PERUVIAN CAVIES 289 



as you cannot expect to have satisfactory results if 

 you do. 



The breeding stock should be kept apart from the 

 others, and their coats clipped to give them freedom and 

 comfort. Of course there is no harm, indeed it is per- 

 haps just as well to win a few prizes with those you 

 intend to use for breeding purposes, as it will enable you 

 to get good prices for their progeny, but when you have 

 commenced breeding with them it will be some time before 

 they are again fit for the show pen. 



I have not found cavies as a rule much inclined for 

 drinking, apparently finding sufficient moisture in their 

 other food, but a little pure water put in their reach, in a 

 shallow pan of some kind, may be of service occasionally. 



Although they will breed at a very early age, I am 

 not an advocate, especially in the case of Peruvians, for 

 allowing either sex to be used at the stud under eight or 

 nine months. 



The time the does go with young often varies, but 

 may be taken at between sixty-five and seventy-five days ; 

 I have not known any less than the former, and very few 

 to exceed the latter. 



The youngsters may remain with the doe for four or 

 five weeks, during at least part of which time they will 

 be found to take some of what they may find in their 

 pen besides their mother's milk. Of course the doe must 

 be well kept in condition both before and after the birth 

 of the litter, and I am in favour of lukewarm mashes, 

 bread and milk and crushed oats forming part of the daily 

 bill of fare, which will suit mother and offspring. As 



