Why should your child get involved in raising and showing cavies?
Small animal husbandry is an excellent way to bridge your child from merely loving a pet to understanding the responsibility of animal ownership and care as well as what is involved in maintaining an animal in excellent condition through proper feeding and grooming, and culminating in showing that animal along with other young people in a positive, encouraging environment.
There is never the "cut-throat" attitude that prevails in so many other types of animal showing. These are guinea pigs, and this is fun.
Cavies are the ultimate "first" show animal- much less expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than a pony or even purebred dog.
Just be aware: they are addictive...in the very best of ways.
See the Cavy Kid Channel hosted by one of our Youth Members!
In addition to the regular competition, there are also "showmanship" competitions, where the kids are judged on what they know about the care and upkeep of their animals and what is important for their breed as far as competition.
We try to always keep it fun! Several times a year there will be "fun" classes like costume classes or an agility course set up for the kids and cavies. COME JOIN THE FUN!
Virtually all of our shows consist of 2 "open" shows (where anyone can enter and show) and 2 "youth" shows, where the animal must be owned, groomed, and presented by an owner who is under the age of 18.
Many 4-H clubs are now including cavies with their rabbit programs.
Raising and showing cavies is one of the few types of animal competition that does not rely on the age or health of the participant, meaning you can start when you are five and continue well into retirement, and does not require a lot of space or specialized facilities.
Many national-winning competitors keep only a small number of cavies in their apartment.
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