Dominance issues?

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scpiggy

scpiggy

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I had a trio of sows, Pumpkin who was very obviously boss pig, Sherbert who seemed to be second in command and Sookie who was always laid back and kept out of the way when Pumpkin and Sherbert sorted out who was in charge.
A few months ago Pumpkin passed away and Sherbert became boss pig. Sookie happily accepted and after a few weeks they'd both settled down. But over the past few days Sookie seems to be picking fights with Sherbert. When they're curled up together in bed Sookie will start nipping at Sherbert who just squeeks and cowers when Sookie does this. They're mother and daughter so have been together their whole lives and have never acted like this before. This behaviour is so out of character. :(
Any idea what could be causing it?
 
Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress of these lil ladies fighting :(

My male pigs done this, so I know how upsetting it is.

Unfortunately I cant really offer much advice. Maybe Sherbet feels the need to re-establish a pecking order now Pumpkin has gone, and once she is sure Sookie knows who is boss she'll chill out? Unless she draws blood I think all you can do is wait?

Sorry I cant be more help, hope someone can soon x
 
Just had them out for some snuggle time and sookie was sticking her nose under Sherbs chin and attempting to groom it. Looked like a sign of submission so hopefully she's calmed down.
 
I really hope so :) its so stressful when they don't get along. I have my fingers crossed for you!

If not maybe a bath would help? With a total scrub down of the cage and a dishwash (without the detergent) of all the toys etc in the cage x
 
I gave them a bath a couple weeks ago, they may turn against me if i put them through another one :))
Its a good idea though, if they dont sort it out between themselves within the next day or so i might try it.
 
It's possible Sookie may have Ovarian Cyst's this can affect there hormones, of course she could be having a bad season in which case it should settle down after a day or two.

Illnesses can cause the lower in command to go for dominance if the boss isn't well - just something to be aware of!

x
 
flintstones said:
It's possible Sookie may have Ovarian Cyst's this can affect there hormones, of course she could be having a bad season in which case it should settle down after a day or two.

Illnesses can cause the lower in command to go for dominance if the boss isn't well - just something to be aware of!

x
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This was one of my first thoughts, i've given them both a good health check today and they seem healthy, both active and eating well. Didnt think of it being a bad season, that would explain it. Hope thats all it is. Might take them both for a vet visit if it continues just to be on the safe side.

Are there any other symptoms of ovarian cysts?
 
scpiggy said:
This was one of my first thoughts, i've given them both a good health check today and they seem healthy, both active and eating well. Didnt think of it being a bad season, that would explain it. Hope thats all it is. Might take them both for a vet visit if it continues just to be on the safe side.

Are there any other symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Click to expand...

Yes, most girls have them - although some aren't affected by them. a good vet can feel them on palpitation. My Bette had Cysts but I was advised to leave them as they didn't bother her.

Some more information.
http://www.guinealynx.info/ovarian_cysts.html

It used to be if you had to intervene the sow would be spayed but now you can hormone injections which can decrease the sizes of the cysts.
 
flintstones said:
Yes, most girls have them - although some aren't affected by them. a good vet can feel them on palpitation. My Bette had Cysts but I was advised to leave them as they didn't bother her.

Some more information.
http://www.guinealynx.info/ovarian_cysts.html

It used to be if you had to intervene the sow would be spayed but now you can hormone injections which can decrease the sizes of the cysts.
Click to expand...

oooh thank you, she doesnt have any of the other symptoms. She does have fairly large nipples but they're not crusty and i've heard it could be because shes had babies.
 
scpiggy said:
oooh thank you, she doesnt have any of the other symptoms. She does have fairly large nipples but they're not crusty and i've heard it could be because shes had babies.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry to much but keep an eye - it may just be a bad season and she'll be fine tomorrow!

:) xx
 
flintstones said:
I wouldn't worry to much but keep an eye - it may just be a bad season and she'll be fine tomorrow!

:) xx
Click to expand...

Thank you, i really hope so. She didnt like me waking her up and poking round her belly for symptoms of ovarian cysts and triple checking her nipples. But i've given her some pepper so all is forgiven :))
 
Things between my girls aren't improving and seem to be getting worse. I've had to remove one of their beds cos everytime they were both in it Sookie would kick Sherbert out. Sookie's been rumblestrutting all day too which she's NEVER done. They're still sharing food with no problems and they haven't fought.
Thinking of taking them both to the vets to rule out any illness causing Sookie's grumpy behaviour but both of them seem healthy and happy apart from this. I can't understand why Sookie is suddenly acting so out of character. :(
 
Well they've both been given the all clear by vets which is reassuring. But i'm still left with a grumpy girl. :(
I have had a thought that Sherberts hyper active behaviour could be the cause of the problems. When Pumpkin was still alive Sherbert and Pumpkin would always popcorn round with each other and play while Sookie lay out of the way and gave me a look to say "what are you making me live with...." Now Pumpkin's gone Sherbert doesn't have her play mate and Sookie isn't interested and is getting grumpy at her for wanting to play all the time.
I'm now thinking of getting another pig in hope of getting back some sort of balance between them. Only concern being i end up with two hyper pigs bothering Sookie or two laid back pigs who both dont want to be bothered by Sherbert. Hopefully i will be able to find the right friend for them.
Does this sound likr it could be the problem or is my want for a new pig getting the better of me? Any ideas or suggestions would be very helpful.
 
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