Sows Now Not Getting Along

[Euph]

Hi All,

I'm so glad I found this forum, I could really use some advice.

My two sows have been living together quite happily since our boar had to be put to sleep. One of the girls recently had to be spayed for medical reasons and the Vet suggested we keep them separate whilst she recuperates. We've tried to re-introduce them to each other but much chattering of teeth and one instance of charging ensued so we had to separate them again. Any suggestions as to how to remedy this as they were perfectly happy together before the surgery?

Many Thanks!

Euph

 

[Wiebke]

Hi All,

I'm so glad I found this forum, I could really use some advice.

My two sows have been living together quite happily since our boar had to be put to sleep. One of the girls recently had to be spayed for medical reasons and the Vet suggested we keep them separate whilst she recuperates. We've tried to re-introduce them to each other but much chattering of teeth and one instance of charging ensued so we had to separate them again. Any suggestions as to how to remedy this as they were perfectly happy together before the surgery?

Many Thanks!

Euph

Hi and welcome!

Poor you! Sadly, it can happen that sows (even sisters) will not accept each other after a medical separation, even if they have been kept in adjoining cages with interaction through the bars; it is the single most frequent cause for a permanent fall-out between sows.

Have you just put them back together in their normal cage or have you let them meet on neutral ground?

I would leave them be for the time being and seriously think through your options before you let them meet one more time on neutral ground. Rub both sows gently down with a cloth beforehand, so their scents mingle and they smell "right". Even at the best, you will have to brace yourself for quite a lot of dominance in the next few weeks, but you have to also be aware that your dominant girl may have decided that her long term companion is no longer part of her group. Once sows do that, then they very rarely change their mind again, sadly! Some, especially dominant older sows, find that they prefer to have their queendom to themselves.

Make sure that you have plenty of time, but also a plan B ready before you embark on another encounter.

Here are some threads which you may find helpful:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/introducing-and-re-introducing-guinea-pigs.38562/
In your case, you may find some of the tips and considerations in here also helpful (bath not needed): https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-bullying-fighting-fall-outs-and-what-next.127295/

 

[Critter]

Sometimes getting them reacquainted through bars helps, but then again some times, as with one of mine, a total separation lasting a good few weeks in different rooms helped!

I wish there was a magic formula for these things.....

 

[Euph]

Thanks both, I've tried on neutral ground with a pile of favourite food and they pretty much ignored each other whilst they ate. I cleaned their usual house out and put them both back and within moments they were arguing over the same igloo despite their being two available.

Thanks for the warning and the links Wiebke, I don't want to cause them any undue stress but will try again and then look into finding a new friend for each of the girls if all else fails...