Dominance or bullying? And for how long?

[MrsSuzy]

So after a bumpy first attempt I managed to introduce Lola to my herd of 3 last Wednesday. I gave them all bum baths, changed the fleece, cleaned and re-arranged everything in their cage. After 3 hours in a neutral territory I moved them into the cage and it wasn't too bad.

There were sporadic teeth chattering and chasing, along with some nipping and a considerable amount of hair pulling (and eating) but no blood drawn so I was happy to let them sort it out. But it's been 4 days now and it's still the same as above and I had expected it to become less and less. Lola (new piggie) is eating fine but she stays in one corner of the cage all the time. Antics are worse when the others approach and she doesn't move, they nip/mount/pull hair and then she runs. She usually bumps into another one and they all have a go 8...

I know it's subjective but, in your experiences, how long does it take for a new piggie to feel confortable and learn to get out of the way of the top sow(s)? And how long does this have to last until it's considered bullying other that dominance.

I'm devastated, any help appreciated.

 

[MrsSuzy]

Well, forget the above.

I went out for an hour and when I came back I checked on Lola. There is some recently dried blood on her ear and what looks like a small tear and also some on her bum I will set a divider so she can still see the others but they can't hurt her.

Should I put something on her small lesions? If so what?

 

[piggyfan]

Oh poor Lola. I am really sorry to hear it did not work out. Hopefully you will be able to get her a friend of her own.