My carpet didn't eat for four months but shed anyway.

They don't just shed because they outgrow their old skin, but also because it wears off. They need replacements after a while.

As for your hoggie shedding twice in 6 weeks... not everything happens for a reason. They can go without shedding for a long time (my oct. '08 baby ball hasn't shed for at least 5 weeks, and still no signs) or they can shed a few weeks after their last shed.