I have four sows, we have two babies (Daisy and Tulip) who are bonded and doing really well together. Then we took in two older sows (Boss and Moo) from someone in town who didn't have time for them. They were living in a tiny cage with not much hay or fresh veggies, mostly just pellets. We attempted to bond all four pigs, and it seemed like it would work. Boss and Moo have been fine with the little girls other than the usual rumbling and bum sniffing. However Boss and Moo are not doing well together, so much so that I had to separate Moo from the other three. She has tried to attack Boss and has drawn blood. Moo is now in a 3x2 section of our main 4x5 cage. She can still see and talk to the others. Is it possible to keep this as a permanent living arrangement? I can build her a separate cage if necessary, but cannot get any more pigs to bond with her.
Bond in trouble
- Thread starter Lulu223
- Start date
Hi!
How long have they been together as a quartet? I can't comment on that aspect until I know whether the fall-out is connected with the bonding process or not. Keep in mind that the full bonding process from the intro until a group is full settled lasts around 2 weeks on average. It is not like you do the intro and then they are all fine; it is much more complex than that!
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Please see whether Moo is fine with one of the youngsters so you have two pairs. That is a lot better than having one piggy living on their own; they can still live side by side as pairs with interaction through the bars. Sows that have been separated without a fall out will go back together again even years later if necessary; especially if they have stayed loosely in contact.
You may want to have Moo checked for ovarian cysts if she is an adult. Unfortunately as you are too vague on this issue, I can't comment fully, either. Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Thank you for the information. All four have been together for a week, I know that it will take them some time to settle down and figure out their hierarchy, but I don't want Boss to get bitten anymore than she already has been. Moo and Boss are about 3 years old. I can definitely try one of the younger ones with Moo and see how that works out. Thanks again!