CAVIES OR GUINEA-PIGS 33 



being perfectly furnished in every way, and able to run 

 about freely almost at once. After the first few days, they 

 will begin to nibble at the food provided, and soon are 

 caring for themselves. At the age of four or five weeks, 

 they should be taken from the mother, and the sexes sepa- 

 rated. The mother may now be returned to the company 

 of the boar. 



Young cavies will breed at the age of eight or ten weeks, 

 but should be prevented from doing so until they are at 

 least five or six months old, when they will have reached 

 full development. 



The English Cavy 



The English or Smooth-haired Cavy is by far the most 

 abundant. The common pied specimens are very popular 

 as pets, and are much in demand for experimental purposes, 

 by colleges and other scientific institutions. Many breeders 

 devote a great deal of time and space to the production of 

 cavies for this purpose alone, and an industry of some 

 importance is being developed. 



Common cavies are just as desirable for pets as their 

 better-bred cousins, and many prettily marked individuals 

 occur. But standard-bred specimens, of uniform color and 

 markings, are to be obtained for but little more, and as the 

 care in each case is identical, the better ones should be 

 secured if possible. 



In conformation, the English Cavy should be short and 

 blocky, with large head and broad, Roman nose. The ears 

 should always droop somewhat, this character, with the 

 down-curved face, destroying the undesirable rat-like ap- 

 pearance of snipy specimens. The coat should be short, 

 fine and smooth. 



English Cavies are bred in a number of colors, which are 



