Dominance Sudden dominance/bullying, two sows

[haystack]

We recently adopted two sows, said to be 4 month old litter mates who get along well. They actually seemed nervous when they were apart. I moved them from their tiny pet store cage to a three level 2x4 that my husband built, and the first month and a half was great.

In the past few days, one has been constantly rumblestrutting, kicking the other out of everywhere comfy, chasing, and even pouncing and nipping once. The other one is not fighting back, just trying to stay out of the way. Food does not seem to be an issue. Just hideys and the constant pestering.

I switched from hideys to open top beds, made more concealed corners with fiddlesticks turned on their side, etc. (I also changed the kitchen box from bedding to fleece and they love sleeping in there now, too) but my success was short lived. Soon the issue became claiming beds. After the pounce and nip-attempt tonight, I took the beds out, and they're happily sprawled out in the corners at the moment.

What else can I try to help them get along? I am really nervous that a real fight wil break out when I'm not home and one will get hurt.

Is this likely a short term hormonal thing, or do I need to brace myself for the long haul?
I would hate to have to separate them, but it could be done. I could split the middle level giving one a loft and the other a basement.

 

[haystack]

any ideas or suggestions?

 

[bpatters]

I wouldn't worry about it. One or the other is likely in heat. They'll work it out.

 

[sugarandspice]

This is very normal behavior. It will eventually pass.

There is definitely no reason to separate them unless you've seen bad scars or bloodshed.