[mwncigirl]

We have two groups of gilts of different ages, one group of two are eight months old, and the other group of three are six months old. As the weather has been so wet we are hoping to move them inside but only have one shed. Its not really possible to divide it up. 


What do people think of mixing them and putting them all in together? Obviously they would need some time to settle but I'm worried about the smaller ones getting bullied or hurt?


Thanks

[Tudful Tamworths]

If you're going to mix them, do it outside in a neutral area if you can - don't put them all indoors in a confined space straightway, otherwise you'll be asking for trouble. Try and use a field which isn't too muddy (impossible here at the moment!) because the small ones will get chased by the older ones and may slip and get injured.
The younger ones will get bullied to start with, but eventually they should all get on okay. You may have problems ensuring the younger ones get sufficient food, though, so that's something of which to be aware.

[HappyHippy]

Ditto Liz 
The younger ones need 'flight' space, so give them a big area to mix in for a couple of days (the squabbles should only last 2-3 days) then bring them all in together. If it looks like there's any vulva biting going on you'll need to step in and sort that, but with young gilts they should all settle quite quick  I'd avoid mixing them when they are in season though - ours always seem to suffer from piggy pmt and squabble more then 
My only other tip is to give them all a squirt of something strong smelling, don't know for certain that it helps, but it certainly won't do any harm.
Good luck.
Karen 

[mwncigirl]

Great thanks, sounds logical!

[rispainfarm]

tea tree oil works well if you are looking for something smelly

[HappyHippy]

tea tree oil works well if you are looking for something smelly

I usually find I've run out of that  It's been 'Impulse' for mine lately 

[Marches Farmer]

Can you fix it so the groups can see each other but not mix before they go into the shed together?  I'd also suggest putting in very deep bedding and a toy (one of those pig footballs, perhaps) to keep them busy.  Iodotar on the tail/vulva should stop them going for the most popular biting site but if they start biting each other along the side scatter some grain among the straw to distract them but you may have to split out the aggressor. Don't split out the victim as the aggressive one will just move onto the next victim.

[Button End Beasts]

If it looks like there's any vulva biting going on you'll need to step in

Ooowww, OUCH! That sounds painfull. Brings a tear to my eye, I've never heard of vulva biting before !


Definitely need to have a separate area to feed the small ones in. We have simply sectioned off a bit of our field with electric fence. Put the big ones food down first, then run to the corner and put the little ones down. They all know the routine and it didn't take very long for them to learn it. BUT The big girl also knows how to shovel her food down super quick and then patrols where the wee ins are, so make sure it's a high security area!

[Hassle]

Depends on the breed as well.. the more laid back the easier to mix..

i normally make a small pen alongside the pen i'm going to mix inside seperated by a gate.. the younger pigs inside that orginal pen with the older ones moving in they can get to know each other through the gate through the day.

With a late dinner time I then put plenty of fresh straw down and then open the gate when all inside the same pen feed and leave.  You need to put plenty of straw down just incase some end up sleeping outside that first night.

A bit of purple iodine spray for ears just in case, although I've never needed.

and the feed the bigger the pig the more it will shovel down and it will slow down the growth of the smaller ones ~shrugs~

[Fowgill Farm]

tea tree oil works well if you are looking for something smelly

I usually find I've run out of that  It's been 'Impulse' for mine lately 

Lily of the valley eau de cologne from crabtree & evelyn did it for mine last time!
mandy