This rapidly growing program is appropriate for all 4-H members from age 5 to 19 and from the inner city to the most remote rural areas. Cavies now have their own show and contests at the State Fair.

Recommended Readings:

Your Guinea Pig. A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing by Wanda L. Curran, A Storey Publishing Book, available from the Cornell Educational Resources Program website: www.cerp.cornell.edu/4h/search_result_details.asp?pid=1763

Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs, second edition by V.C.G. Richardson, Library of Veterinary Science. Distributor, Blackwell Science Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main Street Malden, MA 02148 5018. Can be ordered from the Cornell Campus Store

We are reviewing the literature for a useful handbook to recommend to New York 4H members. What is your favorite? Let us know by email to:

Here are more internet sources of useful cavy information, gathered by 4H leaders in preparation for Animal Crackers 2004 workshops:

Seagull's Guinea Pig Compendium

Guinea Pig Diseases

Cavie Health Care

American Cavy Breeders Association

Another page by a dedicated cavy fan