Sow Bullying?

[septendecim]

I have two texel girls (Juno and Freya) aged 8 months, who've been together since they were 2/3 months old. Juno has always been the dominant one and Freya doesn't challenge her.
Freya has lightly scratched or nipped Juno while she was rumble strutting but it was never anything serious and they were fine together. They never cuddled up or anything but they got along.

Last night I was woken up by the two running around the cage and Freya screeching in the corner. There was chunks of hair in the cage and Freya has bites on her and squeals when I try to pick her up. As I currently don't have a second cage I put a divider between them in the cage which Juno keeps trying to get over. However, they're happy to share cucumber and have floor time together.

I'm deeply confused because Juno has never been aggressive before, yes shes been teeth chattering at me today but I put her on my lap and she sprawls out and is quite happy to be petted. In fact both of them aren't the biggest fans of affection but since Junos been acting out they've been really enjoying cuddling with me.

There's only two reasons I can think of as to why shes suddenly aggressive the last two days; she's in heat or its because I didn't pet/give floor time the last three days due to an important exam. Thats the longest they've ever went without getting out of the cage.

Any advice or ideas as to what went wrong?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Have Juno checked for a hormonal spike and her ovaries and make sure that you disinfect the scratches and bites etc. with a mild disinfectant like saline solution, which you can get from a pharmacy or make at home by adding one teaspoon of salt to half a pint/250ml of boiled cooled water.

It sounds like she was in season. Sows can suffer from teenage hormonal spikes, but as they rarely end up with fights and fall-outs and by far not all sows are affected by them, they are not so well known as the boy hormones.

She must have really nailed her companion down and have had a go at her. The screaming is mostly submission screaming and shock.

Both sows are currently very upset, and that usually spills over to any underpiggies and also the humans. Just let them settle down separately, but do not put them under any more pressure with cuddles etc. apart from any medical care and a bit of fussing while you are doing so.

Please keep a close eye on the two and read the advice that we give for boars whose relationship is on the brink; it also applies to sows in trouble.
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[sport_billy]

Welcome to the forum, sorry you are going through this. Wiebke is really knowledgeable on piggy behavior she is our very own piggy whisperer so she has gave you some great advice there.

 

[septendecim]

Hi, thank you so much!
I don't really know anything about sows in season so do you have any idea how long the moodiness should last?
Its definitely a little comforting to know the screeches aren't pain.

I'm supposed to be over night baby sitting today so I was wondering if you'd recommend bringing one of the two with me in a large box or would the stress of somewhere new be too much? I'm just so worried about Freya, shes even somehow managed to lose a top tooth

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, thank you so much!
I don't really know anything about sows in season so do you have any idea how long the moodiness should last?
Its definitely a little comforting to know the screeches aren't pain.

I'm supposed to be over night baby sitting today so I was wondering if you'd recommend bringing one of the two with me in a large box or would the stress of somewhere new be too much? I'm just so worried about Freya, shes even somehow managed to lose a top tooth

Hi! Please rather leave them separated at home.

Season tend to last a day or so, but if it is the hormones, things can last longer.

Check whether the root of both top incisors is still firm. If yes, the tooth should grow back in a matter of a few days. If one or both teeth are wobbly, please have her seen by a vet as the root could be affected.