Guinea Pigs fur

Question
Hello,
I had just recently adopted a male guinea pig from a friend that did not take care of him very well. I supply Eddie with pellets, fresh apples %26 carrots, bedding, water from a water bottle containing vitamin drops, %26 excercising by letting him run in my living room.
Ever since i got him, i noticed he does'nt look as normal as other guinea pigs. His fur looks like it's shedding, but i don't know if guinea pigs shed. it's been about 4-7 weeks since i had him, his fur i still loose. every time i pet him or pick him up his fur falls off. When i'm done bathing him,  the drain is covered with fur! how can i reduce the fur-loosing and keep his fur healthy ? you sound like a total expert, can you tell me what kinds of products i can use that'll work best ?
Thanks so much !
        -13yr-old Ranny N.

Answer
Hello Ranny!
Cool name!
It is very normal for guinea pigs to shed excessively. You cannot do any thing about this because it is there natural reaction to the stress of being touched. In the wild, guinea pigs are low on the food chain. They are eaten by many things, including people. I don't know why but handling seems to be something they are afraid of so they shed. Try wrapping him loosely like a food wrap (bottom folded up and the sides folded inward, overlapping) in a small towel. This will prevent fur-to-new-top contact and provide a safe enclosure for the piggy.
Feel free to ask me your GP questions again any time!