46 * The Care of Animals 



CAVIES OR GUINEA PIGS 



The cavy or Guinea pig makes an admirable pet, 

 and it may be used as food. It is a prolific breeder. 

 It occurs in great variety of color and texture of fur. 

 Cavies are easily kept and are free from the strong 

 odor that characterizes rabbits. When it is necessary 

 to keep the pet animals in a small yard or even in 

 the house or barn, the Guinea pig is preferable to the 

 rabbit. The food it requires is practically the same 

 as for rabbits, with bread and milk and table scraps. 

 Fresh water should be supplied often to rabbits and 

 Guinea pigs, and the quarters always should be kept 

 clean and dry. 



When rabbits and Guinea pigs are kept in large 

 numbers and the quarters are not well cared for, an 

 infectious pneumonia or blood-poisoning often breaks 

 out among them and destroys large numbers. In case 

 such a disease appears, the uninfected animals should 

 be removed to a clean, dry place. The old quarters 

 should be thoroughly cleaned, then disinfected with a 

 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, and after being 

 thoroughly dried should be whitewashed or painted 

 before other animals are placed in them. 



PET POULTRY 



Most children are fond of pet animals. The pets are 

 not only a source of much enjoyment but are of real 

 educational value. Pet animals instil a love for nature 

 and a respect for the feelings and rights of other 



