[Gpdd] Care (new piggie ,no veggies)

[Sue Monaco]

Hi everyone,
 This will be a long post; I apologize in advance, but I have a huge dilemma. A few weeks ago, Freddy crossed over the Bridge suddenly. I had adopted him around November from one of the classes at the day care that I work at when he became sick, and he had made a successful recovery; but then one morning I woke up and found that he had passed away in the night.   
 My family (myself, husband, and 6 year old son) had debated getting another one, but I didn't want to get one just to replace Freddy. Then after a few weeks, I decided that I missed having a gp and that I really wanted to get another one :)  So I decided to go to the mom-and-pop pet store in the next town where my husband gets his fish and fish supplies. He has been going there for a few years and really likes them- I did not want to go to a large chain pet store after reading about all of the problems people have had...
 So on his recommendation, I went to this small pet store with my son and he picked out an 8 week old Peruvian (I think, the kind with the rosette on her forehead). As we were checking out with her, the woman who co-owns the store informed me that I should never give gp's fresh fruits or veggies as they are not a natural part of their diet and can cause intestinal problems. She then told me that the food they sell, which my gp had been getting, has dried f&v's in it and is much better for them. I couldn't even say anything, I was in such shock. I paid for the piggie and left, but now I have an gp who won't eat any f. or v.!!
 I bought some different types to try with her, but she does not have any interest in it. She does not even eat the alfalfa hay which I bought, though I did catch her at the food bowl, and she is drinking a little water as well. I am feeding her the plain pellet food that I had for Freddy and she seems OK with that, but she does not seem to be eating a lot (of course I am comparing her to Freddy, who would wheek like crazy if he heard any plastic rustling, screaming for his "treats"). 
 Does anyone have any advice on how to introduce "Dory" (named by my son after the fish in Finding Nemo)to f&v's????
 Also, she does not make any noise...no scared wheeks when I pick her up, though she fights me like mad, no content noises in her cage, absolutely nothing since I've had her (one week on Sat.)..is this normal? Again, comparing, but Freddy was constantly making noise! (He was my first experience with gp's)
 Sorry this is so long, but I appreciate everyone reading it and any advice would be welcomed!
 
Sue and Dory
(Remembering Freddy)