Housing sows in groups requires different management strategies, but can create a better work environment for stockpeople, as well as increasing sow welfare. When switching to group housing, one of the major decisions is which feeding system to install. Feeding systems can be either competitive or non-competitive. For competitive systems, smaller groups with sows of similar size and body condition score should be used, and any drop-out sows relocated to a different area. Non-competitive feeding systems can use larger, more diverse groups, and ESF systems require the sows and new gilts to be trained. Some aggression can occur in groups, especially when sows are mixed for the first time. Pen design, gilt development management, and genetics can all affect how much aggression will be shown by sows. Competitive feeding systems generally have higher aggression, so new sows should be added as a subgroup. Sows should be grouped by size and age, and first parity sows can be grouped together. If a sow is being persistently aggressive, she can be isolated. Sows often become easier to handle when housed in groups, but having stockpeople that are attentive, observant, and caring is important. Often stockpeople have a positive experience with group handling because there is an increased opportunity for positive animal interaction, and watching natural sow behaviour can be informative for understanding the animals.