Strange bonding behaviour

[Jamjarpigs]

Hi all

I am introducing my sow Mildred to two rescued sows this morning. The usual behaviour is happening but Mildred is also lying down and almost rolling over to expose her bits. Is this normal? I can't see anything about it online!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all

I am introducing my sow Mildred to two rescued sows this morning. The usual behaviour is happening but Mildred is also lying down and almost rolling over to expose her bits. Is this normal? I can't see anything about it online!

I saw my spayed sow Hafren do this once during her bonding with Iola, after she'd come out on top against the odds (Iola was the larger sow). I assumed that it was a gesture of power. You can find the picture in our bonding guide. I have used the pictures of their bonding to illustrate the dynamics in a rather evenly matched pair (chapter V).
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Jamjarpigs]

Thank you so much! They all seem fine now and are in the cage.