behavior changes

Question
I have two boars (Ponchito and Mr. Pibb), and I'm slightly concerned about one of them (Mr. Pibb).  I bathed him about a week ago, which he really seemed to hate (Ponchito isn't too fond of them either, but Mr. Pibb seemed [i]really[/i] scared).  

He has always hated being picked up, but wouldn't mind being petted in his cage, which he now seems to have an aversion to.  

Since then, he seems to be a little pickier with his food, and he doesn't come up to the cage wall and chew on it, anxiously waiting for his veggies, like he used to whenever he heard me by the cage.  He also seems a little less active, but I can't think of anything specific.

I weigh him weekly, and 3 weeks ago he weighed 39.7 ounces, then 39.2 2 weeks ago, 38.4 1 week ago, and 37.3 ounces today.  (So, basically, he lost .3 oz the first week, then .5, then .8, and now 1.1).  Should I be concerned?  I'm thinking that he may just be a little on edge from the bath still, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.  Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Answer
That's not a really significant weight loss but the fact that it has been steady is a little concerning. I honestly don't think the bath had anything to do with it. That part may be just coincidental.

Check his teeth and be sure there isn't a problem that might keep him from eating as much as usual. Another thing I would check is his little rectal pouch to make sure he doesn't have a little backup of stool that might be making him uncomfortable. If that's the case you can clean it out by flushing it under some running water and the generally does the trick.

Not being as active may not mean anything but if he looks like he's not quite as 'bright in the eye' as usual then something is up.  You may want to take him to the vet just to be sure. If you feel his backbone then he's losing flesh and that's not a good sign.

It's so hard sometimes to pinpoint a problem with just a description and I know that's as frustrating for you as it is for me, so I have to lean on your instincts about whether or not you just feel like something is amiss.

We get those instincts at times and they're usually right. Keep a very close eye and if he continues to appear more lazy than usual it may be time for a professional to take a look.