Sow's Odd Behaviour.

[7squeakers.]

What a nice welcome! Thank you to everyone who replied to my Introduction.

Here is more about my sow Suzie's problem. Suzie is now approaching six years of age, and I have had her for nearly five years.
She was spayed at the age of 2, when they found that she had ovarian cysts,although she had not displayed any of the usual symptoms, such as loss of hair on the flanks.
First, she lived with an older sow who later died. The I got a young boar and sow to keep her company. She was later separated from them and kept with a neutered boar of approx the same age. All four pigs lived within sight of each other but the pairs could not mix. This was when Suzie's odd behaviour started. Spirit, her male companion, didn't like it and started bullying her. She got very frightened of him and I had to give him back to his previous owners. She has lived alone since then, but still within smelling and hearing distance of the others. If another pig of either sex is put in with her, she will persistently sniff its bottom and try to mount it. Just the smell of another pig gets her excited. I would love to get her a companion, or put her in with the others, but her behaviour is very stressful to them and me!
Any ideas gratefully received! Thank you.

 

[piggyfan]

It really sounds like she still has ovarian cysts but of course that cannot be as they were removed. Maybe she is very dominating and has to be in charge.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I am sorry for your poor girl; she's obviously had a bad experience with a dominant young boy in his macho time. Would you consider dating her with a laid back older girl or boar? In my own experience, she will blossom again with the right partner; as she has happy memories, she will probably relate much better to a submissive older piggy.

Ideally, you date her at a good rescue under expert care, so you minimise any risk of ending up with an unsuitable partner again, as you will only come home with a new friend if they have really clicked. Unfortunately, there is no rescue in Essex itself that I can recommend with a good conscience, but there are others toward Hertfordshire. You can find out which if you use the rescue locator on the green bar underneath the forum logo. It is well worth going that bit further to a rescue that will really care as much about making your girl happy again. As Suzie is spayed, you can really play the whole field and concentrate on the right personality.