[chickens]

This may be a very silly question but we have noticed our male pig keeps nudging the females stomach with his nose and when she lays down he gives her a belly massage, which she loves.  We are hoping she is pregnant could it be something to do with this or could it be that she is coming  in to heat?  They are both 8 months old.  She is very protective of him as he is very affectionate and if we are giving him a scratch she comes over and climbs on him.  Also during the last few weeks she gets stroppy with him over food and tries not to let  him eat.

Many thanks in advance for your help.


Nicki

[pigsatlesrues]

Our boars will do this when they are interested in a sow.  I have never noticed this behaviour towards a pregnant sow.  It is their way of saying 'come on lady I am ready'!  I have seen the boar actually lift the sow into the air to get her attention.  She will only oblige when she is ready though!

It is also a behaviour between castrated males as well, and young gilts towards another gilts and castrated males. It is their way of displaying their urges I guess.

Kate