Hi! I just adopted a "rescue" guinea pig from my local shelter. His name is Squeekers! He is soooooo cute and very sweet and loving. This is my first guinea pig and I'm so excited! I've never had a piggie before; closet was a hamster when I was a kid. Anyway, been reading a lot and searching for info. on the web. Are there any experienced piggie mom's out there who can give me some tips? He is 1 year old. He came with a great plastic bottom 3x2 cage with all the accessories, including a wooden "timber hide away" box where he loves to play and sleep in. I stocked up on all the essentials including aspen shavings, a good Kay-Tee piggie food, timothy hay, yogurt drops, some other treats and a vit. C supp. for his water. I read that vit.c breaks down easily in water so I'm also giving him fresh veggies like broccoli, spinach and carrots and he adores parsley. Tried oranges but he doesn't seem to like them. Are any fruits or veggies bad for them? I heard that fresh veggies should be given in small amts. What's a small amt.???!! I don't want to over feed him. Also, all info. says change shavings once a week!! I think it's damp and poopy enough to clean every day!??? Got a ball thingy for him to play in, then read that piggies won't run around in them like hamsters will. Are there any toys for piggies? For chewing, I got him a carrot flavored "chew stick" which he seems to like. What about salt licks? Read that they should have this too!! Sorry to ask so many questions...just want him to be happy! He loves to be held and scratched. A real cutie. He chirps a lot and squeals sometimes. How do I know if he's making "happy sounds" or if he's upset? Anyway, thanks for any help you might give. Emails welcomed!!

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited January 31, 2001).]