My dominant pig will rumblestrut around sometimes.... just making sure she shows how tough she is, I guess!