Just adopted my first guinea pig 2 weeks ago and I'm so psyched!! Had a hamster as a kid, but never a guinea pig. His name is Mr. Squeekers and I rescued him from our local animal shelter. I'm not too knowledgeable re: breeds. Squeekers is a short hair, solid pumpkin colored. I love him already. He is still a little skittish and I don't know his background, or if he was handled much. Will be held, but doesn't beg to be picked up like I hear so many do. Even when I take him out to play, he really doesn't seem to want to run around much. I put him on my bed and he just rests quietly. Hey, all you experts, give me some advice on socializing him. Do you think he's lonely for another piggie? I heard they love cage mates, but won't bond as closely with their humans then. Also, little confused about how much to feed him. I leave his bowl filled with piggie pellets, give him a handful of alfalfa hay twice a day, and about 2 tablespoons of fresh fruits and veggies a day. Is this too much or too little? He doesn't like any piggie treats like yogurt drops, but likes a honey/fruit/seed stick I got him and a mineral salt lick. And how often do you clean your cage? I was changing the bedding daily and everyone says once a week!! Squeekers make quite a lot of poopies and I like him to sleep in a clean cage. (I'm a nurse!!) Anyway, I'd love to learn more about them. So please tell me about yours and how you care for them! Thanks

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited February 08, 2001).]