Normal dominant behaviour?

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PiggiePooh

PiggiePooh

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I introduced a new sow (Priscilla) into the group today and my oldest sow (Cookie) seems to be dominating her quite a bit. They were introduced on neutral territory for several hours before I put them in the cage. I had also cleaned the cage and all homes, bowls etc before putting them in. Cookie chases Priscilla around the cage and Priscilla runs away squeaking. If Priscilla goes into one of the snuggle sacs or homes then Cookie will follow her in and nudge her out of it. I dont know if Cookie is nipping, it looks like she is nudging her. There's no bites on Priscilla or blood drawn. Priscilla seems scared, she didnt come out of the snuggle sac when they all get their veggies but she has only just arrived so will need to settle in wont she. I have been watching Cookie a lot today and she dominates all of them. If they are where she wants to be she shoves them out and if they are eating veggies she will steal it from their mouths. Is this normal dominant behaviour from the leader?
 
sounds normal to me but keep an eye out for bullying! It will take a while for the newbie to settle in and you will be able to tell soon if she is improving!
 
Kinda sounds like what my Odie (the first and oldest) does to our Patchy (the not so new lol and younger one). He chases him in and out of the houses we have for them and when Patchy eats, Odie comes and pulls the food out his mouth and then hears me kinda say a strong "No" and then he runs with the food and hides lol. But I think that is normal behavior, although I dont know what the females actually do so you might want to wait for someone else to give you information on the females domanance.
 
This sounds like normal behaviour to me, no blood drawn but nudging and shoving. Priscilla will need a few days to settle in properly, it sounds as though it's all going fine for now, but perhaps giving them all a piece of food each at the same time might help.

I have observed two reasons for taking food, pulling it away in an obvious manner which means 'I'm in charge and I want that' and taking it while the other piggie is eating it, from the side, slowly which means 'I am a baby piggie and I want this food from my mommys mouth'.

That's my experience with my piggies, hope it helps. It really does take a few days for the 'herd' to settle though. You've got enough places to sleep for one each though, so Priscilla can settle down for a nap once Cookie is in bed? I remember the pictures of your setup which looked great with plenty of space, so I'm sure it'll be fine.

Sarah x
 
Thanks everyone. There are plenty of beds for all and a couple of spare too so they can chop and change if they want to. Have just ordered another wooden house as that seems to be the favourite ;) I just wanted to check that this was normal behaviour ;)
 
Well would you believe it, all my girls are sleeping and which two are sleeping together? Yep, Cookie and Priscilla :)) Dont know what I was worrying about rolleyes
 
aww that is brillant news my girlies take a little while to settle when new piggies join the herd

You'll have to put some pigtures up of them sleeping together:)
 
Glad to hear everything turned out fine. :))
 
Thank you everyone, it all seems to be turning out nicely. Cookie and Priscilla now seem to be inseperable and strut around together ruling the roost :))
Looking forward to Elvis coming home and will see who rules then ;)
 
PiggiePooh said:
Thank you everyone, it all seems to be turning out nicely. Cookie and Priscilla now seem to be inseperable and strut around together ruling the roost :))
Looking forward to Elvis coming home and will see who rules then ;)
Click to expand...

Haha, just remember lol its normal. :p Silly piggies! :))
 
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