Should I split them whilst feeding?

[Koffee559]

Storm and Ash are brothers who are 13 weeks old. I’ve had them for 3.5 weeks. When they arrived they looked the same size but the vet said Ash weighed 10% less than Storm. Over the weeks, Storm has grown much bigger than Ash so I’ve been watching closely at feeding times. Both buns are VERY enthusiastic about pellets and fresh greens (as well as eating lots of hay). They eat their pellets and greens without stopping for breath until they’re all gone! However, Storm chews much faster than Ash and therefore eats more food. It’s not that Storm is taking food away from Ash or pushing him out if the way, just that he eats more in the same time.

Three questions:
Do you think that this indicates a health issue with Ash, teeth maybe (vet didn’t see any issue at initial check-up)?
Do you think I should separate the buns whilst they eat their pellets and greens so Ash can get enough food?
Should I be concerned about future health issues as a result of Ash not growing quick enough now?

All advice gratefully received!
Kirstie

[Deleted User]

In general they need to already be separate, especially at 13 weeks old. Hormones are going to be getting into play soon and that could cause a lot of problems. For one they could get into a very heated fight very quickly. Second, are they both confirmed males? If neither one has had their testicles drop, you could very likely have a male and a female, two females, or as you said, two males. If you have one of each you could end up with an accidental litter. Either way, they need to be separated and not put back together (even for play time) until 1-2 months post neuter.
As for eating, some buns aren’t as hungry and they do grow at different rates, even if they’re siblings. Not every bun will mature at the same rate. Bombur hit sexual maturity and had his testicles descend around 7 weeks when we brought him home. He also gains size a lot less easily and consistently weighs less than Asriel. Asriel didn’t hit sexual maturity and descend until he was about 10 weeks, however he has always gained size more quickly (despite eating less).

[sarahthegemini]

I don’t think it indicates a health issue, some buns just eat quicker than others. My Buttercup for example eats her pellets far quicker than Peanut.

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