Should I Separate?

[schnicksy]

I've read through a lot of the threads and I'm still unsure. I introduced a neutered boar to my sows yesterday. It all went really well (they have been next to each other for 6 weeks so smells will be familiar). The boar, Rufus, is still bothering the girls with a lot rumble strutting and mounting. I don't know whether it's getting too much and whether I should separate them again? As soon as one of them goes for food, he follows them and I'm worried it's stressing them out. But I also recognise it's normal... I just don't know what to do.

 

[MintyAndGarry (TEAS)]

It is perfectly normal behaviour. Although it can seem quite distressing to us, all they are doing is sorting out dominance. Unless there is aggression and blood is drawn, don't separate them as, each time they are separated, they will be back at square one if they are put back together again.

It is quite normal for any chasing/strutting to go on for 24-72 hours, sometimes longer, until the pigs sort out the hierarchy within the group. If the girls are getting stressed, they'll tell him what for!

 

[schnicksy]

Thank you! It's been about 24 hours. I wasn't sure if this was too long. There haven't been any signs of serous aggression or blood being drawn.

 

[MintyAndGarry (TEAS)]

Just give them time and they should soon settle. Just keep an eye out for any aggression, although I would have thought there would have been some by now if it was going to happen. Just make sure that any pigloos or hidies have two exits, so that nobody gets cornered. Plastic stools, chubes or wooden bridges are perfect for this.

 

[schnicksy]

I have two wooden bridges. I've taken out the little house so no one gets trapped. I may put things back in once they've gone back to normal. I was so afraid I getting it wrong and causing excess stress!