Introducing Older sows to younger sows

[Sandrilene]

So I recently got 2 new young female piggies and they have their own cage as do my previous piggies which are female adults. From everything I have read you can introduce them in a neutral location so long as you watch them but usually it works out well. It didn't.

I put them in the play area and at first it was fine they were following each other around and then one of the older ones started to get aggressive towards the younger ones. No blood was drawn but some viscous lunges were made and the young ones started making terrified noises so I removed the offending adult and left the other adult in as they seemed to be getting along. So then that adult also starts being aggressive so I removed her as well. So now both of the adults are in their own cage and they are chattering and rumbling at each other and then they started to lunge and chase each other! I have no idea what that was about? They didn`t hurt each other but it was definitely more aggressive then I have ever seen them act toward each other. They calmed down and started to get along again but I don`t understand why it occurred at all. The younger ones had the same sort of reaction to each other as well once the older ones were in their own cage and also calmed down after a little bit. So why did they not get along and then why did they have individual fights within their own groups after? I assume it isn`t smart to try again? I was hoping to be able to cage them together eventually or at least have a joint playtime as it would be more stimulating (was hoping in a good way!) So now I have 2 cages and two separate play times. 8...

 

[Sandrilene]

oh and they are not in the cage shown in my avatar that was what the older pigs were in when i adopted them. they have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DPY/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details now.

 

[Claire1973]

I think the reason they carried on arguing with each other is because the whole balance of hierarchy was challenged. Basically when you introduce a new pig or two ALL the pigs in that group have to re establish where they all stand with each other regardless of whether they were friends before. I am bonding a young female currently with a group of 3 other females and a neutered boar, and the noise they make is shocking - so much squealing and nipping even between the girls that were already together (in fact they are a mum and her daughters!) my boar is doing a great job keeping them apart so it might be suggested that if you have space for a little group you could get a neutered boar too - with a few females I would suggest it might help? I also think you could try again and be quite successful - try lavender oil on your palms and stroke them all with it or give them all a bath so they smell the same first. I'm sure there are some great links on here that someone will point you in the right direction of but good luck!