They're Getting Along But...

[Jennybug89]

So I introduced my two sows yesterday and they are getting along famously from what I can tell. Apart from when it comes to food. Rosie (a little older and significantly bigger) doesn't seem to want to share. Even if I lay out quite a big pile, or two bowls. Rachel is more timid away and is put off by Rosie's little growls, and her sort of nosing her. A few times I've went over and out some of the food directly in front of Rachel so she's not missing out. Will this work itself out as they grow? It's hard as Rosie is on the ball went it come to food but Rachel takes a bit longer to come out and I don't want her missing out

 

[Wiebke]

So I introduced my two sows yesterday and they are getting along famously from what I can tell. Apart from when it comes to food. Rosie (a little older and significantly bigger) doesn't seem to want to share. Even if I lay out quite a big pile, or two bowls. Rachel is more timid away and is put off by Rosie's little growls, and her sort of nosing her. A few times I've went over and out some of the food directly in front of Rachel so she's not missing out. Will this work itself out as they grow? It's hard as Rosie is on the ball went it come to food but Rachel takes a bit longer to come out and I don't want her missing out

That is not uncommon. Feed veg and pellets in two bowls, at least a body length apart; feed only small enough portions that they can be eaten in one go 2-3 times a day. Remove the food bowls in between. This minimises food bullying, which is part of dominance. Your girls have access to unlimited hay in the meantime, which makes the bulk of their daily food intake, anyway; ideally you offer in two places so access connot be blocked by the dominant piggy.

Sow Behaviour

 

[Jennybug89]

That is not uncommon. Feed veg and pellets in two bowls, at least a body length apart; feed only small enough portions that they can be eaten in one go 2-3 times a day. Remove the food bowls in between. This minimises food bullying, which is part of dominance. Your girls have access to unlimited hay in the meantime, which makes the bulk of their daily food intake, anyway; ideally you offer in two places so access connot be blocked by the dominant piggy.

Sow Behaviour

Okay I was thinking it was relatively normal after reading everything, just wanted to be totally sure! Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

The dominance phase lasts from a few days to about two weeks, but in some cases even longer.

 

[Jennybug89]

The dominance phase lasts from a few days to about two weeks, but in some cases even longer.

Rosie has taken to sitting on the pile of hay to have it to herself! But I've just extended the pile so Rachel has a chance. She's also eating way faster than she was before haha. At least everything aside from that is going well

 

[PiggieHerd]

Good luck on the bonding.

Every time I introduce a new piggie into the herd, it usually takes about a 1-2 weeks to normalize again in the cage.

 

[Jennybug89]

Good luck on the bonding.

Every time I introduce a new piggie into the herd, it usually takes about a 1-2 weeks to normalize again in the cage.

Right now they are excessively popcorning and running around like mad! So funny