How long before sows sort out differences?

[Abi_nurse]

I just wondered if anyone has personal experiences of how long it takes for sows to settle out their differences, i understand it can take a while.

Saffy, the rescue himi i took on is prooving a tough cookie in my group of sows +1 neutered boar. Her babies have integrated well but not her. She is constantly 'whining' at other girls, theres lots of head to heads, teeth chattering and there has been the odd scuffle but with no blood drawn, so i havent split anyone up. I'm just worried she is not happy at all. She will sit on her own most of the time and whine if anyone comes near. And if they come too near all the teeth chattering etc starts.

Any personal experience on how long it takes for her to settle into the group and for it to calm down? I cant afford to have another pig split from the group, i dont have the space and I'm worrying. I just need some reassurance and advice from all you out there. Thanks.

x.

 

[scpiggy]

How long have you had thm together?
I've recently bonded a new sow in with my girls, been together three weeks and there's still the odd scuffle here and there took about a week or two before they started getting along well. But i've had a particularly difficult sow in the past who took a few months to completely settle in with her group. Hopefully they'll be able to sort out their differences and start getting along. Best of Luck.

 

[Wiebke]

How long since she's had the pups? Did you introduce her straight away or give her some time alone for her maternal instincts to settle and switch from mummy mode to girlie way? New mums often have problems integrating again into a group.

 

[Abi_nurse]

Ive had to split her off from them at the moment as the pups were trying to suckle (tho i dont think she has milk now) and shes on medication, better to be safe than sorry for the bubas, so i will have to start all over again. Although it might be better, give all of them a bath etc when the time comes and see what happens.

She had the pups for about 2 weeks alone, then lived with seperated grids next to the herd for a week then i let them integrate.

Thanks guys.

x.

 

[Wiebke]

I would give mummy a week alone (especially as the girls are integrated with the herd). That will give her a time of rest and may help to settle down her hormones and behaviour.

I hope that she recovers well - the stress of the pregnancy and nursing period is tough on sows.

Give them all a good wipe with the same cloth, so that the group scents intermingle before you re-introduce her on neutral ground and then in freshly made up cage. The babies are too small yet for a bath.