Fighting!

[Chip and Dale]

My guinea pigs, Chip and Dale, I got them a few years ago and they were a bonded pair. We got them both and right now have them in a 47 x 24 x 14 inch cage (L,W,H). It seems like Dale has been doing a lot of bullying on Chip lately. Non stop biting, squeaking, and fighting over a certain hideaway. Chip has gotten extremely skinny and I’m worried! We don’t have enough money to get them a new cage or to take Chip to the vet. I currently have two hideaways, two hay racks, two food bowls, and two water bottles in there. So two of everything. In the past, Dale was recorded for biting through another pig’s ear, and caused some big problems. I don’t see any blood on Chip but I’m worried something might happen in the future.
So far, we have tried to separate them, buy toys, give them treats, comfort them with cuddles, and let them have time alone in our yard. When we separated them, they both were squeaking a ton and seemed worried and didn’t eat. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Unfortunately your cage is not big enough for two boars. Your cage works out to 119cm x 60cm but two boars need 180cm x 60cm. Lack of space between two boars will cause problems in the relationship. Sometimes having just two hideys isn’t enough and for boars I always go with at least one each - my two boars have four hideys at any one time. However with a cage not big enough, you won’t be able to fit more in and also buying toys and treats won’t fix their relationship. All hideys should also have two exits so no piggy can get cornered inside it.
to add, if their relationship is really having problems, then a bigger cage may not solve things. You also need to be very careful about changing their territory /cage as that in itself can cause an increase in dominance and destabilise an already stressed relationship. (The boar guide below explains how to go about it carefully)

However, as one appears to not be eating and losing weight then it suggests there could be bullying and a problem with their relationship. If their relationship is not functioning, then you must test that using the ‘bond in trouble’ guide below and if it confirms a non functional relationship they must be separated and live as neighbours in side by side cages. Each piggy will need a cage of a minimum of 120cm x 60cm cage each if they cannot live together. You cannot split your current cage in half as it isn’t big enough.

If chip is not eating and is losing weight, then you must switch from routine weekly weighing to weighing him daily (at the same time each day) and you will need to step in with syringe feeding to prevent further weight loss. He will need to see a vet.
Sometimes a sudden change in behaviour can be down to a health issue so Dale ought to see a vet as well to rule out a medical issue causing problems between them.

The guides below give further information

Bonds In Trouble
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Cage Size Guide

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[Siikibam]

First thing is that space is really important for boars in particular. I’m afraid the cage doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations for two sows (119 x 60). They really do need more space. Would you be able to set up a play pen around the cage that they’ll have constant access to? Or even use the pen as their housing and remove the cage?

With regards the dominance, I would remove that one hide they’re tussling over. And make sure that the others have 2 exits. I’m afraid in a cage that size there isn’t much space to get away from each other, which they sometimes need. That, and running around.
You say Chip is skinny. How much has he lost? If he’s constantly losing it means he’s not eating enough. For now you may have to step in with syringe feeding - mushed pellets will do in the meantime. You really need to have him seen to rule out any health issues. Are you able to borrow money from family or friends?

Whether you separate depends on whether he’s really biting Chip or it’s a health issue. Hence the need for a vet check. Have a read of the links below then see where they are in terms of dominance.

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs