Aggressive Sow...

[BeccaJo044]

I have had my three girls for about a year and a half now. They have always been housed together and really tight. However, recently my one has become super aggressive. Lots of teeth chattering and nippings. I have separated them all but they can still see each other and hear each other and whatnot. The aggressive Piggie really starts to attack the others when I try to reintroduce them one by one. Is there any advice on what could be happening or ways to reintroduce them that I wouldn't have already tried ? Thanks!

 

[Caviequeen]

Could it be a health issue cause sometimes that can cause them to go bonkers

 

[Lady Kelly]

I would check your aggressive sow over. Has she changed shape at all lately? Are her nipples enlarged and/or crusty? Hormonal problems like ovarian cysts can make a sow more boisterous.

Of course you could just be unlucky like me and fine the boisterous pig has decided not to tolerate one or more of your other pigs anymore. Does she try to attack both of them?

 

[VickiA]

Sorry to hear that you had troubles with your sows. Could it have been sparked by any new house/hidey/cosy being introduced and dominance issues over that or otherwise has a health issue caused a change in behaviour and upset the hierarchy? I've had sows who loved each other nearly killing each other over a new house (even when there were 2 identical ones) but ovarian cysts can change behaviour, as can other ailments. A thyroid disorder in one of mine had her charging round like a rampant bull. So is it worth getting the trouble maker checked over?

 

[Wiebke]

I have had my three girls for about a year and a half now. They have always been housed together and really tight. However, recently my one has become super aggressive. Lots of teeth chattering and nippings. I have separated them all but they can still see each other and hear each other and whatnot. The aggressive Piggie really starts to attack the others when I try to reintroduce them one by one. Is there any advice on what could be happening or ways to reintroduce them that I wouldn't have already tried ? Thanks!

Please have your aggressive girl checked for small, but growing ovarian cysts. There are now alternative treatments available, like hormone injections (HCG) or draining cysts to a full spaying operation. Hormonal imbalances are usually at the root of sudden aggressive behaviour in middle ages sows.
It is really bad, I would leave her as a live-alonside piggy for the time being, so she has still got interaction and stimulation, but she cannot cause havoc.
Sadly, I can find any recommended vets for your state.