Will my sow be mean forever?

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caviaporcellus

caviaporcellus

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My oldest sow can be rather stroppy. She always wants her own way and if she doesn't get it (my boar stands up to her more and more) she goes and finds the little sow and headbutts her. My little sow gives her a wide berth. Although I appreciate that a lot of this is dominance behaviour from Wiebke's brilliant sticky, it seems to go beyond what is necessary.

She is still only about 7 - 8 months old. Is there hope that she will grow up to be a well adjusted and kind individual?

Has anyone had a BQFH sow that has grown up to be nice?
 
I can't say for sure, but she is at that adolescent age, and I found that the adolescent age was the peak for cranky and miserable behaviour from my pigs. Somewhere between nine months and a year they settled down and seemed to learn to 'let things go' a little more, although the dominant pig still remained the boss she was less intense in enforcing her dominance. She may always be a 'boss' pig, but hopefully she will learn to dial it down a notch once she leaves the adolescent months behind.
 
Bette is still a big bad bully, who knows if she always has been but I can most certainly say she still is.

I wish she wouldn't be so mean too :(!

If only they would read the book!
 
Sows do have their stroppy teenage phase as well; it's just usually not as extreme and doesn't lead to fall outs, so it's rarely talked about.

It sounds very much like your girl has got it full on. Hopefully, she calms down once her hormones have settled into adult stability.

However, it is a matter of fact that frustrations are handed straight down the hierarchy. If my head sow Nia has a bad day at the office, I assure you the whole Tribe does!
 
Thanks for your replies guys. It sounds like there might be a little hope for her when she is an adult. I am sorry to hear that Bette has not grown out of it, flintstones. I am not sure sure which book you mean but I can guess it is a self help or therapy book for GPs.:))

Sometimes when Spikey chases off little Minnie for no reason I feel like crying 8... the poor little mite must be so scared all on her own.8...:(
 
caviaporcellus said:
Thanks for your replies guys. It sounds like there might be a little hope for her when she is an adult. I am sorry to hear that Bette has not grown out of it, flintstones. I am not sure sure which book you mean but I can guess it is a self help or therapy book for GPs.:))

Sometimes when Spikey chases off little Minnie for no reason I feel like crying 8... the poor little mite must be so scared all on her own.8...:(
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Do you have the space to introduce a third (young) girl? That may help if there are two bottom piggies. My Telyn got chased around quite a bit as well when she was a youngster; it is part of being bottom pig.
 
Wiebke said:
Do you have the space to introduce a third (young) girl? That may help if there are two bottom piggies. My Telyn got chased around quite a bit as well when she was a youngster; it is part of being bottom pig.
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I did have to laugh when I read your comment but I can see how it could possibly help too, but if it went wrong to you would need space to house them all.

I think some pigs are just bullies, you should introduce her to my Bette and we'll see who is more the madam :))!
 
Wiebke said:
Do you have the space to introduce a third (young) girl? That may help if there are two bottom piggies. My Telyn got chased around quite a bit as well when she was a youngster; it is part of being bottom pig.
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My instant reaction to this was 'Ooooo I would love another piggy'.rolleyes The problem is that there are no rescues nearby so it would be pot luck from pets at home and I wouldn't be around to look after them because my friends would probably have me committed :)) but I can feel the temptation....rolleyes. Would four piggies fit in my cage (soon to have loft extension)?

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/cages/rabbit_cage/120_cm_cages/137450

flintstones said:
I did have to laugh when I read your comment but I can see how it could possibly help too, but if it went wrong to you would need space to house them all.

I think some pigs are just bullies, you should introduce her to my Bette and we'll see who is more the madam :))!
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It is a shame you are in Glasgow. I am sure it would do them both some good to meet their match.:))
 
You need a minimum of 2x6 ft for four piggies, preferably on one floor, but with three tiers you are certainly well over the limit! Perhaps you could organise a piggy train with a rescue on here?
 
I got a little Madam in the house as well. She is quite good to use her size to headbut the wee one when she is on her way. My poor little peppa ...
 
Hello and welcome to the forum. Why not introdcuce yourself in the Introduction part. It would be lovely to hear all about your piggies too.
 
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