[Gpdd] MISC: Mary's new piggie

[Cindy]

Mary, it's possible that your piggie's sneezing indicates an allergy or 
illness.  However, I've noticed that piggies will sometimes seem to 
sneeze just before they bathe themselves.  The "sneezing" seems to be 
part of the bathing process.  Also, if your piggie sounds as though he 
is letting air out, I've noticed that piggies often do that, too.  It 
simply seems to be a piggie thing.  It's almost like a sigh, but they 
seem to do it when they are calm and happy.  Of course, if it's 
definitely a sneeze, not a sigh, and not associated with bathing, it 
would be good to check with a guinea pig knowledgeable vet.

As for popcorning, he will probably do this as he begins to adjust to 
your home and family.  Piggies are often quite shy at first. 

In regard to baths, piggies don't need them often, unless they have very 
long hair that, for example, stays wet after they urinate, or if, say, 
they are ill and have diarrhea and need to be cleaned.  Usually when a 
piggie first comes to live with me, I try to wait quite a while before 
bathing him.  That gives him a chance to become more accustomed to me 
and to his new surroundings.

Hope this helps.  Please keep us posted.

Cindy, Sunshine, Tumbleweed, and Friday