Dominance Or Bullying?

[Cinnamocha]

I very recently bought two boars from Petsmart (Next time I get a guinea pig it will be from a reputable breeder or rescue) and one of them (Mocha) seems to be the dominant piggie. Cinnamon, my other boar is much smaller and more timid. I've noticed when they are eating, Mocha seems to pull the vegetables I give them away from Cinnamon. I'm worried that Cinnamon isn't getting enough to eat. Is there something wrong, or am I just over-worrying?

 

[Keiko The Pig]

you are over worrying, its normal for the dom pig to steal food or chase the other away, i have two boars as well. Just make sure they have two kitchen areas

 

[Cinnamocha]

you are over worrying, its normal for the dom pig to steal food or chase the other away, i have two boars as well. Just make sure they have two kitchen areas

Thanks! I'll make sure to invest in a seperate bowl and might handfeed the other piggie a bit more since he's smaller and won't get all the veggies.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Thanks! I'll make sure to invest in a seperate bowl and might handfeed the other piggie a bit more since he's smaller and won't get all the veggies.

Yep boys need their own everything so there's no hoarding or guarding! It also helps if you feed them small portions that can be eaten at one time throughout the day. This way no piggy can guard the leftover food. I see you shopped at petsmart and I am in Canada so know that it's hard to adopt guineas! I highly recommend Piggles if you do choose to adopt more. Also the more space the better with boys! How big is your cage? Lack of space is the #1 reason piggies fight if you ask me

 

[Swissgreys]

When we feed fresh we try to scatter it all over the cage (or run if they are out for floor time). That way it is difficult for one pig to eat most of it.

 

[custardstripe]

Just be careful not to interefere with their dominance. Don't start hand feeding the smaller pig on its own. If you hand feed make sure you give them both food at the same time or the dominant pig and immediately after the smaller one. I always give my boys their veggies on a large plate which means that there is room for both of them to get at them.

 

[Wiebke]

I very recently bought two boars from Petsmart (Next time I get a guinea pig it will be from a reputable breeder or rescue) and one of them (Mocha) seems to be the dominant piggie. Cinnamon, my other boar is much smaller and more timid. I've noticed when they are eating, Mocha seems to pull the vegetables I give them away from Cinnamon. I'm worried that Cinnamon isn't getting enough to eat. Is there something wrong, or am I just over-worrying?

Food hogging is typical dominance behaviour - you need to observe the hierarchy and always deal with the top pig first. They won't like you sneaking stuff to the underpig.
What you can do, is feed pellets and veg in smaller portions more often (2-3 times a day) in a bowl each, so it can be eaten on the spot. Place the bowls well away from each other, at least a body length; this prevents most of the food hogging. Young guinea pigs eat about 40g (2 handfuls) of pellets in a day and veg should make about 50g/2 oz. In the meantime, unlimited fresh hay should make up to 80% of the daily food intake, so your little ones won't perish! Make sure that the hay is accessible from two sides or that you have hay in two places, so it cannot be blocked.
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet
The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight