Sow doesn't like babies

[Eviolus-]

I recently bought a pregnant pig, she gave birth to three semi- healthy babies and I was really happy that it all went smoothly but as I watched them I've noticed the other sow has been acting weird, she keeps rumble strutting and snapping at the babies and the mum.
When I first saw it I assumed it was because of cage size, there was 5 pigs in a cage intended for 2 afterall, so I extended it. She has been a little more tame since but she's still acting quite defensive against them, sometimes she runs away from them.
Is this normal or is there an issue? Have I missed something?

 

[Wiebke]

I recently bought a pregnant pig, she gave birth to three semi- healthy babies and I was really happy that it all went smoothly but as I watched them I've noticed the other sow has been acting weird, she keeps rumble strutting and snapping at the babies and the mum.
When I first saw it I assumed it was because of cage size, there was 5 pigs in a cage intended for 2 afterall, so I extended it. She has been a little more tame since but she's still acting quite defensive against them, sometimes she runs away from them.
Is this normal or is there an issue? Have I missed something?

Hi!

How long since birth and how long have you had her? Sows will start to wean their babies gradually from about 2 weeks onwards once the babies have switched to a mainly solid adult diet.
Here is our baby and mother care guide:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/after-birth-mother-and-baby-care.109389/

Your mother is obviously still very skittish and nervous.
You may find our settling-in guides helpful. they contain information on guinea pig instincts and how you can work around them by using guinea pig body language and social interactive behaviours to speak to them in a way that makes sense to them.
Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

 

[Eviolus-]

Hi!

How long since birth and how long have you had her? Sows will start to wean their babies gradually from about 2 weeks onwards once the babies have switched to a mainly solid adult diet.
Here is our baby and mother care guide:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/after-birth-mother-and-baby-care.109389/

Your mother is obviously still very skittish and nervous.
You may find our settling-in guides helpful. they contain information on guinea pig instincts and how you can work around them by using guinea pig body language and social interactive behaviours to speak to them in a way that makes sense to them.
Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

It's only been a few days but the mum is doing great, they've started eating hay and veg, I'm more worried about the other sow in the cage since I wasn't sure if she'd have instincts towards another sows pig

 

[Wiebke]

It's only been a few days but the mum is doing great, they've started eating hay and veg, I'm more worried about the other sow in the cage since I wasn't sure if she'd have instincts towards another sows pig

Have a look at the baby video diary and watch auntie (the cream sow), even though the two sisters had a very close relationship and auntie was very moderate.

This behaviour is normal for companion sows that on the one hand stay away from babies unless they are nursing themselves and on the other hand are making very clear they are off limits for the pups.
It is dominance behaviour and not painful although babies and youngsters are generally very vocal and dramatic.
You will see a lot more of it around weaning time when the babies lose their special protection and are emphatically pushed to the bottom of the hierarchy - including by their mother.
Please do not separate unless it is getting really bad as separated sows may not go back together again.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/first-baby-days-a-video-and-picture-diary.162694/
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Eviolus-]

Have a look at the baby video diary and watch auntie (the cream sow), even though the two sisters had a very close relationship and auntie was very moderate.

This behaviour is normal for companion sows that on the one hand stay away from babies unless they are nursing themselves and on the other hand are making very clear they are off limits for the pups.
It is dominance behaviour and not painful although babies and youngsters are generally very vocal and dramatic.
You will see a lot more of it around weaning time when the babies lose their special protection and are emphatically pushed to the bottom of the hierarchy - including by their mother.
Please do not separate unless it is getting really bad as separated sows may not go back together again.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/first-baby-days-a-video-and-picture-diary.162694/
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Okay Is it also normal for the auntie pig to be more dominant towards the mum?

 

[Wiebke]

Okay Is it also normal for the auntie pig to be more dominant towards the mum?

It depends on their relationship before the babies. Nursing sows enjoy a special protected status which can overturn the hierarchy. Auntie is likely the dominant sow in the bond and wants to remain that.
As long as there is no real aggression, then you need not worry.

Please take the time to read the links I have given you. there is a chapter on companionship during the nursing period.

I would also strongly recommend that you read our nursing diet guide recommendations if you haven't yet. They are there to protect your mother's own bodily reserves. Please be aware that the extra amounts needed are actually very small and that they are already to a good deal part of a normal good balanced general diet.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/pregnancy-and-nursing-diet.109377/
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[Eviolus-]

It depends on their relationship before the babies. Nursing sows enjoy a special protected status which can overturn the hierarchy. Auntie is likely the dominant sow in the bond and wants to remain that.
As long as there is no real aggression, then you need not worry.

Please take the time to read the links I have given you. there is a chapter on companionship during the nursing period.

Thanks, I've read most of them, I always thought the mum was the dominant one so I was worried the auntie was trying to become the dominant while she was still weak from the pregnancy