46 The Diseases 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 
vabbit. 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 (ruinea pigs are kept in large 
uumbers and the quarters are not well eared 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 ecarbolic acid, and after being 
thoroughly dried should be whitewashed or painted 
hefore other animals are placed in them. 
PET POULTRY 
Most children are fond of pet animais. 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 
