About the Cavy:
Patagonian Cavy,
Patagonian Mara, Patagonian hare, Dolichotis patagonum
weigh between 18-35 lbs. and are about 18 inches tall. The lifespan of a Cavy
is roughly 14 years.
They are large rodents
who are distant relatives to guinea pigs and
somewhat resemble a cross between a rabbit and a small deer. They have small,
compressed feet that make them resemble hooves from a distance, and longer ears
resembling those of a rabbit.
They are a very social animal something that should be given considerable
thought before acquiring a Patagonian cavy. In the wild they live in small
groups of 15 - 35 often forming a lifetime bond with a single mate. So
if you want a cavy pet you should get at least 2.
They are from Argentina and enjoy shrub covered lowlands. They
are herbivores meaning they eat grasses, vegetables and fruits.
Cavies are more of a farm animal than a house pet. If you have
the proper space and time to care for this kind of exotic pet, then you should
have no problems. You must also understand
that they are not 100% able to be potty trained, so having them as an indoor
pet is not recommended.
If you choose to have one as an indoor pet, then here are some
tips:
·
They have a tendency
of voiding near their food. Which makes for easy training. Put their toilet
area near their food dishes. Watch to see where they go in relation to the food
dishes and place the litter box where they have voided.
·
Never use cedar or
pine as a litter box material or bedding material it is toxic. Use paper litter
or just ripped up newspapers. You can use one of the dog potty mats with
newspapers works exceptional well or a litter box that has had the sides
removed.
·
While in the house
they will have to be supervised or have an indoor dog kennel.
·
If you choose to you
can take them out in public, make sure you halter and leash train the cavy;
they do startle easily.
Diet:
Patagonian cavies eat
a variety of vegetables, fruits, grasses, and some commercially prepared rodent
food. Dark, leafy greens, fresh hay, alfalfa and grass should make up the bulk
of the herbivore's diet. You can also add fruit to the diet.
Housing:
Patagonian cavies dig
so an enclosure that is lined with heavy wire sunk underground several feet or
lined with concrete is absolutely necessary so your pet doesn't dig out of the
enclosure.
They need access to the outdoors so usually an enclosure about
10 feet by 10 feet with indoor and outdoor areas is used to allow access to
grazing and relief from the elements. Patagonian cavies are not suited for cold
weather so heating lights should be provided in the
winter if you do not have an enclosure for your pet.
Also since they are rodents they will need items they can chew
on preferably wooden toys or items.
Behavior:
If raised from a young
age and hand-tamed, these large cavies can be friendly pets. They can be quite
skittish and although they are typically active during the day.
Patagonian cavies are known to be quiet pets making little
noise. They do not have a habit of being biters. Although they do make a
variety of vocalizations, much like that of a guinea pig.
Cavies will use urine
and anal marking. This is common in both sexes and if you have a pair of cavies
you will probably see them marking each other.
Health
Concerns:
Of course like guinea pigs there are numerous diseases that
Patagonian cavies can get but some illnesses and problems are more common than
others in this pet.
Due to their long, skinny legs, fractures are not uncommon,
along with teeth issues like many other herbivores have.
Other common issues include heart and gastrointestinal troubles. Your cavy
should be checked out at least annually by an exotics vet and have a fecal screening
performed to make sure your pet doesn't have any intestinal parasites.
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/unconventionalpets/a/Patagonian-Cavy.htm
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