Nipping ears...?

[Bailey]

I introduced Amber to baby Coco yesterday morning. It all went well with no rumbling from either, and a few popcorns thrown in but every now & then Amber will nip Coco's ear (only seems to be the left one) for no apparent reason. Coco will do a little squeak. I've checked her each time I've seen Amber do it and it's not breaking the skin.

Is this just Amber saying "Oi, I'm the grown up and in charge here." ?

 

[Claire W]

Hi Nipping ears can be a sign of dominance or affection. If the skin isn't being broken, don't worry. My head sow use to nip ears all the time but she has calmed down now. The other girls occasionally nip each others ears but it is usually when one of them is being annoying or getting in the way.

 

[Bailey]

Thanks Claire I didn't think she was doing it in a nasty way but I thought I should check anyway.

Natalie

 

[Tracyxx]

It could be that Coco is getting a bit 'too big for her boots' or irritating Amber and Amber is warning her off. It's better for them to behave in this way than to have one attacking the other so as long as they're still getting along most of the time and there's no bullying going on, it should be fine.