What is a Cavy?

Cavy is the correct name for a guinea pig. They are small members of the rodent family that make ideal pets. They are gentle, calm, and cute. In addition, they are relatively easy to care for and their cage and food requirements are not extensive. When their cage is kept clean, cavies are almost odorless and if handled properly, rarely bite!

Unlike other rodents, cavies are not prolific breeders and will not bear more than 2-4 young at a time. Their young are cute, fully-furred, wide-eyed, and able to run about at birth. Baby cavies look like tiny replicas of their parents.

There are 13 breeds of cavies and up to 24 color varieties in each breed. Most breeders will be happy to get you started.

What Makes the Cavy Project a Good 4-H Project?

Because of their small size and easy care, cavies are ideal for young people who have limited space and financial resources.

Adequate housing for a cavy is a cage 18 x 18 inches. This size is large enough for one or two cavies. A 24 x 24 cage holds 2 or 3 cavies. Since they should be kept inside a draft free environment, especially during the winter, a child's bedroom or any cozy well-lit space will do.

Cavies are easy to handle and not dangerous. Even young 4-H members can participate in the handling and care required to be in a 4-H animal project. Because there are so many varieties and breeding possibilities, older 4-H members can continue their interest in cavies until they graduate from high school.

The 4-H Cavy Program also provides the ideal jumping off point for other programs; it is not as complicated as some of the other animal programs. It is a great way to learn the basics of the 4-H program.

What Kinds of Things Can You Learn in the 4-H Cavy Program?

You will learn to be a part of a larger whole; how your project fits into your club and how your club fits into the county program.

Members learn leadership skills, how to work with others, goal setting skills, record keeping management, and how to evaluate their progress in 4-H.

You will learn about teamwork and how to strive toward excellence, both individually and as a group. After a time, you will be able to share your knowledge with other, less experienced members, which will help you learn about leadership.

In addition to learning how to correctly handle and care for a cavy, you learn about how to Fit and Show your cavy, which prepares you and your cavy for presentation before a judge. You will also learn how to evaluate cavies to decide which animals are the best for showing.

The best part about all of this learning is that it can be fun! You will gain a feeling of accomplishment and success from participating in all these areas of the 4-H Cavy Program.