Confused by new Guinea Pig

Question
Just bought my first ever guinea pig and have read loads of stuff about them and it's all conflicting.  Can you help?  A lot or a little veg? Do they all like fruit?If he sits still in my lap is he scared or relaxed - how do I tell? If he squeaks is it always good?  Is it just the other noises that are bad?  How do I tell a content "purr" from an angry/go away purr like noise?  Plus he never comes out of his house except in the dark, or to get some food and drag it in to eat, is this because he's so new? Also he squeaks a lot which I thought meant he wanted food (but he already has some) or company but you take him out and he wants to hide behind a cushion so what should I do?  HELP!

Answer
Lynsey -

I would say to go easy on the vegetables.  I try to feed a small amount 2x a day.  You don't want to overload their stomach and make them sick.  Also, their pellets are nutritionally balanced and are the healthiest thing they can eat, so that's what you want them to be eating.  Not all guinea pigs like all fruit.  I would say try whatever you're eating (except rhubarb - it can harm their digestive system, as can anything in the cabbage family, including broccoli and cauliflower) until you find what they like.

I would say to use your own best judgement about whether he's scared or relaxed.  If he's scared, he'll be all bunched up and almost completely motionless.  Noises are something else.  Here's a great web site on guinea pig communication (body language and sounds):

http://www.diddly-di.fsnet.co.uk/Communication.htm

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions or if I've missed something, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck!

Lorena