Trouble Bonding Sows

[marialuvscavies]

Hello,
I have had my 2 sows for a little over a month. Both sows are in their teenage months so I understand they may be hormonal, but i was hoping they would have established their relationship by now. There is no bullying going on as both are at healthy weights and without bites, but they seem to just have a genuine dislike for one another. They live in a 2x4 cage and are all fine until one gets too close to the other. I feel as if there is constant teeth chattering and rumble strutting from my one (younger) pig (except when they are sleeping lol). They demonstrate all dominance behavior such as chinning off etc, but never do anything too aggressive that I am afraid to leave them alone. They are in my room so I can monitor their behavior a lot. I have plans on extending the cage a grid or 2 in an attempt to help. I guess what i want to know is when should i give up on the bond and put a divider in their cage? I want to ensure that both guineas are as happy as they can be!

 

[Guineautopia]

I would say expand the cage as soon as you can before the fall out, just like us piggies sometimes need their space. Hopefully once you expand the cage, things will settle down.

 

[DM030819]

@marialuvscavies Extending the cage is always a good thing and could make a huge difference. I've noticed it happen with boys before.

Sometimes pigs aren't snuggle buddies but never get as far as fighting.

Personally I'd leave them be as they may calm down more as they age. Your options are quite limited. Splitting them is the last option as pigs like to be in pairs. If you have space you could get another two and try them as two pairs. But unless you have go to a rescue that can offer bonding you're not guaranteed that they'll be any closer.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,
I have had my 2 sows for a little over a month. Both sows are in their teenage months so I understand they may be hormonal, but i was hoping they would have established their relationship by now. There is no bullying going on as both are at healthy weights and without bites, but they seem to just have a genuine dislike for one another. They live in a 2x4 cage and are all fine until one gets too close to the other. I feel as if there is constant teeth chattering and rumble strutting from my one (younger) pig (except when they are sleeping lol). They demonstrate all dominance behavior such as chinning off etc, but never do anything too aggressive that I am afraid to leave them alone. They are in my room so I can monitor their behavior a lot. I have plans on extending the cage a grid or 2 in an attempt to help. I guess what i want to know is when should i give up on the bond and put a divider in their cage? I want to ensure that both guineas are as happy as they can be!

Hi! Try a temporary divider and see whether they are happier that way. Not all sows get on with all sows unfortunately; if acceptance or a hierarchy sort out doesn't happen, we talk about a failed bonding. Unlike boars, this doesn't necessarily end with a fight, but there is a constant exchange of hostilities and a constant tension that will flare up again and again.
If they are noticeably happier and calmer with each having her own territory, then you have your answer. if there is no change in their behaviour or they look sad on their own, this also an answer.
This should not take very long, just a few hours or overnight.
Bonds In Trouble
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics