Crusty eye?

Question
HI my name is Michael and a few days ago I got a guinea pig. I don't know if it is a male or female.  It is black and white and for the past days it seems home sick or pet shop sick, i don't know.  I have it inside my house air-conditioned and have it inside an aquarium that is 18x36and48 height.  the floor was filled with cedar chips and it has a little house for it to hide.  I bought it special food and no tap water for it. today i noticed that it has a little crust in its eyes.  my question is do you know why it has crusty eye.  please tell me as soon as possible so i can change or fix the problem if it is with its habbitat.  P.S. it also enjoys apples over the food do you know why and is this bad for it..  THANK YOU WOULD GLADLY APPRECIATE AN ANSWER AND AGAIN I CANNOT SAY HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. THANKS AGAIN MICHAEL.

Answer
Michael -

Well, it seems as though you want to take good care of your guinea pig.  However, I do have a few suggestions for you.  

First, as for the reason you may be getting discharge from the eyes.  Guinea pigs are seriously (as in deathly) allergic to cedar.  Although the smell is pleasant and does mask any urine odor, I would recommend IMMEDIATELY switching to pine chips, especially as you have this animal in an aquarium, which doesn't have any ventilation from the sides.

Second, your guinea pig will always prefer to eat fresh fruits and veggies over the alfalfa pellets, but you must remember that they are only treats, never to be given more than once or twice a day, and even then, don't give him very much - you don't want a fat guinea pig.  The other reason you want him to eat the pellets is that they contain vital nutrients for him and he needs them to survive.

Finally - if you are curious about the sex of your guinea pig, you might want to check out www.guinealynx.info and click on the "sexing" link.  There will be instructions and pictures, as well as links to more detailed sites.  If you are a little hesitant about doing it yourself, ask any reputable breeder or vet - they should be able to tell you without any hesitation.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck.

Lorena