Trio of sows, but 2 bullying 1

[Peanut&Pumpkin]

Hi all,

I have 3 sows, 2 are 6 months and one 4 months. I initially purchased my two eldest, and to my surprise one was pregnant with a solo sow pup, which I kept.

Unfortunately my mother piggy never really took to the baby, so she was hand reared, but is healthy and generally happy.

They have all always lived together, with the baby being at the bottom of the food chain, but I've noticed recently that she is being pushed out of food time and being chased around the pen a lot.

No blood has been drawn, and they don't bite, but the elder two definitely chase her, even when she is trying to keep out of their way by sitting on her own.

Any advice for what to do? The cage is in a penned off area of my house and is the equivalent size to a 3 x 4 c&c cage, so they have plenty of space, as well as two loft areas.

Do I keep the trio as they are and just monitor, or should I consider getting a neutered boar to ease the hierarchy?

All comments/a
dvice welcome.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

Adding a neutered boar will not fix any issues that exist between the sows. so it won’t solve anything - in fact it may make things worse.
If there are actual problems in their bond as a trio of sows, then your only option will be to split them up, get a fourth piggy to bond with the baby and then keep two separate pairs.

Is baby gaining weight at each weekly weight check?

The guide below will help you with information on how to determine a dysfunctional bond

Thread 'Bonds In Trouble'

Oct 30, 2017

1 Causes for bonds to fall apart
2 Bonds in Crisis
- What are the signs of a dysfunctional bond?
- Bullying
- How can I test whether a bond is no longer working?
3 Failed bonds and what next?
- What to do if my piggies have had a major fight?
- When rebonding doesn't work out


1 Causes for bonds to fall apart

Every fall-out has of course its own...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Bonding & Fall-outs

•